2. Understanding  is best achieved when  situated  in authentic context

In OLEs, the processes associated with understanding and the contexts in which it occurs are inextricably tied. Rather than isolating information, OLEs provide macrocontexts that situate and embed relevant information(Hannafin& Land,1997,P.193).

When problems are raised or activities are done in the context related to real life,  learners could get the knowledge more easily and effectively.

Knowledge is most meaning ful when rooted in revelevant , scaffolded contexts (Hannafin& Land,1997,P.193).

Science Vision (Tobin &Dawson, 1992) immerses learners in problem contexts that promote learning activities that are consonant with practices of experts. Students learn about physics by designing a virtual roller coaster; they study ecology and chemistry by resolving problems related to polluted water. The environment is  considered authentic because it induces participation in realistic activities and science processes of the scientific community. Information anchored in relevant contexts enables learners to explore as a scientist to reveal why,when,and how knowledge is used (Cognition and Technology Group at Vanderbilt,1992).

         ***  Videos in You Tube or slides in Sideshare will serve as good rsources for instrucors to let students get involved  in a  realistic way. For example, in a geography class, a video about  earthquark could trigger students to have perspectives of earthquake. Some may become interested in how it happen, some in what we should do to survive in an earthquake, and other maybe in what will help to forecast earthquakes.  It might be OK to give students the introduction of concepts, like seismology ,seismograph, epicente, magnitude, Richter Scale(1—10)etc, but they can just get abstract ideas from it. Videos or slides are more powerful to get them involved in authentic context in which they identify their needs for knowledge. After the need or the problem is set, students could go to Wiki or blog about geography, search information, even disscuss with experts.

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