A New Modality: Scaffolding Asynchronous On-Demand Instruction with Microsoft Power Automate
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Authors
Ivins, Tammy
Issue Date
2025-10
Type
Presentation
Language
en
Keywords
Student Success Science , information literacy , NU Library
Alternative Title
Abstract
At our library, we have beta-tested a series of email-based modules called “Learn in a Week.” When students can sign up for a module, they will receive one message per day for the ensuing week; each module covers a different information literacy topic ranging from the simple “Choosing a research topic” to more complex topics like “Finding Tests & Measures.” Through this program, we can carefully scaffold asynchronous learning over seven mini-lessons (each an email) and pace the students’ learning to facilitate retention and application. On the students’ end, they can choose when to initiate learning and consume the emails at their own pace.
This model of on-demand, scaffolded email-based training can be easily implemented by any institution with Microsoft 365. The modules are powered by Microsoft Power Automate flows that are triggered when a student submits a Microsoft Form. These can be provided alongside other modalities covering the same topics (such as live webinars, recorded webinars, and libguides) to ensure students have a choice in how they learn. The "Learn in a Week" email-based modules represent a promising and scalable solution to the challenge of delivering scaffolded, on-demand, asynchronous information literacy instruction.