EXPLORING TEXAS ADULT EDUCATION DISTANCE LEARNING CURRICULA Distance Learning Academy Optional Module 2 May be used as stand alone training at any time.

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DISCLAIMER This professional development does NOT sanction or endorse the use of any of the curricula over another. It is the responsibility of each organization providing literacy services to adults in Texas to investigate thoroughly any curriculum to determine its usefulness and fit to the needs of their program and clients. 3

Session Objectives Review approved distance learning curricula and models for awarding proxy hours Review recent research efforts to evaluate distance learning curricula Begin the process of exploration and review of approved distance learning curricula Determine your next steps towards distance learning curricula selection 4

Agenda Welcome and Introductions Training rationale Distance learning curricula and models Curricula Review Process Hands-on exploration Resources and wrap-up 5

Materials for Today 1.Agenda & PPT Handout 2.TX LEARNS Approved Distance Education Curriculum List 3.Overview of DL Curriculum Models 4.Texas Adult Education Distance Learning Policy Document 5.Project IDEAL Working Paper No. 8: Exploring Distance Education Curricula for Adult Learners 6.Texas DL Curricula Research Feedback 7.Sample Curriculum Review Form 8.DL Curricula Online Resources 6

Welcome Brief introductions & sticky note warm-up 7 COLORQUESTIONS TO ANSWER YellowWith which curricula, if any, are you already familiar? GreenWhy are you attending this professional development session? RedWhat is one question you would really like answered in today’s session?

Texas Approved DL Curricula Title Audience Model Criteria for Awarding Proxy Hours Validation Method Notes 8 See the Texas LEARNS Approved List of Distance Curriculum See the Texas LEARNS Approved List of Distance Curriculum

Distance Learning Models Direct hours – What are examples of direct hours? Proxy hours – Clock Time Model – Teacher Certification Model – Learner Mastery Model 9 See the Overview of DL Curriculum Models See reference document: Texas State Policy Document for Distance Learning Education See reference document: Texas State Policy Document for Distance Learning Education

Approved ABE/GED Curricula 10

ABE/GED Curricula Used 11

Approved ESL Curricula Used 12

ESL Proxy Hours 13

Project IDEAL Curricula Research Project IDEAL helps member states design, manage and evaluate distance education from initial piloting to state-wide implementation. Project IDEAL Working Paper 8*: Exploring Distance Education Curricula for Adult Learners (2005) provides guidelines for states to consider in selecting and utilizing distance curricula. Working Paper 8*: Exploring Distance Education Curricula for Adult Learners 14 See Project IDEAL’s Working Paper #8

Texas DL Curricula Research Conducted during the summer of Is a major strand of the Texas Multi-GREAT Distance Learning Research Initiative, a “research-based professional development effort to capture best practices in Texas distance learning throughout the state…” 15

Texas DL Research Process Online questionnaires – 23 out of 27 (85%) programs participated. These 23 programs reported 98.5% of all proxy hours state wide during – 57 DL program staff across Texas completed the detailed, hour long questionnaire. Interviews/focus groups – 25 participants participated. – Questions addressed general experiences and perceptions of staff and teachers towards their distance learning program best practices. 16

Texas DL Curricula Feedback Participants who were familiar with a particular curriculum rated it using rubrics developed from 2 sources: – General criteria were adapted from Project IDEAL’s Working Paper #8: Exploring Distance Education Curricula for Adult Learners.Project IDEAL’s – Transitions criteria were adapted from the National College Transition Network. National College Transition Network 17 See the Texas DL Curricula Research Feedback View survey screenshots

Let’s Begin YOUR Curricula Review What is your budget? What is your audience? What factors are important to YOUR program, teachers, and student audience? 18

Get Hands-on Now! DL-Curricula.html 19 TX Approved Curriculum List Project IDEAL Working Paper #8. DL Curricula Online Resources TX DL Curricula Research Results Use these resources to complete your Sample Curriculum Review Forms!

Divide and Conquer Assignments for Curricula Review 20

Participant Reports 21 What did you think? What do you recommend is the next step to take?  Nothing - pass on it for now?  Other action?  More review by a committee or team?  Vendor contact and pricing quotes?

Next Steps Will you:  Establish a review committee to make final recommendations?  Contact vendors for more information?  Contact other organizations using Distance Learning and ask about their experiences?  Contact Texas Learns Distance Learning Manager AnneMarie Molinari to find out who is using what? 22

Going back to the beginning… Did you become aware of any new curriculum of interest? Did this session match your personal goal for attending? If not, what is your next step? Did your “one question” get answered? Any other remarks or questions? 23

Be sure to complete a session an evaluation. Session Title: Exploring TX AE Distance Learning Curricula Today’s Date: Facilitator: 24