Meeting the Digital Literacy Needs of Low-Skilled Workforce Center Clients: Using supported distance learning across systems Summer Institute 2013

Presenters Tom Cytron-Hysom, Coordinator Ray Douha, UI Nola Speiser, DEED Brian Sturm, Mankato Computer Skills Teacher Allison Runchey, Volunteer Coordinator

Agenda Project Overview Background (Need and Purpose) Partner Roles and Perspectives Use of Supported Distance learning – Service delivery model – Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment – Learner Web Service Delivery Evaluation Discussion and Questions

Project Overview Lack of digital literacy skills identified as risk factor for REA UI clients (at risk of exhausting benefits) Goal: To assess and remediate this risk factor – Assess skill level – Provide targeted education for identified skills gaps – Re-assess and credential skills gained

Project Overview - continued Pilot project: April – November 2013 Collaborative project including ABE, DEED/UI/REA Sites: Workforce centers in Ramsey County, Osseo, Mankato, and Duluth

Background: Need Significant number of applicants lack literacy skills – Unable to perform jobs in their labor market area – Unable take advantage of job training programs – Lack basic skills and competencies – They are structurally excluded from job training opportunities UI reached out to ABE staff in DEED – To Better understand this concern – Use computer literacy as starting point

Background: UI Applicants Lack literacy skills

Background: Purpose Determine if basic literacy needs could be identified during Unemployment Insurance intake processes Determine if applicants could be successfully referred to other providers – To identify their exact needs – Create a remediation plan Provide an opportunity to better understand this need so that policy makers could address the longer term need

Partner Roles DEED – initial facilitative role UI/REA – provide clients Workforce Centers – host sites ABE – assessment and instruction

Cross-System Challenges Different funding streams and accountability measures Differences in organizational (system) cultures Centralized vs. de-centralized Turf Communication

Service Delivery Model Brief paper screener during REA sessions Those with some skills can take full Northstar assessment Those with limited skills assigned to Learner Web learning plans Participation written into work plan requirements Regular supported instructional sessions provided, with tutor support, in computer labs Northstar administered on completion; certificate awarded

Supported Distance Learning To assess digital literacy needs To teach digital literacy skills To credential digital literacy knowledge Staff/tutor support essential element of instruction

Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment

Northstar – Assessment and Certification Specific standards developed through community- based process Being adopted by MDE ABE as statewide digital literacy standards Includes six online, self guided assessment modules Available to anyone on the Web Successful completion (85% correct) at sponsor sites leads to Northstar Digital Literacy certificate

Learner Web - Instruction

Learner Web 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

Learner Web Provides Dynamic content matched to learner needs and goals Designed for adults Built around free web-based resources and needs On-going assessment of learner mastery Assistance from staff and trained tutors

Learning plans for this project include Northstar 1: Basic Computer Use Northstar 2: World Wide Web Northstar 3: Windows 7 Northstar 4: Using Northstar 5: Microsoft Word 2010

How it works in practice

The role of volunteers Provide individualized help to participants Assist staff with assessment of client’s needs Bring unique perspectives, skills and optimism Enhanced learning outcomes for clients

Volunteers – what works? Clear communication

Volunteers – what works? Support from staff

Volunteers – what works? Building relationships

Volunteers – what works? Tapping into their strengths

Program Results through mid-July Four WFC sites staffed and operating 610 individuals screened 365 completed at least one Northstar module 147 began at least one Learner Web plan 244 proxy hours earned 17 volunteer tutors have contributed over 130 hours

Evaluation Results will help determine continuation/expansion of project Quantitative date: Number served, services received, etc. Formative/Qualitative: Project development and implementation, systems issues, recommendations Longitudinal: DEED to look at re-employment outcomes

Challenges Many individuals resist digital literacy instruction – limited time, don’t understand relevance to job search, etc. Coordination of REA and UI Adequate lab space and hours

Questions?