Authentic Learning and Real-World Tasks

When students use AI, they’re mirroring what professionals already do: integrating technology as a partner in problem-solving. Instead of banning those tools, we should leverage them to design authentic assessments that connect classroom learning to the real world.

A business major shouldn’t just define “competitive advantage.” They should analyze a real company, use AI to summarize market data, and then critique those AI findings with their own insights.

 A nursing student might use AI to review patient-care case studies, but must identify ethical gaps or missing human context.

In each case, AI is not the shortcut; it’s the starting point.

Authentic tasks are inherently anti-cheating because they are context-rich and personal. They demand critical thinking, reflection, and communication skills that AI alone cannot simulate. They ask learners to show their reasoning, not just their results.

When we design learning this way, we teach transparency, ethical use, and digital fluency; the hallmarks of the modern professional. The result isn’t just better assessments; it’s better thinkers.

Ask yourself: Would this assignment make sense outside of school?

Posted to LinkedIn