the sandbox group: a statewide collaboration model for online career and education resources

The Sandbox Group: A Statewide Collaboration Model

for Online Career and Education Resources

2011 FALL CAREERS TECHNICAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE

NOVEMBER 10, 2011

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US!

TODAY’S GOALS:

When you leave here today we would like you to:

1. 1. Know the basics of these online tools available for you and your learners.

2. 2. Have the contacts to connect with these programs.

Agenda:

Introductions What is the “Sandbox” and who plays in it? What’s out there for my learners and me? Contacts and Resources Questions & Answers

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Presenters and Introductions:

Pat Thomas: Southwest ABEShelia McComb: ISEEKMichele Jersak: GPS LifePlan (Century College And MnSCU)Janet Flam: Gateway To Careers, Jewish Family and Children's

Service Of MinneapolisLaura Nedved: MIRCJen Vanek: Learner WebMelinda Ludwiczak: MelsaYingfah Thao MN Programs of Study

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From the beginning…

*Southwest ABE, St. Paul Public Schools ABE, and WEST ABE along with ISEEK and local Workforce Centers received a grant from the Otto Bremer Foundation to build an online tool for working learners, helping them make career goals and create the paths to achieve them.

*Also included are St. Cloud and Willmar ABE programs.

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All documents created for this tool can be found at: https://sites.google.com/site/abecareerwebsite/

What is the “Sandbox” group?5

We are working together to make sure every door is the right door. We want to make sure everyone who comes through our door is at the right one even if it isn’t our own.

Each of our tools and programs are unique and focus on helping learners gain education and careers.

We like to think of the world we live in as

one BIG sandbox.

The Sandbox group is a collaboration of systems creating tools to help our secondary and working learners find a career direction and a pathway to accomplish their goals.

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Working

Learners

MyMN Careers

GPS LifePlan

Gateway to

Careers

ISEEK

MIRC

Learner Web

MN Program

s of Study

JobNow!

In the last year the Sandbox has grown to include:

These programs represent online tools available to working learners.

6Minnesota’s Working Learner projects are partially funded by the State, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), and private foundations.

The best service we can provide our customers is one that works together with other programs

and finds the best tool for each learner.

Click icon to add pictureW e A r e

Str iv ing T o :

1 . Decrease duplicated efforts.

2 . Cross agency lines and work together.

3 . Include all who want to participate in the Sandbox group.

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Minnesota

is facing a growing skills gap.

Workforce Skills Gap

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Workforce of 2018

70%

By 2018, 70% of MN jobs will require education beyond high

school. “All Hands on Deck” Govenor’s Workforce Development Council, 2011 Policy Advisory

Source: Digital Literacy Fact Sheet, US Dept. of Commerce, 5/13/2011

•The Federal Communications

Commission (FCC) defines

communication technology:

•as connection by way of

"radio, television, wire,

satellite, or cable."

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Why Online Career Based Tools for Working Learners?

Today’s jobs are requiring DIGITAL LITERACY more and more every day.1. 96% of working American use

communication technologies* everyday.2. 62% use the Internet as integral to their

work.3. High speed internet access and online

skills are critical for seeking, applying for, and getting jobs.

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What’s out there…?

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My MN Careers

“I have a learner who has basic skills but is unfamiliar with why one should strive to advance in their career and education.”

“I have a learner who has limited English skills or low literacy levels.”

These learners are stuck in low-level, dead-end jobs and don’t have any career goals nor do they know why goals are important and why you should strive to achieve them.

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MyMNCareers.org

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My MN Careers helps learners develop an understanding of WHY goals are important and how they positively influence your career and education at three learning levels.

LEARN ENGLISH AND WORK SKILLS

MyMNCareers.org

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FINISH GED AND GET A BETTER JOB

2 - 3 R D G R A D E R E A D I N G L E V E L .

N O N - N AT I V E S P E A K E R S .V E R Y S I M P L E I N T E R FA C E W I T H S E V E R A L I M A G E S .

S H O R T, S I M P L I S T I C I N S T R U C T I O N S .

4 - 6 T H G R A D E R E A D I N G L E V E L .

B OT H N AT I V E A N D N O N - N AT I V E

S P E A K E R S .

TRANSITION TO A CAREER OR SCHOOL 7th grade reading level. Career and education

paths up to post-secondary degrees.

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Other Features:1. A u d i o S u c c e s s

S t o r i e s

2. C a r e e r P l a n E x e r c i s e s

3. F a c i l i t a t o r R e s o u r c e s

4. M y A c c o u n t : Allows for searches and pages to be saved (for intermediate and advanced levels)

“I have a learner or student who is preparing for further education or a career, and needs help planning how to start and where to go.”

