Vygotsky's zone of proximal development in connection with technology-enhanced learning environments

Technology-enhanced learning environments (TELEs) that support social interaction between teachers and learners are common in engineering higher education institutes. TELEs are often equipped with professional hardware and software, which not only enable learners to gain access to variety of learning instruments, but also allow learners to practice with authentic equipment and design tools. Furthermore, teachers can use TELEs and scaffolding principles to organize teaching in several ways that are beyond traditional classrooms. This paper discusses the potential of TELEs to shape the zone of proximal development (ZPD) of learners such that they could do harder learning activities than would otherwise be possible in less conducive environments. In addition, an example of a conducive TELE is presented that might have enlarged ZPD of learners, and, as such, may partly explain good learning outcomes obtained. The illustrations in this paper may help teachers to gain better understanding of the benefits of environment creation as well as to organize learning episodes that are suitable for ZPD-based thinking.