+ distance learning pd history and development model: building a community of abe dl practice...
TRANSCRIPT
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Distance Learning PD History and Development Model:Building a Community of ABE DL Practice
Minnesota ABE DL Toolkit
+Outline
Why are DL 101 and 102 needed?
How did these develop from Project IDEAL?
How do they work?
What are the benefits?
How can you get involved?
+Why is DL 101 needed?
Engagement, capacity building, and laying the groundwork for sustainable future growth of Distance Learning in MN ABE are key DL priorities
Professional development and dissemination of Best Practices are means to achieve these priorities
Curricula adapted from Project IDEAL helps us achieve these purposes
+Common challenges related to PD in 2010 statewide survey
43% said their teaching staff were inadequately trained to use DL
The majority cited difficulties in engaging adult learners
69% said more staff training was needed
56% said better ways to share with other ABE programs were needed
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Project IDEAL is a consortium of states working together to develop effective DL programs for adult learners
Through collaborative research and practice, Project IDEAL works to raise the quality of DL around the country
The Project IDEAL Support Center at the University of Michigan provides members with technical assistance for program planning, teacher training, and program evaluation
Minnesota ABE has further developed PD that originated with project IDEAL
+How does it work in Minnesota?
Each year, three cohorts are held: DL 101 – Year-long course for teachers and managers DL 102 – Focus on instructional challenges brought by
participants DL 102: Managers – Focus on strategic planning and
capacity building for managers
+DL 101
An online course for agencies to use to develop a plan for distance education
Covers Recruitment, Screening/Orientation, Teaching and Assessment
Online Engagement Assignments ask agency staff to read, discuss, meet and develop
plans Online discussions with colleagues around the state (monthly
support/discussion webinars as well as phone conferences)
Final product: A brief written plan of action for each participating consortium/program
+DL 101 Topics
Module 1 - Recruit the right learner Define target audience, where they are & how to reach them
Module 2 - Screen applicants and provide orientation to participants Measure tech skills, goals, and commitment Set participation expectations and make schedule Orient learners to the platform/curricula
Module 3 - Provide instruction, communication, and supported use of the DL tool Monitoring learner work through the DL tool Communication with learner f2f, phone, email
Module 4 - Assess learner progress Respond to learner work Promote NRS post-testing
+How do graduates feel about DL 101? 2011 Minnesota graduates: Rated course very highly as a professional
development opportunity
Rated all of the components of the course and the facilitators the highest rating of all
Some struggled with the course as an online experience and felt that discussion was sometimes redundant
A number were a bit overwhelmed by all the work required in the midst of their other responsibilities
Two-thirds indicated that they would turn to someone who had taken DL101 if they had questions about DL
+DL 102 – Focus on Instruction
Provides an opportunity for experienced DL teachers to consider how to best support DL learners
Study groups form around a common DL platform, target audience, or issue
Each participant develops a case study of a self-selected instructional challenge (such as use of specific DL platform, GED math instruction, using email to check-in with learners, etc.)
+DL 102 – the Process
Lasts 4 weeks
Focuses on one case study per week
Participants discuss the case study online and share strategies and resources that address the challenge
Each participant tries a strategy and resource they learned from their study group and reports back results in a summary presentation webinar
+DL 102 – Strategic Planning
Opportunity for experienced distance learning managers
Four weeks focusing on supporting technology integration and distance learning within their organizations
Class built around case studies of difficult challenges in regard to budget, staffing, staff development, marketing and more
+What are the benefits of DL 101 and 102? DL 101 and 102 provide basic
and advanced professional development for DL
Participants learn from one another, as well as experts around the state
Helps build a “community of practice” for ABE DL teachers and managers
Offers a way to share Best Practices and materials
Improves DL instruction and programming throughout the state
+How can you get involved?
Any consortia can apply to participate
A manager and a teacher from each consortia must fully participate
Participating consortia receive stipends to cover the cost of participation
For more information, contact: [email protected]
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Produced by St. Paul DL Supplemental Services grant, 2012; updated 2015
All rights reserved