GPS L i feP lan he lps learners look at severa l aspects of the i r l i ves (career, education, finance, leadership , and persona l ) to create an action p lan and he lp them achieve the i r goa ls .

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GPSLifePlan.org

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• Provides a virtual three-ring binder

• Allows more ownership for students

• Can password protect areas and provide feedback

• Can be shaped & polished for showcasing skills

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Customized for Colleges

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gpslifeplan.org/mnscumilitary

gpslifeplan.org/workforce

gpslifeplan.org/secondary

Versions for Various Audiences

Learn moreat 11:15 AM session in Board 1.

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Gateway to Careers

“I have a learner who wants to have a career but is not sure in what industry and needs help exploring the possibilities.”

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Use the Career Gateway to:

• Assess Yourse l f• Explore 16 Career C lusters• Research Education Options• Locate F inanc ia l A id Opportunities and Soc ia l Ser v ice Resources• Apply to Jobs• Connect with P lacement Ser v ices

Gateway to Careers

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Gateway to CareersWHO IS OUR AUDIENCE?

•FIRST T IME JOB SEEKERS•CAREER CHANGERS

•PEOPLE LOOKING TO MATCH WORK SKILLS , INTERESTS,

AND VALUES TO A NEW CAREER•INDIVIDUALS REQUIRING A MORE ORGANIZED

JOB SEARCH

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Learner Web

“I have a learner who is interested in working on career exploration and academic goals using an online tool with the help of a tutor or teacher.”

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Online framework for matching learners to plans that wil l help them meet their learning goals. Plans fil led with free web-based resources, assessments, and portfolio space.

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learnerweb.org

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Tutor or Teacher Facilitated

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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 important for learner persistence.

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Learner Web Content

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Digital Literacy

Computer Basics

Internet Basics

Email

Internet Search

Internet Security

Facebook

How to access to high-speed Internet

How to find a computer

Career Orientation

Introduction to career concept

Setting personal career goals

Support for success on the job

Access to specific local career pathways programming

Additional ABE

Citizenship

English Language

ABE Basic Skills

Transitions Content:Accuplacer PrepIntro to colleges Prep for post-

secondary vocational education programs.

These learning plans are

approved Distance Learning Tools in

Minnesota.

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Learner Web is currently available through ABE programs in these MN locations.

Mankato AreaMinneapolisNE MNRosevilleSt. PaulSW MN

Implementation Sites ABE sites and WFCs and CBOs working with ABE programs.

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Information about Learner Web www.learnerweb.org

Learner Web Demonstration www.mndemo.learnerweb.org

Questions jvanek@themlc.org

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Digital Literacy TrainingMinnesota Intelligent Rural Communities (MIRC)

“I have a learner who has never touched a computer or mouse.”

“I have a learner who knows the basics, but doesn’t know how to use a computer to write a resume, search for a job or increase their level of education.”

These learners are unable to submit an online job application, email an employer, or research classes to gain skills. They are unaware of and unable to use even basic online tools designed to improve their lives.

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OBJECTIVES:

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Help all adults with little or no computer skills in any of the five key areas: Basic Computer Skills (mouse, touchpad, screen, keyboard) Basic Internet Skills (how the Internet works and how to use it) Basic Email Skills (create an email account, basic email use) Basic Microsoft Operating System (how to use a computer) Basic Word Processing (writing and formatting a simple doc)

Provide training that is contextual and self-guided: Contextual training uses an online guide to teach learners to

use the keyboard, mouse, touchpad and computer screen within the context of the guide’s own job search experience.

Allow learners to start work in the skills area they are lacking. Downloadable resource documents with new vocabulary words

and information about online practice sites.

Introduce learners to free existing online tools for job search and career exploration: MnWorks.net, CareerOneStop.org, ISEEK.org, and many

others.

Learning levels: Adults with little or no computer

skills in any of the five areas Intermediate or higher ELL

learners Intended to be started in a location

where someone can help the learner navigate to the training website, and be available to offer minimal assistance such as an adult education site, WorkForce Center, library or community education center.

Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities (MIRC) Digital Literacy Training

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Learn Computer Skills in 5 Key

Areas

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Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities (MIRC) Digital Literacy Training

Learn About Job Search and Career Tools

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Easy to Navigate Learning Commons menu:

www.bit.ly/mircmenu

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Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities (MIRC) Digital Literacy Training

Includes Downloadable Resource Documents

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“ I w a n t to fi n d a j o b i n M i n n e s o ta i n a t o u g h j o b m a r ke t .”

