Learner Web 2012

1. Julia Tabbut Jen Vanek Tom Cytron-Hysom Summer Institute August 15, 2012 Learner Web 2012 In Minnesota

2. 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

3. Overview and history of Learner Web--what is it?

4. 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

5. Learner web is made for ABE 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

6. 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

7. Learner Web has improved a lot It used to look like this:

8. Learner Web has improved a lot Now it looks like this:

9. 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

10. Learner Web is customizable • Location • Language • Level

11. 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.

12. 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

13. Learner Web Content Digital Literacy Computer Basics Internet Basics Email Internet Search Internet Security Social Networking Accessing high-speed Internet Buying a computer Career Orientation Introduction to the concept of career Setting personal career goals Support for success on the job Specific career pathways programming • Additional ABE • Citizenship • English Language • ABE Basic Skills • Transitions Content: • Accuplacer Prep • Intro to colleges • Prep for post-secondary vocational education programs.

14. 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

15. 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.

16. 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

17. 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)

18. 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

19. 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

20. MN Transitions Regions North East North West East Metro West Metro South Central South West Learner Web is used to support distance learning, digital literacy training, career exploration, and vocational training

21. MN FastTRAC Projects St. Paul ABE Mankato ABE AEOA Roseville SWABE Customized vocational post-secondary prep and training Hybrid distance learning tool Offers opportunity for supported use of online learning required in college

22. Saint Paul College PilotGates Foundation Grant Project

23. Usage during program year May 2011 through April 2012: 11,002 hours

24. Usage during program year May 2011 through April 2012: 11,002 hours

25. Factors for success--learners and programs for whom it's most beneficial

26. 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!

27. 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.

28. Now you try! • Go to mndemo.learnerweb.org • Click Sign In • Enter Screen Name: yourfirstname.yourlastname • Enter Password: password • Agree to the terms of service • Click My Profile, fill out the form, and save

29. How to get your class or program involved

30. How to get involved: • 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. • Find out if your program or region already uses Learner Web. • 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.

31. Learner Web is currently available through ABE programs in these MN locations: West Metro Minneapolis Roseville St. Paul Mankato Area SW MN NW MN - Soon! East Metro – Soon! Information about Learner Web www.learnerweb.org learnerwebspclc.pbworks.com Learner Web Demonstration mndemo.learnerweb.org Questions & Demo Accounts jtabbut@gmail.com jvanek@mnliteracy.org