+ Project IDEAL in Minnesota: Building a Community of ABE DL Practice Minnesota ABE DL Toolkit

+ Outline Why is Project IDEAL needed? What is Project IDEAL? How does it work? What are the benefits? How can you get involved?

+ Why is Project IDEAL needed? Engagement, capacity building, and laying the groundwork for sustainable future growth of Distance Learning in MN ABE are key DL priorities Professional development and dissemination of Best Practices are means to achieve these priorities Project IDEAL helps us achieve these purposes

+ Common challenges related to PD in 2010 statewide survey 43% said their teaching staff were inadequately trained to use DL The majority cited difficulties in engaging adult learners 69% said more staff training was needed 56% said better ways to share with other ABE programs were needed

+ Project IDEAL is a consortium of states working together to develop effective DL programs for adult learners Through collaborative research and practice, Project IDEAL works to raise the quality of DL around the country The Project IDEAL Support Center at the University of Michigan provides members with technical assistance for program planning, teacher training, and program evaluation

+ How does it work in Minnesota? Each year, three classes are held: DL 101 – Initial training for teachers and managers DL 102 – Focus on instructional challenges DL 102 – Focus on strategic planning for managers

+ DL 101 An online course for agencies to use to develop a plan for distance education Covers Recruitment, Orientation, Teaching and Assessment Online Tools Assignments ask agency staff to meet and develop plans Electronic discussions with colleagues around the state (monthly support webinars as well as phone conferences) Final product: A brief written plan of action for each participating consortium

+ DL 101 Topics Module 1 - Recruit the right learner Define target audience, where they are & how to reach them Module 2 - Screen applicants and provide orientation to participants Measure tech skills, goals, and commitment Set expectations and make schedule Module 3 - Provide instruction and supported use of the DL tool Monitoring learner work through the DL tool Communication with learner f2f, phone, Module 4 - Assess learner progress Respond to learner work Promote NRS post-testing

+ How do graduates feel about DL 101? 2011 Minnesota graduates: Rated course very highly as a professional development opportunity Rated all of the components of the course and the facilitators the highest rating of all Some struggled with the course as an online experience and felt that discussion was sometimes redundant A number were a bit overwhelmed by all the work required in the midst of their other responsibilities Two-thirds indicated that they would turn to someone who had taken DL101 if they had questions about DL

+ DL 102 – Focus on Instruction Provides an opportunity for experienced DL teachers to consider how to support DL learners Study groups form around a common DL platform, target audience, or issue Each participant develops a case study of a self-selected instructional challenge (such as use of specific DL platform, GED math instruction, using to check-in with learners, etc.)

+ DL 102 – the Process Lasts 4 weeks Focuses on one case study per week Participants discuss the case study online and share strategies and resources that address the challenge Each participant tries a strategy and resource they learned from their study group and reports back results in a summary presentation webinar

+ DL 102 – Strategic Planning New in Fall 2012! Opportunity for experienced distance learning managers Four weeks focusing on supporting technology integration and distance learning within their organizations Class built around case studies of difficult challenges in regard to budget, staffing, staff development, marketing and more

+ What are the benefits of Project IDEAL? Project IDEAL provides basic and advanced professional development for DL Participants learn from one another, as well as experts Helps build a “community of practice” for ABE DL teachers and managers Offers a way to share Best Practices Improves DL instruction throughout the state

+ How can you get involved? Any consortia can apply to participate A manager and a teacher must represent each consortia Participating consortia receive stipends to cover the cost of participation For more information, contact

+ Questions? See

+ Produced by St. Paul DL Supplemental Services grant, 2012 All rights reserved