An Evaluation of Scaffolding for Virtual Interactive Tutorials

Abstract

Scaffolding refers to a temporary support framework used during construction. Applied to teaching and learning it describes measures to support a learner to become confident and self-reliant in a subject. In a Web environment scaffolding features need to replace the instructor. We discuss our approach to Web-based scaffolding based on the apprenticeship and activity theory. We suggest a set of four scaffold types that have made our scaffolding-supported virtual interactive tutorial successful. We present a novel evaluation approach that is embedded into an iterative, evolutionary instructional design.