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Extend Your ReachExpanding Distance Learning with Volunteers
Agenda Overview of Distance Learning in MN
ABE How volunteers fit in DL Benefits & challenges Resources & examples How you can get started
What is Distance Learning?
Distance learning (DL) is a structured learning experience where the teacher and the learner are not always present in the same place at the same time.
DL in MN ABE 181,000 hours in PY2014
DL Programming Models DL-only: learners only enroll in DL and
have no face-to-face (F2F) classes Dual-enrollment: learners enroll in two
classes – DL and F2F. The two classes have different teachers and run independently of each other.
Hybrid or Blended Learning: learners enroll in one class that uses both modes of learning. One teacher does both DL and F2F instruction. Content of DL & F2F is coordinated.
Use Existing Resources 18 Platforms approved in MN Teachers don’t create online courses;
they choose & assign content from approved curricula
Learn more at:www.mnabe-distancelearning.org/approved-dl-platforms
Why DL? Potential to reach new learners Intensify services to current learners Meet diverse needs Develop digital literacy skills in context Younger learners want/expect online
learning Increase learning outcomes
Open Door LCs had 48% more level gains in ESL learners with at least 10 hours of DL
Components of DL Programming Recruitment & Screening Orientation Instruction Assessment & Feedback
Volunteers can help with all of these!
Small Group Discussion What is your program currently doing
for DL? Do you currently involve volunteers in
your DL program? If so, how? What would you like to be able to do
in DL (that you can’t currently do)?
DL at Open Door Learning Centers Dual-enrollment 1 DL Coordinator/Instructor 20
hrs/week 4 sites in 2 cities Skills Tutor & USA Learns 287 learners with 3498 hours (May-
Oct 2015)
Volunteers Extend Our ReachMay-Oct 2015 16 DL Volunteers 275 hours = 10.5 hours/week Increases DL staffing by 50%!
Access is Critical
Roles for VolunteersIn Recruitment Posting flyers Skills Tutor bulletin board Visiting classrooms to promote the
program Share learning center posts on
FaceBook Recruit new volunteers!
Roles for VolunteersIn Orientation Assist learners so the DL instructor
can give her full attention to orienting new learners
When DL instructor is not present, lead tutors set up accounts & provide DL orientation
Roles for VolunteersIn Instruction Lead tutors run DL computer labs Float in DL computer labs Work 1-to-1 with learners Coach learners on Digital Literacy
skills
Roles for VolunteersIn Assessment & Feedback Share observations with
DL instructor Update progress chart
Roles for Volunteers Promote incentives
Computer scholarship Winter break rewards (gift certificates)
Bilingual volunteers follow up on email, phone, or text message with encouragement Also call learners who haven’t logged in
Encourage donations by local businesses
Computer Scholarship Recipients
Thanks to our partners atPCs for People!
Benefits More lab times! More personal connections with
learners DL instructor can’t be everywhere at
once. Volunteers allow us to support 4 sites in 2 cities with both day & evening programming.
Challenges Recruiting volunteers with both
interest & skills for supporting DL Volunteers find enforcing lab rules
difficult Learners want to use the lab for non-DL
activities Volunteers need DL-specific training
Platform training, DL policy Volunteer turn-over
Professional Development is Crucial DL101 is strongly recommended for
the supervising teacher or coordinator
Resources!DL Website:
www.mnabe-distancelearning.org
Google Drive with Open Door LC Materials:
http://tinyurl.com/VMC2015DL
Planning a Role for a Volunteer
Questions?
