Scaffolding: Applications to Learning in Technology Supported Environments

Scaffolding is a form of temporary support offered to a learning to assist in the process of becoming a skilled practitioner. Traditionally, the most common form of learning has been apprenticeship, where a novice learns through active participation in a task, initially only peripherally, and then assuming more control and ownership. Originating in the socio-cultural perspective of Vygotskyan theory and developed by later theorists, the concept of scaffolding has been extended by practical applications in technology-based environments. As the World Wide Web becomes increasingly integrated into the delivery of learning experiences at primary, tertiary and secondary levels, the concept of scaffolding needs to be redefined because it is not readily translated into contexts where the teacher is not present, as in on-line environments. This calls for a reconsideration of the nature of scaffolding and for the alignment of theory with practice. (Contains 26 references.) (Author/AEF) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. 2 BESTCOPYAVAILABLE Scaffolding : Applications to learning in technology supported environments Catherine McLoughlin Edith Cowan University Western Australia U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION, CENTER (ERIC) ler This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position cr policy. PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY