nebraska training webinar march 17, 2012. welcome! maryjan fiala, coordinator central community...
TRANSCRIPT
Nebraska Training WebinarMarch 17, 2012
Welcome! Maryjan Fiala, Coordinator
Central Community College, Cargill Community Learning Center
Ryan Hinz, Instructor Crete Public Schools, Special Programs
Introduction to USA Learns Hopefully, you have watched webinar
#1 http://connect.otan.us/p29131894
We are going to focus on how USA Learns has been used in two different programs in Nebraska
How do you use USA Learns?
Starting with USA Learns Very important to know the difference
between websites www.usalearns.org www.usalearns.org/class www.usalearns.org/teacher
Recommend taking time to explore system before deploying classes
How Can USA Learns be used? Distance education model
Primary learning tool at home Example: Those on a waiting lists
Be sure to follow Nebraska Distance Ed. Policies Remember that Distance Ed. Hours are tracked
separately
Classroom learning center model Hybrid classes Possible group activity Additional at-home study
Who will benefit from USAL? Low beginning to Advanced ESL
students with access to technology NOT for beginning literacy students NOT for students without technology skills
What can I do if my students are not ready?
technology classes Crete uses Rosetta Stone, Step Forward
Interactive, Computers for ESL, or similar program to build literacy / computer skills
Classroom Technology Requirements Special Issues with computer lab model
Wireless vs. wired connection Knowledgeable staff Keeping computers up-to-date Storage, transportation, etc. Using established computer lab
Check with IT staff Firewalls Proxy Servers
Selecting Students: Technology Requirements One of the biggest considerations!
Access to technology outside of the classroom For distance education model
Internet connection Must be high-speed (DSL, cable, or Ethernet) Wired connection preferred Wireless issues
Computer Requirements Newer computers preferred PCs, Macs, or laptops Adobe Flash plug-in should be up-to-date
Selecting Students:Skill Requirements Must be beginning ESL or above
Again, not for beginning literacy students! Computer skills
Keyboard, Mouse, speakers, microphone, basic computer operations, etc.
E-mail May have to assist with setup Special considerations when setting up
multiple email accounts
Student Selection Model - Crete Hybrid model
Family literacy class Beginning ESL class Saturday family literacy / technology class
Distance education Class sign up info is given after students are
placed within a class
Student Selection Model- Schuyler
Distance education – volunteer Information about USA Learns will be
presented to all new students at next orientation
Learning centers – self selection Recommend that students waiting to
attend orientation try USA Learns
Orientation Suggestions Use a computer lab and projector if possible Create a sample student account ahead of
time Have student email addresses ahead of time Encourage students to use simple passwords Keep class passwords simple Have orientation packets with correct web
address ready to go (Can be printed from USA Learns teacher website, then customized)
Orientation Suggestions cont. Have students practice working in USAL
Working with buttons and links How to progress through website Selecting material When to repeat a lesson
If you are going to use distance model Be sure students know how to contact you
Using email, chat, etc.
Classroom Set-up
Class Reporting/ Student Activity Summary
Student Engagement Regular class attendance Continuous communication about
progress in person, over the phone or by email
Set short term goals USA Learns does not support extensive
teacher/student communication – IT’S UP TO YOU!!
USA Learns – Schuyler
USA Learns - Crete
