Scaffolding
In my courses, this has been an essential part for maintaining active learning and student participation especially with students with special needs. In particular, I've used concepts maps and have lend feedback that relates to improvement. Instructors need to allow student to make personal meaning of their experiences and develop a further understanding of concepts.
I think it's great that the supports require teacher interaction, which confirms the continued need for our presence in the classroom increasingly filled with technology tools.
Dania,
Yes, with new technology teachers are needed at strategic points in the learning process.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Scaffolding is critical in an online classroom. As a lead ID I teach professors and instructional designers the importance of not just adding a video to their course and calling it a day. This video must add on to the learning experience and take the student up the next stair. Then the student needs to apply what the video explained. This could be a discussion, a multimedia asset/activity, or through an assessment.
Michelle,
Great points! So true that using a video must include an instructional design that contextualizes the information and application in a real-life environment. All of this increases student success.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I do agree that scaffolding tools are needed to keep students engaged and motivated. Examples of scaffolding tools that I use are creating a virtual award ceremony for students that perform well from week to week. I also incorporate videos, screen casts, and media pictures to keep the material fun and exciting.
Lakithia,
Yes, whatever resources you integrate which supports access to meaning for student learning is what scaffolding is all about. Great examples!
Dr. Ruth Reynard