“ I a m a s t u d e n t o r a d u l t l e a r n e r a n d n e e d h e l p fi n d i n g a d e g r e e o r c re d e n ti a l .”

“ I a m a t e a c h e r, c o u n s e l o r, p a re n t o r a d v i s o r a n d I w a n t my s t u d e n t s / L e a r n e rs /c h i l d re n t o b e s u c c e s s f u l i n fi n d i n g ca r e e rs , e d u c ati o n a n d j o b s .”

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ISEEK34

ISEEK helps Minnesotans to research, organize, and understand successful pathways to careers, education, and jobs that best fit each individual .

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ISEEK.org

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OBJECTIVES:

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Provide timely, accurate, reliable information to Minnesota’s job seekers, students and the intermediaries that support them.

With experts, serve diverse audiences to understand career and training options. Counselors Parents Ex-offenders Veterans Recently unemployed Immigrants/Refugees People with disabilities Low-income, low skilled

Bring together information from state agencies and partners in one place and in ways that an average person can understand and use it.

Work with industry experts to help Minnesotans learn about how to be plan for and get jobs in Technology Manufacturing Green Energy Healthcare

Work with local leaders to display the most recent information about education, careers and jobs is available by region on our regional web pages.

Promote digital literacy as required by Minnesota’s employers.

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www.ISEEK.org

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Explore Careers Search Careers Tool

(videos) Assess Yourself

o Skills & Interest Assessments tied to careers

Set Goalso Reality Check Tool

Research Careers o Growing &

Emerging Careers

Plan Your Education Search Education Tool Explore Education

Options Prepare for College Pay for College Apply to College

Find a Job Search Tool for Jobs,

Businesses, Salaries Explore the Job

Marketo Job Vacancieso Hot Jobs

Develop your Resume Apply for Jobs Interview & Negotiate Manage Job Loss &

Transition

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•Additional Features

MN Careers Publication

Print, Share, Save

Blog

News & Events (RSS Feeds)

Newsletter/Announcements

FutureWorks

For Instructors, Advisors and Counselors:

1. Videos (Career, Education, Jobs)

2. Webinars

3. Curriculum

4. Goal Setting Plans

5. Quizzes

6. Career Clusters

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www.iseek.org/guide/counselors/index.html

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MN Programs of Study“I have a high school student who is interested in a career and doesn’t know how which high school classes to take to prepare for that career.”

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OBJECTIVES:

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Programs of Study is a sequence of courses that are both required and elective that begin in high school.

This project provides contextual information to job seekers and students to make informed decisions about careers and education options.

Designed to support those from under-represented populations at various stages of life.

Simplified information on Career Pathways helps end users to explore career planning independently .

Promote the Career Clusters. Connects Career Clusters with Programs of

Study using ISEEK career profiles and education data.

Revamps ISEEK’s Career Clusters to include Career Pathways.

79 landing pages with pathway definitions, pathways image, and links to occupations and programs of study.

New Career Cluster Interest Assessment.

www.iseek.org/careers/pathways.html

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MNPOS.COM

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Occupations link to ISEEK or O*NET profiles

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*Job Now!

“I have a learner who lives in the Twin Cities seven-county area and needs help with a resume or preparing for a job interview.”

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Metropolitan Library Service Agencywww.melsa.org

Free online resume and interview coachAvailable for metro-area public library

customersLog on from any computer and connect

with your library bar codeLive sessions in English and SpanishResources for job search, career tips,

resume, cover letter and interviewAvailable 1-11 PM, seven days a week

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Melsa.org

Free Technology tra in ing for bui ld ing Job Sk i l l s

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● Free basic technology classes at metro-area public libraries

● Instructors from the Science Museum of Minnesota, Computer Education Center

● Check your metro-area public library for schedule

● Basic Computer, E-mail, Internet, Word, Xcel and Power Point for Building Job Skills

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Questions

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Contact Information:

Pat Thomas (My MN Careers): pthomas@starpoint.net Shelia McComb (ISEEK): Shelia.McComb@csu.mnscu.edu Michele Jersak (GPS LifePlan): michele.jersak@century.edu Janet Flam (Gateway To Careers): jflam@jfcsmpls.org Laura Nedved (MIRC – Digital Literacy): laura.nedved@state.mn.us Jen Vanek (Learner Web): jenvanek@moreliteracy.com Melinda Ludwiczak (Jobs Now! & Melsa): melinda@melsa.orgYingfah Thao (MN Programs of Study): yingfah.thao@so.mnscu.edu

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