1. The Sandbox Group: A Statewide Collaboration Model for Online Career and Education Resources
2011 Fall Careers technical education conference
November 10, 2011
Thank you for joining us!

2. Agenda: TODAY’S GOALS: Introductions
What is the “Sandbox” and who plays in it?
What’s out there for my learners and me?
Contacts and Resources
Questions & Answers
TODAY’S GOALS:
When you leave here today we would like you to:
1. Know the basics of these online tools available for you and your learners.
2. Have the contacts to connect with these programs.
12/7/2018

3. Presenters and Introductions:
Pat Thomas: Southwest ABE Shelia McComb: ISEEK Michele Jersak: GPS LifePlan (Century College And MnSCU) Janet Flam: Gateway To Careers, Jewish Family and Children's Service Of Minneapolis Laura Nedved: MIRC Jen Vanek: Learner Web Melinda Ludwiczak: Melsa Yingfah Thao MN Programs of Study
12/7/2018

4. From the beginning…
*Southwest ABE, St. Paul Public Schools ABE, and WEST ABE along with ISEEK and local Workforce Centers received a grant from the Otto Bremer Foundation to build an online tool for working learners, helping them make career goals and create the paths to achieve them.
All documents created for this tool can be found at:
*Also included are St. Cloud and Willmar ABE programs.
12/7/2018

5. What is the “Sandbox” group?
The Sandbox group is a collaboration of systems creating tools to help our secondary and working learners find a career direction and a pathway to accomplish their goals.
We like to think of the world we live in as
one BIG sandbox.
We are working together to make sure every door is the right door. We want to make sure everyone who comes through our door is at the right one even if it isn’t our own.
Each of our tools and programs are unique and focus on helping learners gain education and careers.

6. In the last year the Sandbox has grown to include:
Working
Learners
MyMN Careers
GPS LifePlan
Gateway to Careers
ISEEK
MIRC
Learner Web
MN Programs of Study
JobNow!
In the last year the Sandbox has grown to include:
These programs represent online tools available to working learners.
Minnesota’s Working Learner projects are partially funded by the State, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), and private foundations.
12/7/2018

7. We Are
Striving To:
1.Decrease duplicated efforts.
2.Cross agency lines and work together.
3.Include all who want to participate in the Sandbox group.
The best service we can provide our customers is one that works together with other programs and finds the best tool for each learner.
12/7/2018

8. Workforce Skills Gap Minnesota is facing a growing skills gap.
Employers are looking for workers with higher education levels while education levels are projected to decline.
“All Hands on Deck” Govenor’s Workforce Development Council, 2011 Policy Advisory
12/7/2018

9. Source: Digital Literacy Fact Sheet, US Dept. of Commerce, 5/13/2011
Why Online Career Based Tools for Working Learners?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines communication technology:
as connection by way of "radio, television, wire, satellite, or cable."
Today’s jobs are requiring DIGITAL LITERACY more and more every day.
96% of working American use communication technologies* everyday.
62% use the Internet as integral to their work.
High speed internet access and online skills are critical for seeking, applying for, and getting jobs.
Source: Digital Literacy Fact Sheet, US Dept. of Commerce, 5/13/2011
12/7/2018

10. What’s out there…?
As technology is utilized more and more the Sandbox group recognizes more online career tools will be developed. This can often times lead to confusion for the end users as to which tool meets their specific needs. Our hope for the future is to secure funding to create a filter that would allow the user to go through a series of questions and then recommend the best tool for their particular need. This filter would be found on each tool’s website and would provide direction for a user.
Today, we would like to share what have to offer as you assist individuals in planning a career track and how to make that goal a reality.
12/7/2018

11. My MN Careers
“I have a learner who has basic skills but is unfamiliar with why one should strive to advance in their career and education.”
“I have a learner who has limited English skills or low literacy levels.”
These learners are stuck in low-level, dead-end jobs and don’t have any career goals nor do they know why goals are important and why you should strive to achieve them.
The efforts being made in creating this tool are being done by ISEEK staff with their excellent resources and experience in this field.
This is the tool being created through the support of an Otto Bremer grant as referenced earlier. The impetus for this project comes from the frustration Adult Education instructors felt in seeing students drifting in their work lives.
We felt there was a need to provide tools to identify a desired career or move into postsecondary for our students.
We by no means want to become career or job counselors, but some type of foundation needs to be provided to assist an individual in seeking a career goal.
12/7/2018

12. MyMNCareers.org
My MN Careers helps learners develop an understanding of WHY goals are important and how they positively influence your career and education at three learning levels.
This tool will be launched in early 2013.
This tool was developed primarily to serve adult learners but possibly could also be used for secondary students. Our hope is that staff in ABE programs, WorkForce Centers, and others working with the working learner can use this tool as they serve their customers.
12/7/2018

