Distance learning options to support student success Distance Learning Project January 29, 2015 What are some challenges your program faces? Students need more instruction to prepare for the GED test Teachers don t feel comfortable teaching all areas of the GED test Growing need for ESOL services Students aren t comfortable with computers Students don t have access to technology in the classroom My program doesn t have access to an online GED curriculum Students stop attending before they reach their goals We only offer Language Arts and Math GED test prep classes Distance Learning Update Webinar 1 29 15 1
Distance learning can be one option to help your program, teachers, and students What is Distance Learning? Independent study Supported by an experienced distance teacher Students have weekly assignments GED Test preparation, academic skills improvement, and ESOL Online or workbook Distance Learning Update Webinar 1 29 15 2
Think of one of your students that may benefit from participating in distance learning. What are the student s goals? Why would the student want to do distance learning? What are the student s strengths and areas for improvement? Distance Learning Update Webinar 1 29 15 3
Distance Learning Screening Screening for Distance Learning Assessment scores Self motivated Communication Goal oriented Skill? Academic skills Computer skills Independent learning skills Distance Learning Update Webinar 1 29 15 4
Will? Motivation Clear Goal Timeframe Hill? Managed instruction Weekly assignments Weekly teacher support Feedback Distance Learning Update Webinar 1 29 15 5
Is your student a good fit for DL? Classes and curriculum Online and print based options 5 hours per week (can be adjusted for blended students) Subject specific classes, leveled by skills Independent work, live online classes Distance Learning Update Webinar 1 29 15 6
Course options ESOL ESOL to ABE Bridge ABE/GED Online only Live online classes Independent study Reading, writing, speaking, listening Intermediate ESL or higher Online only Live online classes Independent study Focus on reading and writing Tested out of ESOL services and Low Intermediate ABE on a ABE assessment Online or printbased Live online classes for online students Reading Writing Math Social Studies Science High Intermediate ABE or higher Online lessons like the GED test Distance Learning Update Webinar 1 29 15 7
Drop down Fill in the blank Distance Learning Update Webinar 1 29 15 8
Drag and drop Test tips Distance Learning Update Webinar 1 29 15 9
Tabs and scrolling Extended Response Writing Distance Learning Update Webinar 1 29 15 10
Live Online webinars Distance Learning Update Webinar 1 29 15 11
Teacher s role Communicate with students weekly Provide direct instruction, support, encouragement Monitor progress and provide feedback Document progress and communicate with local referral agency E case notes Distance Learning Update Webinar 1 29 15 12
Supporting program performance Students need more instruction to prepare p for the GED test Supporting Program Performance Students need more instruction to prepare for the GED test One solution Use blended instruction where students participate in class and also do distance learning Refer to distance learning so students can work on specific skills they need to master Educational Gain and Outcomes Distance Learning Update Webinar 1 29 15 13
Supporting Program Performance Students stop attending before they reach their goals Supporting Program Performance Students stop attending before they reach their goals One solution Refer to DL case managers, teachers can keep this in mind as an option Educational Gain and Outcomes Distance Learning Update Webinar 1 29 15 14
Supporting Program Performance Growing ESOL need Supporting Program Performance Growing ESOL need One solution Refer ESOL students for either blended or DL only Enrollment, Educational Gain Distance Learning Update Webinar 1 29 15 15
Supporting teachers Teachers don t feel comfortable teaching all areas of the GED test yet OR the program doesn t offer classes in all 4 subject areas Supporting teachers Teachers don t feel comfortable teaching all areas of the GED test yet OR the program doesn t offer classes in all 4 subject areas Two solutions Refer students to DL for a subject until your teacher gets up to speed Refer to DL for classes your program doesn t offer Educational Gain, Outcomes Distance Learning Update Webinar 1 29 15 16
Supporting teachers Students don t have access to technology in the classroom Supporting teachers Students don t have access to technology in the classroom One solution Use the blended format Classes and DL students can use computers, tablets, smart phones for studies at home Educational Gain, Outcomes Distance Learning Update Webinar 1 29 15 17
Supporting students Students aren t comfortable with computers Supporting students Students aren t comfortable with computers One solution Use the blended format so students can use class time to work on academic skills where they need direct instruction and work on distance learning class work at home to build academic and technology skills Educational Gain, Outcomes Distance Learning Update Webinar 1 29 15 18
Supporting students The program doesn t have an online GED curriculum Supporting students The program doesn t have an online GED curriculum One solution Refer to DL so students can experience the GED test content online at no cost to the program or student Educational Gain, Outcomes Distance Learning Update Webinar 1 29 15 19
Which solutions do you think might apply to your program? Using blended instruction (face toface instruction and DL) Refer to DL when students can no longer attend classes Refer ESOL students for online classes Refer students for a specific subject Refer students so they can build their technology skills Refer students to DL so they can experience online GED test questions How to refer a student PDE requirement make DL available to appropriate students Simple, easy process that puts ownership on students Identify a DL contact at your agency Distance Learning Update Webinar 1 29 15 20
How to refer a student Intake Assessment Orientation Online referral Phone orientation with the DLP Distance Learning Update Webinar 1 29 15 21
Program requirements Intake Assessment (pre post) post) Enter in e data Enter scores in the online application system Communicate with the distance learning teacher as needed Distance Learning Update Webinar 1 29 15 22
How do DL students affect performance? Need 12 face to face hours to be enrolled in your program Intake Assessments Orientation Face to face classes, tutoring, drop in support Reports from DLP 3 reports at the beginning of each session: Students active this session Students closed from the previous session Summary report of all students referred this program year Distance Learning Update Webinar 1 29 15 23
Next Steps Share the info with staff/students DLP staff can come and meet with your staff Website www.padistancelearning.org Flyers Developing a video you can show at orientation Identify at least 2 students that could benefit from DL and refer them to the program by the end of the PY www.padistancelearning.org Destiny Long Simpson dlong@tiu11.org 717 248 4942 ext. 199 Distance Learning Update Webinar 1 29 15 24