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Julia Tabbut Jen Vanek Tom Cytron-Hysom Summer Institute August 15, 2012. Learner Web 2012. In Minnesota. Outline:. Overview and history of Learner Web--what is it? Description of current Learner Web content and on-going projects - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Learner Web 2012In Minnesota
Julia TabbutJen VanekTom Cytron-Hysom
Summer InstituteAugust 15, 2012
Outline:• Overview and history of Learner Web--what
is it? • Description of current Learner Web content
and on-going projects • Factors for success--learners and programs
for whom it's most beneficial • Directed hands-on time in Learner Web
exploring content and interface • How to get your class or program involved
Overview and history of Learner Web--what is it?
Learner Web is . . .• Made for ABE• Research-based• An approved DL platform in Minnesota• Customizable according to regional and
program needs• Most effective with face-to-face support
• Matches learners to content that will help them meet their goals
• Built around free web-based resources and assessments
• Relevant to adults’ needs• Currently used at ABE programs,
Workforce Centers, Community Colleges, and CBOs
• Managed, locally, through the MLC
Learner web is made for ABE
Learner Web is research-based• Longitudinal Study of Adult Learners, by Steve
Reder at Portland State University• 1000 high school drop-outs: not in formal
learning, but using the Internet to try to reach learning goals
• Largely failing because of lack of educational experience and structure
• More information at lsal.pdx.edu
Learner Web has improved a lotIt used to look like this:
Learner Web has improved a lotNow it looks like this:
Learner Web is an approved DL platform in Minnesota• Proxy hours = attendance hours• Proxy hours are embedded in the
software and reported monthly• Learner Web can be used
independently or as a hybrid class, but not in the classroom
Learner Web is customizable
• Location• Language• Level
It’s most effective with face-to-face support
Tutors
Tutors are used to scaffold learners’ access to technology
Tutors help learners “learn to click” before we ask them to “click to learn”
Teachers
Learner Management Tool helps teachers keep track of learner progress
Teachers use plans to increase intensity of classroom instruction.
Face-to-face support is important for learner persistence.
Description of current Learner Web content and on-going projects• Content overview• BTOP• Transitions programs • MN FastTRAC• St. Paul College Gates plans• General overview of usage
Learner Web ContentDigital LiteracyComputer BasicsInternet BasicsEmailInternet SearchInternet SecuritySocial NetworkingAccessing high-speed InternetBuying a computer
Career OrientationIntroduction to the concept of career Setting personal career goalsSupport for success on the jobSpecific career pathways programming
Additional ABECitizenshipEnglish LanguageABE Basic SkillsTransitions Content:Accuplacer PrepIntro to collegesPrep for post-
secondary vocational education programs.
BTOP Project Purpose• Address barriers to broadband use
– Affordability
– Lack of digital literacy skills
– Perceived lack of relevance to daily lives
• Primary target population
– Low-income adults, often without a high school education,
including immigrant communities.
• Initial implementation sites in Minnesota
– Minneapolis, Ramsey County, Mankato South & New Ulm
Workforce Centers, and Minneapolis Project for Pride in Living
BTOP Project Goals• 4,000 Minnesotans will understand
broadband, including ways to access this in their communities.
• These adults will develop the digital literacy skills needed to use computers (and thus broadband) effectively.
BTOP Means of Instruction• Learner Web - 3 Bundles of
Learning Plans– Digital literacy– How to be an informed Broadband
Consumer– Introduction to Career Pathways
• Designed to be used with volunteer tutors in computer labs
BTOP Accomplishments• Program year 2012
– Internet Skills – 2241 proxy hours– Learn About Broadband – 235 proxy
hours– Learn about Career Paths – 929 proxy
hours
• Total tutors - 77• Total Learners – 708 (through
6/12)
BTOP Lessons Learned• Tutors are essential in supporting
learners• WFC clients often have immediate job
application needs – hesitant to work through learning plans
• Those who complete plans learn important skills, find experience helpful
• Close coordination with WFC staff essential for referrals
BTOP Funding• American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
(ARRA)• Through U.S. Department of Commerce• Minnesota fiscal agent: Minnesota Literacy
Council• Management assistance: St. Paul
Community Literacy Consortium• National convenor: Portland State
University
MN Transitions RegionsNorth EastNorth WestEast MetroWest MetroSouth CentralSouth West
Learner Web is used to support distance learning, digital literacy training, career exploration, and vocational training
MN FastTRAC ProjectsSt. Paul ABE Mankato ABEAEOARosevilleSWABECustomized vocational post-secondary prep and trainingHybrid distance learning toolOffers opportunity for supported use of online learning required in college
Saint Paul College PilotGates Foundation Grant Project
Usage during program year May 2011 through April 2012: 11,002 hoursContent topic Proxy
hours
Specific career training (CNA, Medical Office, Child Development)
5712
BTOP plans (Digital Literacy, Broadband Internet, Career Pathways)
3404
Other ABE (English, Citizenship, Computer Skills)
1507
Other job and career preparation (Soft Skills, Reading at Work, etc.)
380
Region Proxy hours
SPCLC (St Paul) 5089
Mankato 2548
Southwest ABE 1438
Northeast ABE 964
Minneapolis 901
Roseville 62
Usage during program year May 2011 through April 2012: 11,002 hours
Factors for success--learners and programs for whom it's most beneficial
Factors for success: The program• Structure: Deadlines and/or schedules help.• Support:
– Teacher-facilitated as part of a hybrid class is best—it ensures contact at regular intervals
– Tutor-facilitated works well, especially when learner and tutor can establish both relationship and schedule
– Independent learning facilitated by Distance Learning staff is the weakest model. Success here requires true independence, comfortable levels of digital literacy, and a very thorough orientation to the interface.
• Lab time and space on-site: but don’t collect attendance!
Factors for success: The learner• Independent & Motivated• Literate: Recommended reading level
varies by content. TABE 4.0+ or CASAS 221+ is usual.
• Computer-confident: They need not know everything; however, the lower the digital literacy, the more tutor or teacher support they will need.
Now you try!1. Go to mndemo.learnerweb.org2. Click Sign In3. Enter Screen Name:
yourfirstname.yourlastname4. Enter Password: password5. Agree to the terms of service6. Click My Profile, fill out the form, and save
How to get your class or program involved
How to get involved:1. Consider how you would use Learner Web. As part of
hybrid classes? With tutors in labs? Learner Web cannot be used in classes for which attendance is taken and reported. The Learner Web wiki explains these policies well.
2. Find out if your program or region already uses Learner Web.
3. If it does, talk with your region’s Learner Web coordinator. If it doesn’t, talk to us.
Regions pay a nominal fee to keep Learner Web running. Proxy hour earnings more than make up for these costs.
Learner Web is currently available through ABE programs in these MN locations:West MetroMinneapolisRosevilleSt. PaulMankato AreaSW MNNW MN - Soon!East Metro – Soon!
Information about Learner Web www.learnerweb.orglearnerwebspclc.pbworks.com
Learner Web Demonstration mndemo.learnerweb.org
Questions & Demo [email protected] [email protected]