Scaffolding Technology for Your Participants

When considering digital tools and online platforms for housing educational and other content, there are certainly many factors at play. How do you choose what technology to use to deliver your content? What is your responsibility as a learning designer or facilitator when it comes to teaching your participants how to use that technology?

Here are a few suggestions from the LF! team we have found as wise practices when it comes to scaffolding use of technology for your learners:

1. Consider your target audience. What “digital generation” are your participants likely to be a part of? What technology are they likely to be comfortable with? You may be able to employ tools and platforms they already use or perhaps ones with a similar user interface so that the workflows are somewhat familiar to your users.
2. Evaluate several possibilities. Which tools or platforms are already available to you? Chances are your existing tech stack contains at least one or two tools or platforms that could work to deliver your content. Many digital tools also offer an entry-level subscription for users free of charge. We invite you to use our evaluation worksheet to compare a few.
3. Communicate the need for your chosen technology to the end user. Convincing your participants to use the tools or platforms you ultimately choose is key. You want buy-in for your learners to help mitigate any resistance or technological hurdles.
4. Create supplementary instructional materials for users needing more orientation to the tool or platform. No matter how carefully you choose digital tools and online platforms, some learners will need or want more introduction and practice with technology than others. A great example is our LF! Hub Guide allows our clients to get familiar with the Pathwright Learning Management System (LMS) and how LF! uses it to facilitate learning experiences.

When used wisely, technology can enhance learning and user experience for participants, so we encourage you to embrace digital tools and online platforms that can integrate well into the delivery of your content!

Want to learn more about digital generations? Some habits and practices may surprise you! Digital generations: The technology gap between seniors, parents, and kids | Norton.

written by Sarah Lawing
September 2024