Embedded Scaffolding for Reading Comprehension in Open-Ended Narrative-Centered Learning Environments

Narrative-centered learning environments tightly integrate educational subject matter and interactive stories, where students serve as active participants in story-centric problem-solving scenarios. Embedding scaffolding within the storyline of a narrative-centered learning environment is a discreet approach to supporting studentsÕ learning processes without diminishing the motivational benefits of interactive narratives. This paper presents an implementation of story-embedded scaffolding in a narrative-centered learning environment, CRYSTAL ISLAND. CRYSTAL ISLANDÕs curricular focus has recently been expanded to include literacy education, with a focus on reading. Scaffolding takes the form of concept matrices, which are student-generated graphic organizers for complex informational texts that students read as part of CRYSTAL ISLANDÕs interactive narrative plot. Leveraging generative learning theory, we discuss directions for fading concept matrix-based scaffolding, and examine technical challenges and potential solutions.