Distance Learning for ESL Students

1. Distance Learning for ESL Students Devin Mowat DL and ESL Instructor South Metro Adult Basic Education

2. Traditional Distance Learning • Students are ONLY enrolled in a distance learning class, not in traditional classroom setting • Orientation and screening usually occurs face to face with instructor • All instruction occurs in a distance setting • CASAS/TABE testing usually required to continue use

3. Hybrid Distance Learning Instruction • Any combination of in class (face to face) instruction and distance instruction • Same subjects in both, or different subjects • Examples: • ESL students in ESL class and learning reading comprehension online • CNA-Preparation Course teaches theory and practice in face to face class, students learn basic math skills online • CASAS/TABE testing as part of face to face class

4. What makes a good distance learner? • Screening Survey activity

5. What makes a good distance learner? • Digital Literacy Skills • ability to manipulate mouse and use a keyboard • ability to navigate to a website • ability to log-in using a password • ability to follow instructions as well as intuit/figure out where to click

6. What makes a good distance learner? • Time to complete proxy hours required by your program • Organizational skills • Quiet place to work • Willingness to ask for help • Reliable access to a computer • Reading Skills • Prerequisite CASAS scores for each platform can be found on the MNABE Distance Learning site

7. How can I screen my students? • Informal e-mail screening • assesses students’ computer literacy skills and communication skills • Formal online questionnaire or survey • assesses students’ computer literacy skills and allows instructor to ask questions about other aspects, such as time available • See more screening tools on the MN ABE Distance Learning website!

8. Approved DL Platforms for use with ESL Students • Skills Tutor-paid for and supported by the state • English for All - free • USA Learns-free • Learner Web- fee based • Crossroads Café- fee based • Ellis Academics- fee based • Easy ESL- fee based • Rosetta Stone- fee based More information about DL platforms, including recommended NRS levels: http://mnabe-distancelearning.org/minnesota-programs

9. Further Professional Development: Project Ideal • DL101 • Through focused webinars and discussion, sites create an implementation plan for distance learning. Sites then implement their plans and report their results. • DL102 • Participants analyze a specific barrier or obstacle they have faced and work with peers to find ways to better support their learners.

10. For more information… • http://mnabe-distancelearning.org/ • Resources for screening, orientation, implementation, and professional development • Information on approved DL platforms • prerequisites • counting proxy hours • super user contact information • Project Ideal – jennifer.weaverling@spps.org • Questions for me? dmowat@bloomington.k12.mn.us