Using Technology to Support Lesson Scaffolding

LINCS member, Susanne Nobles, recently shared Digital Promise Adult Learning initiative's second brief, Designing for Technology Adult Learners: Support and Scaffolding. She notes that "this short report shares the research behind five key instructional strategies to consider when designing ed-tech for ... adult learners".

The report is worth reading in its entirety; however, I want to draw your attention to the first instructional strategy, which should be familiar to anyone working with learners with disabilities. 

  • Focused lessons: Break instruction and activities into short modules with opportunities for feedback, checks for understanding, and encouragement.

The report highlights one example from the tech world.  "One adult-focused ed-tech company, Cell-Ed, understands this. They developed English language learning (ELL) micro-modules consisting of a short audio lesson, a follow-up text reinforcing the lesson for learner reflection, and an interactive quiz for application".

What are some other tech examples that you have seen, or used with students, that support a scaffolded approach to creating more focused lessons for adult learners?  If you haven't found technology to help support scaffolding of content with your learners, what would be most helpful to you?  Share your needs and wants to help imagine the kind of tech that will help support your learners!

Thanks,

Mike Cruse

Disabilities in Adult Education Moderator

michaelcruse74@gmail.com