Integrating Technology in the Adult Basic Education Classroom Marlene McLeod MSEd.

Changing Face of Education

What Online Tools Can Do Provide active engagement Encourage participation in groups Enhance frequent interaction and feedback Connect to real-world contexts

Tech Tools Reminding Assignments Deadlines Special events Creating Lecture notes Resources Videos

Tech Tools Helping Create online portfolios Presentations- slides, audio & video Building Storing lessons Question bank for e-quizzes

Why do my students need to use the Internet to learn? Search & do research online Lifelong learning Apply for jobs Professional connections Pay bills

Why do my students need to use the Internet to learn? – professional & personal Shop

Why do my students need to use the Internet to learn? Use social media Access entertainment

Your Goal as an Educator Assess your student’s academic needs Identify clear goals & objectives Plan for expected outcomes Determine best tech tools to meet those goals

How to Start Determine tech tools available to students during instruction and home use Smart phones Tablets Laptops/desktops Evaluate technology & internet access of students Questionnaire

Google Toolbox Google Calendar Google Hangouts Messaging, voice, and video calls Google Translate Google Maps Google Drive Documents, excel, slide presentations, photos Accessible from anywhere Can work collaboratively

Web-based Teaching Tools Accessed across all platforms and any computer Nothing to install or maintain- no space limitation Data backups are seamlessly performed in the cloud Unlimited amount of space Works reliably Free is good!

Web-based Teaching Tools The Literacy List- David Rosen Organized compilation of resources Free OER library & community which includes videos, interactives, etests, units /lessons, assessments, illustrations/diagrams, & worksheets News articles that can be read & printed out at different grade levels

Web-based Teaching Tools Passages & question sets at different reading levels Great resource for technology integration as well as free materials, downloads, tools, suggested readings, & research on current topics in education

Web-based Teaching Tools Free Educational Videos TV411.org Engaging videos on reading, writing, & sections on basic finance, science, & math PBS Literacy Link Wide range of adult basic education resources with interactive lessons Teacher accounts allow access to a collection of lesson plans & handouts

Web-based Teaching Tools Hopelink Adult Education ssonList.htm ssonList.htm Collection of lesson ideas specifically for adult educators in reading, writing, math, & financial literacy, the GED, & workplace skills Special lesson ideas for working with ESL & learning disabled students Khan Academy Online education with extensive library of content with focus on math, science, finance, arts, humanities, & computing

Web-based Teaching Tools YouTube More than 6,000 channels in science & education TED Informational videos on variety of topics from great thinkers Ignite Series of speaking events on something innovative or inspiring in 5 minutes

Web-based Teaching Tools GCL Learn Freewww.gcflearningfree.org/educators/resources-and- toolswww.gcflearningfree.org/educators/resources-and- tools Free curriculum guides, technology, Microsoft Office & Photoshop tutorials, as well as tutorials in math, career, reading, and everyday life Florida Literacy Coalition Free and interactive learn to read tools designed specially for adults Offers full spectrum of literacy/ABE resources from strategies, tools, lesson plans, teaching tips, & handouts

Web-based Teaching Tools Bilingual Site Bilingual ESL site for Spanish speaking students Free books Bartleby Large collection of reference works, poetry, fiction, & non-fiction Project Gutenberg More than 4,200 free e-books The Free Library Newspapers, magazines, journal articles, & classic books

Online Educational Resources (OER) Why use OER ? Supports professional skills Cost savings Vetted Keeps content relevant, offers up-to-date materials Empowers teachers

Assessment Determine initial skill levels of students Observe and measure your student’s progress Helps to focus on the direction of your instruction Benefits of online assessment: Efficiency of test delivery & administration Immediate feedback Design effective rubrics for performance rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php

Collegial Sharing and Professional Development Easy for educators to connect & collaborate with peers Share information & best practices Timely & current topics Opportunity to receive continuing education credits Spread innovative ideas to improve teaching and learning Request support

Collegial Sharing and Professional Development Free professional learning network which offeres free webinars, live chats, & onlne discussions on a large variety of topics Offers archives of previously recorded webinars Opportunity to earn continuing education credits

Collegial Sharing and Professional Development LINCS Community Literacy Information & Communication System Free adult education resource & instructional material General reading comprehension, vocabulary, medical, financial, & technology LINCS Learning Portal Career Pathways courses Learning to Achieve English Language Learners

Problems & Constraints Limited digital & computer literacy skills of students Limited availability of computer/ technology – hardware & software Internet “dead zones” Correctional facilities

Evaluation of Integrating Technology in Your Instruction Identify the technology tool Were you (the instructor) comfortable using the tool? Did the tool selected meet the students’ existing technology skills? If not, what was the plan for teaching the students how to use the tool? Did the technology tool improve instruction &/or deepen students’ learning? Was this tool the best choice to implement the teaching strategies of this lesson/unit? What other tool could the instructor selected to use?