Distance Learning for ESL StudentsDevin MowatDL and ESL InstructorSouth Metro Adult Basic Education

Traditional Distance Learning

•Students are ONLY enrolled in a distance learning class, not in traditional classroom setting

•Orientation and screening usually occurs face to face with instructor

•All instruction occurs in a distance setting

•CASAS/TABE testing usually required to continue use

Hybrid Distance Learning Instruction

•Any combination of in class (face to face) instruction and distance instruction

•Same subjects in both, or different subjects•Examples:

▫ESL students in ESL class and learning reading comprehension online

▫CNA-Preparation Course teaches theory and practice in face to face class, students learn basic math skills online

•CASAS/TABE testing as part of face to face class

What makes a good distance learner?

•Screening Survey activity

What makes a good distance learner?

•Digital Literacy Skills▫ability to manipulate mouse and use a

keyboard▫ability to navigate to a website▫ability to log-in using a password▫ability to follow instructions as well as

intuit/figure out where to click

What makes a good distance learner?

•Time to complete proxy hours required by your program

•Organizational skills•Quiet place to work•Willingness to ask for help•Reliable access to a computer•Reading Skills

▫Prerequisite CASAS scores for each platform can be found on the MNABE Distance Learning site

How can I screen my students?

•Informal e-mail screening▫assesses students’ computer literacy skills

and communication skills•Formal online questionnaire or survey

▫assesses students’ computer literacy skills and allows instructor to ask questions about other aspects, such as time available

• See more screening tools on the MN ABE Distance Learning website!

Approved DL Platforms for use with ESL Students• Skills Tutor-paid for and supported by the state• English for All - free• USA Learns-free• Learner Web- fee based• Crossroads Café- fee based• Ellis Academics- fee based• Easy ESL- fee based• Rosetta Stone- fee based

More information about DL platforms, including recommended NRS levels:http://mnabe-distancelearning.org/minnesota-programs

Further Professional Development: Project Ideal•DL101

▫Through focused webinars and discussion, sites create an implementation plan for distance learning. Sites then implement their plans and report their results.

•DL102▫Participants analyze a specific barrier or

obstacle they have faced and work with peers to find ways to better support their learners.

For more information…•http://mnabe-distancelearning.org/

▫Resources for screening, orientation, implementation, and professional development

▫Information on approved DL platforms prerequisites counting proxy hours super user contact information

•Project Ideal – jennifer.weaverling@spps.org•Questions for me?

dmowat@bloomington.k12.mn.us