13. MyMNCareers.org 2-3rd grade reading level. Non-native speakers.
Learn English and Work Skills
Finish GED and Get a Better Job
Transition to a Career or School
2-3rd grade reading level.
Non-native speakers.
Very simple interface with several images.
Short, simplistic instructions.
4-6th grade reading level.
Both native and non-native speakers.
7th grade reading level.
Career and education paths up to post-secondary degrees.
12/7/2018

14. Common Content Areas: Other Features: Explore Careers
Audio Success Stories
Career Plan Exercises
Facilitator Resources
My Account: Allows for searches and pages to be saved (for intermediate and advanced levels)
Common Content Areas:
Explore Careers
Interactive Career Paths Tool
Set Goals
Who am I?
How to set goals
Make a career plan
Take Action
Learn about the workplace
Learn about school and find options
Learn how to get help jumping over hurdles
Other Features:
* and Print options
* Databases/Content: Repurposes ISEEK resources for lower literacy users (ex. Career profiles, education searches)
12/7/2018

15. “I have a learner or student who is preparing for further education or a career, and needs help planning how to start and where to go.”

16. GPSLifePlan.org
GPS LifePlan helps learners look at several aspects of their lives (career, education, finance, leadership, and personal) to create an action plan and help them achieve their goals.
12/7/2018

17. 12/7/2018

18. Provides a virtual three-ring binder
Allows more ownership for students
Can password protect areas and provide feedback
Can be shaped & polished for showcasing skills

19. Customized for Colleges
12/7/2018

20. Versions Learn more for Various Audiences
gpslifeplan.org/ workforce
gpslifeplan.org/ mnscumilitary
Versions
for Various Audiences
Learn more
at 11:15 AM session in Board 1.
gpslifeplan.org/ secondary
12/7/2018

21. Gateway to Careers
“I have a learner who wants to have a career but is not sure in what industry and needs help exploring the possibilities.”
12/7/2018

22. 12/7/2018

23. Use the Career Gateway to:
Gateway to Careers
Use the Career Gateway to:
Assess Yourself
Explore 16 Career Clusters
Research Education Options
Locate Financial Aid Opportunities and Social Service Resources
Apply to Jobs
Connect with Placement Services

24. Gateway to Careers Who is our audience? First time job seekers
Career changers
People looking to match work skills, interests, and values to a new career
Individuals requiring a more organized job search
12/7/2018

25. Learner Web
“I have a learner who is interested in working on career exploration and academic goals using an online tool with the help of a tutor or teacher.”
12/7/2018

26. learnerweb.org
Online framework for matching learners to plans that will help them meet their learning goals. Plans filled with free web-based resources, assessments, and portfolio space.
12/7/2018

27. Tutor or Teacher Facilitated
Tutors
Tutors are used to scaffold learners’ access to technology
Tutors help learners “learn to click” before we ask them to “click to learn”
Teachers
Learner Management Tool helps teachers keep track of learner progress
Teachers use plans to increase intensity of classroom instruction.
Face-to-face support important for learner persistence.
12/7/2018

28. Learner Web Content Digital Literacy Career Orientation Additional ABE
Computer Basics
Internet Basics
Internet Search
Internet Security
Facebook
How to access to high-speed Internet
How to find a computer
Career Orientation
Introduction to career concept
Setting personal career goals
Support for success on the job
Access to specific local career pathways programming
Additional ABE
Citizenship
English Language
ABE Basic Skills
Transitions Content:
Accuplacer Prep
Intro to colleges
Prep for post-secondary vocational education programs.
These learning plans are approved Distance Learning Tools in Minnesota.
12/7/2018

29. Information about Learner Web
Learner Web is currently available through ABE programs in these MN locations.
Mankato Area
Minneapolis
NE MN
Roseville
St. Paul
SW MN
Implementation Sites ABE sites and WFCs and CBOs working with ABE programs.
Information about Learner Web
Learner Web Demonstration
Questions
12/7/2018

30. Digital Literacy Training Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities (MIRC)
“I have a learner who has never touched a computer or mouse.”
“I have a learner who knows the basics, but doesn’t know how to use a computer to write a resume, search for a job or increase their level of education.”
These learners are unable to submit an online job application, an employer, or research classes to gain skills. They are unaware of and unable to use even basic online tools designed to improve their lives.
12/7/2018

31. Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities (MIRC) Digital Literacy Training
OBJECTIVES:
Help all adults with little or no computer skills in any of the five key areas:
Basic Computer Skills (mouse, touchpad, screen, keyboard)
Basic Internet Skills (how the Internet works and how to use it)
Basic Skills (create an account, basic use)
Basic Microsoft Operating System (how to use a computer)
Basic Word Processing (writing and formatting a simple doc)
Provide training that is contextual and self-guided:
Contextual training uses an online guide to teach learners to use the keyboard, mouse, touchpad and computer screen within the context of the guide’s own job search experience.
Allow learners to start work in the skills area they are lacking.
Downloadable resource documents with new vocabulary words and information about online practice sites.
Introduce learners to free existing online tools for job search and career exploration:
MnWorks.net, CareerOneStop.org, ISEEK.org, and many others.
Learning levels:
Adults with little or no computer skills in any of the five areas
Intermediate or higher ELL learners
Intended to be started in a location where someone can help the learner navigate to the training website, and be available to offer minimal assistance such as an adult education site, WorkForce Center, library or community education center.
12/7/2018

32. Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities (MIRC) Digital Literacy Training
Learn Computer Skills in 5 Key Areas
Learn About Job Search and Career Tools
12/7/2018

33. Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities (MIRC) Digital Literacy Training
Easy to Navigate Learning Commons menu:
Includes Downloadable Resource Documents
12/7/2018

34. ISEEK “I want to find a job in Minnesota in a tough job market.”
“I am a student or adult learner and need help finding a degree or credential.”
“I am a teacher, counselor, parent or advisor and I want my students/Learners/children to be successful in finding careers, education and jobs.”
12/7/2018

35. ISEEK.org
ISEEK helps Minnesotans to research, organize, and understand successful pathways to careers, education, and jobs that best fit each individual.
12/7/2018

36. www.ISEEK.org OBJECTIVES:
Provide timely, accurate, reliable information to Minnesota’s job seekers, students and the intermediaries that support them.
With experts, serve diverse audiences to understand career and training options.
Counselors Parents
Ex-offenders Veterans
Recently unemployed Immigrants/Refugees
People with disabilities Low-income, low skilled
Bring together information from state agencies and partners in one place and in ways that an average person can understand and use it.
Work with industry experts to help Minnesotans learn about how to be plan for and get jobs in
Technology
Manufacturing
Green
Energy
Healthcare
Work with local leaders to display the most recent information about education, careers and jobs is available by region on our regional web pages.
Promote digital literacy as required by Minnesota’s employers.
12/7/2018

37. www.ISEEK.org Explore Careers Search Careers Tool (videos)
Assess Yourself
Skills & Interest Assessments tied to careers
Set Goals
Reality Check Tool
Research Careers
Growing & Emerging Careers
Plan Your Education
Search Education Tool
Explore Education Options
Prepare for College
Pay for College
Apply to College
Find a Job
Search Tool for Jobs, Businesses, Salaries
Explore the Job Market
Job Vacancies
Hot Jobs
Develop your Resume
Apply for Jobs
Interview & Negotiate
Manage Job Loss & Transition
12/7/2018

38. For Instructors, Advisors and Counselors:
12/7/201812/7/2018
For Instructors, Advisors and Counselors:
Videos (Career, Education, Jobs)
Webinars
Curriculum
Goal Setting Plans
Quizzes
Career Clusters
Additional Features MN Careers Publication
Print, Share, Save
Blog
News & Events (RSS Feeds)
Newsletter/Announcements
FutureWorks

39. MN Programs of Study
“I have a high school student who is interested in a career and doesn’t know how which high school classes to take to prepare for that career.”
12/7/2018

40. MNPOS.COM
OBJECTIVES:
Programs of Study is a sequence of courses that are both required and elective that begin in high school.
This project provides contextual information to job seekers and students to make informed decisions about careers and education options.
Designed to support those from under-represented populations at various stages of life.
Simplified information on Career Pathways helps end users to explore career planning independently .
Promote the Career Clusters.
Connects Career Clusters with Programs of Study using ISEEK career profiles and education data.
Revamps ISEEK’s Career Clusters to include Career Pathways.
79 landing pages with pathway definitions, pathways image, and links to occupations and programs of study.
New Career Cluster Interest Assessment.
12/7/2018

41. 12/7/2018

42. MNPOS.COM
12/7/2018

43. MNPOS.COM
12/7/2018

44. Occupations link to ISEEK or O*NET profiles
12/7/2018

45. *Job Now!
“I have a learner who lives in the Twin Cities seven-county area and needs help with a resume or preparing for a job interview.”
12/7/2018

46. Metropolitan Library Service Agency
Free online resume and
interview coach
Available for metro-area public library customers
Log on from any computer and connect with your library bar code
Live sessions in English and Spanish
Resources for job search, career tips, resume, cover letter and interview
Available 1-11 PM, seven days a week
Metropolitan Library Service Agency
12/7/2018

47. Melsa.org Free Technology training for building Job Skills
Free basic technology classes at metro- area public libraries
Instructors from the Science Museum of Minnesota, Computer Education Center
Check your metro-area public library for schedule
Basic Computer, , Internet, Word, Xcel and Power Point for Building Job Skills
Melsa.org
12/7/2018

48. Questions
12/7/2018

49. Contact Information:
Pat Thomas (My MN Careers): Shelia McComb (ISEEK): Michele Jersak (GPS LifePlan): Janet Flam (Gateway To Careers): Laura Nedved (MIRC – Digital Literacy): Jen Vanek (Learner Web): Melinda Ludwiczak (Jobs Now! & Melsa): Yingfah Thao (MN Programs of Study):
12/7/2018