Learner Web 2012In Minnesota

Julia TabbutJen VanekTom Cytron-Hysom

Summer InstituteAugust 15, 2012

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

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

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

• 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

Learner web is made for ABE

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

Learner Web has improved a lotIt used to look like this:

Learner Web has improved a lotNow it looks like this:

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

Learner Web is customizable

• Location• Language• Level

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.

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

Learner Web ContentDigital LiteracyComputer BasicsInternet BasicsEmailInternet SearchInternet SecuritySocial NetworkingAccessing high-speed InternetBuying a computer

Career OrientationIntroduction to the concept of career Setting personal career goalsSupport for success on the jobSpecific career pathways programming

Additional ABECitizenshipEnglish LanguageABE Basic SkillsTransitions Content:Accuplacer PrepIntro to collegesPrep for post-

secondary vocational education programs.

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

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.

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

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)

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

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

MN Transitions RegionsNorth EastNorth WestEast MetroWest MetroSouth CentralSouth West

Learner Web is used to support distance learning, digital literacy training, career exploration, and vocational training

MN FastTRAC ProjectsSt. Paul ABE Mankato ABEAEOARosevilleSWABECustomized vocational post-secondary prep and trainingHybrid distance learning toolOffers opportunity for supported use of online learning required in college

Saint Paul College PilotGates Foundation Grant Project

Usage during program year May 2011 through April 2012: 11,002 hoursContent topic Proxy

hours

Specific career training (CNA, Medical Office, Child Development)

5712

BTOP plans (Digital Literacy, Broadband Internet, Career Pathways)

3404

Other ABE (English, Citizenship, Computer Skills)

1507

Other job and career preparation (Soft Skills, Reading at Work, etc.)

380

Region Proxy hours

SPCLC (St Paul) 5089

Mankato 2548

Southwest ABE 1438

Northeast ABE 964

Minneapolis 901

Roseville 62

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

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

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!

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.

Now you try!1. Go to mndemo.learnerweb.org2. Click Sign In3. Enter Screen Name:

yourfirstname.yourlastname4. Enter Password: password5. Agree to the terms of service6. Click My Profile, fill out the form, and save

How to get your class or program involved

How to get involved:1. 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.

2. Find out if your program or region already uses Learner Web.

3. 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.

Learner Web is currently available through ABE programs in these MN locations:West MetroMinneapolisRosevilleSt. PaulMankato AreaSW MNNW MN - Soon!East Metro – Soon!

Information about Learner Web www.learnerweb.orglearnerwebspclc.pbworks.com

Learner Web Demonstration mndemo.learnerweb.org

Questions & Demo Accountsjtabbut@gmail.com jvanek@mnliteracy.org