Nebraska Training Webinar March 17, 2012

Welcome!  Maryjan Fiala, Coordinator  Central Community College, Cargill Community Learning Center  Ryan Hinz, Instructor  Crete Public Schools, Special Programs

Introduction to USA Learns  Hopefully, you have watched webinar #1   We are going to focus on how USA Learns has been used in two different programs in Nebraska

How do you use USA Learns?

Starting with USA Learns  Very important to know the difference between websites     Recommend taking time to explore system before deploying classes

How Can USA Learns be used?  Distance education model  Primary learning tool at home  Example: Those on a waiting lists  Be sure to follow Nebraska Distance Ed. Policies  Remember that Distance Ed. Hours are tracked separately  Classroom learning center model  Hybrid classes  Possible group activity  Additional at-home study

Who will benefit from USAL?  Low beginning to Advanced ESL students with access to technology  NOT for beginning literacy students  NOT for students without technology skills  What can I do if my students are not ready?  technology classes  Crete uses Rosetta Stone, Step Forward Interactive, Computers for ESL, or similar program to build literacy / computer skills

Classroom Technology Requirements  Special Issues with computer lab model  Wireless vs. wired connection  Knowledgeable staff  Keeping computers up-to-date  Storage, transportation, etc.  Using established computer lab  Check with IT staff  Firewalls  Proxy Servers

Selecting Students: Technology Requirements  One of the biggest considerations!  Access to technology outside of the classroom  For distance education model  Internet connection  Must be high-speed (DSL, cable, or Ethernet)  Wired connection preferred  Wireless issues  Computer Requirements  Newer computers preferred  PCs, Macs, or laptops  Adobe Flash plug-in should be up-to-date

Selecting Students: Skill Requirements  Must be beginning ESL or above  Again, not for beginning literacy students!  Computer skills  Keyboard, Mouse, speakers, microphone, basic computer operations, etc.   May have to assist with setup  Special considerations when setting up multiple accounts

Student Selection Model - Crete  Hybrid model  Family literacy class  Beginning ESL class  Saturday family literacy / technology class  Distance education  Class sign up info is given after students are placed within a class

Student Selection Model- Schuyler  Distance education – volunteer  Information about USA Learns will be presented to all new students at next orientation  Learning centers – self selection  Recommend that students waiting to attend orientation try USA Learns

Orientation Suggestions  Use a computer lab and projector if possible  Create a sample student account ahead of time  Have student addresses ahead of time  Encourage students to use simple passwords  Keep class passwords simple  Have orientation packets with correct web address ready to go (Can be printed from USA Learns teacher website, then customized)

Orientation Suggestions cont.  Have students practice working in USAL  Working with buttons and links  How to progress through website  Selecting material  When to repeat a lesson  If you are going to use distance model  Be sure students know how to contact you  Using , chat, etc.

Classroom Set-up

Class Reporting/ Student Activity Summary

Student Engagement  Regular class attendance  Continuous communication about progress in person, over the phone or by  Set short term goals  USA Learns does not support extensive teacher/student communication – IT’S UP TO YOU!!

USA Learns – Schuyler

USA Learns - Crete

Questions/Comments  Ryan Hinz Crete Public Schools  Maryjan Fiala Central Community College