USALearns.org
Web-based Learning for ESL Students
Presented by:
Evelyn Fella [email protected]
TESOL March 2010 Boston
AGENDA
• USALearns Components & Requirements
• Course Features
• Teacher Site Overview
• Implementation Tips
What is U.S.A. Learns?
A free Web site for immigrant adults who want to improve their
English language skills
Who created U.S.A.Learns?
Funded by:
U.S. Dept. of Education, Office of Vocational and Adult Education
Developed by:
Sacramento County Office of Education with
Project IDEAL, University of Michigan
Who is the target audience?
Immigrant Adults with
limited opportunities for attending traditional classes
beginning or intermediate English language skills
(NRS levels 2 through 5)
What computer skills are required?
Mouse: Click and scroll
Keyboard: Letters, backspace, shift key, space bar
Web browser: • Open a browser (e.g. IE, Safari)• Navigate a basic Web site • Click buttons and links
Microphone: optional
What are the hardware requirements?
• Fast Internet connection at least 384 Kbps or faster; no dial-up connections
• Up-to-date Web browser with Flash plug-in
• Sound card
• Speakers or headphones
• Microphone (optional)
What are the content components?
1st English Course: Beginner20 video-based units: Survival language topics
2nd English Course: Intermediate20 video-story based units: Job & Life Skills
topics
Practice English and Reading: Intermediate42 stories: Various topics
Teacher Management SiteMonitor progress and scores; comment on writing
Main Menu
What are the features of USAL?
High Quality Video• characters, situations and stories relevant to
immigrants
Language Development Activities • 4-Skills practice with video, images, audio
Clean Intuitive Design • simple navigation; easy-to-see buttons; consistent screen templates
Classroom Video - 1st Course
Situational Video - 1st Course
First English Course
Unit Menu
Unit menu - 1st Course
2nd English Course Topic Menu
Video - 2nd Course
Video with Text - 2nd Course
Practice English and Reading Topic Menu
Practice English and Reading - Story Sample
Review of 3 Core Content Components
Language Development Activities
Skills practice in: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
Special focus on: Vocabulary, Life Skills, Grammar
Media-rich activitiesVideo, images, sound
Activities Menu
Activities Menu
Learn New Words1st Course
Learn New Words (Intermediate Vocabulary)
Spell It!
Match Game
Listen for it!
Say it! - Record your Voice
Grammar - Writing
Life Skills - Listening and Reading
Life Skills - Reading a Lease
Write about it!
Thinking Skills - Drawing Conclusions
Making Choices -You Predict
Self-Reflection - Learning Log
usalearns.org
Teacher Management Site
usalearns.org/teacher
What can I do at the Teacher site?
Create an online class. Monitor students’ progress and scores. Score/comment on writing assignments. Post messages to the online class
View/download Scope and Sequence. Story summaries Vocabulary word lists Grammar Life Skills; functions
Teacher Main Menu
Teacher Registration
Teacher Home Page
Add a New Class
Students need Class Password, Teacher Last Name & class web address
usalearns.org/class
Manage Classes Menu
Class Roster
Student Scores-Activity Menu
Feedback on Student Writing
Teacher messages
3 USAL Components!
Independent Learner Site usalearns.org
Teacher Management Site usalearns.org/teacher• Class Site usalearns.org/class
U.S.A. Learns
Implementation Tips
Good Language Learner Habits
Encourage students to:
Spend about 30 minutes a day rather than speeding through all the content in one sitting.
View videos 2 or 3 times with and without the script.
Practice speaking either with a mic or simply speaking out loud.
Good Language Learner Habits
Encourage students to:
Keep a learning journal for new words, expressions, questions, writing practice.
Set personal goals and self-monitor.
Connect learning in their real-world environment -- signs, billboards, newspapers, listening-in to others.
Tips for Teachers
Register on the Teacher site and be sure students use the Class site.
Give students a personal orientation tour of the site and show how to best use it.
Monitor your student’s progress online and communicate with them regularly.
If possible set up a class web site with links, or a social network for online discussion.
Tips for Teachers
Familiarize yourself with the content;
check scope and sequence document.
Use the rich video content, storylines, characters for writing assignments, discussion and other activities.
Suggest other online sites to extend and supplement USAL content.
(usalearns.wordpress.com for unit-specific recommendations)
Questions? Problems? Comments?
Technical Support: [email protected]
Content/implementation: [email protected]
Unit/Topic-Specific supplementary activities: usalearns.wordpress.com