1. KidzOnline: Issue Paper
Presentation by Janet, Joan and Mike
Oct. 7th, 2009

2. Learner Supports aka Scaffolding
Scaffolding is providing the right structure in a learning environment.
Some learners may require little structure, others may require a lot.

3. Underlying Pedagogy
Scaffolding used in the traditional, face-to-face classroom
is based on the education philosophy of Lev Vygotsky.
The concept is to provide support within the learner's
"zone of proximal development."
The idea is to provide just the right amount of support for
learners--not too much and not too little.
Ultimately, the end goal is for self-regulated learning.
OUR QUESTION:
How do we scaffold for young learners in an on-line
environment?

4. Learner Support in Online Learning: The
Research
To learn more about this issue in online learning, we reviewed the
following journal articles:
Dabbagh, Nada: Scaffolding: an important teacher competency in
online learning. TechTrends, Volume 47, Issue 2
Ludwig-Hardman, Stacey and Dunlap, Joanna: Learner Support
Services for Online Students: Scaffolding for Success. International
Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, Volume 4,
Number 1
McLoughlin, Catherine: Learner Support in Distance and Networked
Learning Environments: Ten Dimensions for Successful Design.
Distance Education, Volume 23, No. 2

5. Janet

6. Janet 1

7. Janet 2

8. Joan 3

9. Traditional Scaffolding for Young Learners
• Learner presented with a goal(s) to acheive
o The objective is for students to acquire and develop the requisite
process skills and conceptual knowledge to attain the goal.
• High scaffolding is required with students who have low prior
knowledge and inexperience in the content area (young learners).
• At first supplantive strategies are generally more suitable (high
scaffolding) then graduate toward generative strategies as learner
matures.
o Align with the objectivist approach
o Teacher supplies all or part of the learning goals, organization, elaboration,
sequencing, and emphasis of content.
• Role of the teacher is reciprocal, supportive, and communicative
as it is responsive to leamer's needs.
(Scaffolding Article by Nada Dabbagh)

10. Traditional Scaffolding Examples
• How Mike implements scaffolding into elementary technology curriculum
• Blended approach of F2F (computer lab) and online environment.
10

11. Traditional Scaffolding Examples
• How Mike implements scaffolding into elementary technology curriculum
• Blended approach of F2F (computer lab) and online environment.
10

12. Examples of Scaffolding Young Learners
Apple Remote Desktop Affordances
• sharing "teacher's screen" with students for guidence
• control and observe student screen for support
• sending messages to students for referral
ARD Scaffolding Outcomes for Young Learners:
• increases comfortability with the technology
• serves as a starting point for building base or prior
technology and content knowledge
• builds confidence of learner while striving to meet the
overall goal to become an independent learner

13. Online Scaffolding with Young Learners
• Mike: Examples and Ideas for future learner support in online
environment

14. In Summary
• Mike: when implementing online and traditional scaffolding with
young learners would try incorporating a blended approach of F2F
and online environments first then graduate to a full online
environment.