Scaffolding Complex Learning: Integrating 21st Century Thinking, Emerging Technologies, and Dynamic Design and Assessment to Expand Learning and Communication Opportunities

Abstract

Enhanced ways of thinking about learners, learning, and communication in the 21st century across content areas coupled with technologies that can extend the outreach beyond text, time, and geography can accelerate learning and retention in higher education, professional organizations, and learning environments. However, many assumptions about time, situation, learning goals, and learner capabilities have been embedded in face-to-face and online approaches. Thus, when moving to the more dynamic designs available today, instructors, educators, and communicators must also carefully scaffold the environment to integrate effectively these emerging tools and understandings. Otherwise, what could be enriched learning can become confusion and frustration. This article outlines both ways to design and integrate content, learners, technology and communication tools, and assessment, thus enabling dynamic, 21st century learning and ways to scaffold and balance instructional supports, pacing, and interaction-planning thereby providing guidance for the rich learning that is possible in integrated, technology-supported environments.