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Meeting the Digital Literacy Needs of Low-Skilled Workforce Center Clients: . Using supported distance learning across systems . Summer Institute 2013. Presenters. Tom Cytron-Hysom, Coordinator Ray Douha, UI Nola Speiser, DEED Brian Sturm, Mankato Computer Skills Teacher - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Meeting the Digital Literacy Needsof Low-Skilled Workforce Center Clients:
Using supported distance learning across systems
Summer Institute 2013
Presenters
• Tom Cytron-Hysom, Coordinator• Ray Douha, UI• Nola Speiser, DEED• Brian Sturm, Mankato Computer Skills Teacher• Allison Runchey, Volunteer Coordinator
Agenda
• Project Overview• Background (Need and Purpose)• Partner Roles and Perspectives• Use of Supported Distance learning
– Service delivery model– Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment– Learner Web
• Service Delivery• Evaluation• Discussion and Questions
Project Overview
• Lack of digital literacy skills identified as risk factor for REA UI clients (at risk of exhausting benefits)
• Goal: To assess and remediate this risk factor– Assess skill level– Provide targeted education for identified skills gaps– Re-assess and credential skills gained
Project Overview - continued
• Pilot project: April – November 2013• Collaborative project including ABE, DEED/UI/REA• Sites: Workforce centers in Ramsey County, Osseo,
Mankato, and Duluth
Background: Need
• Significant number of applicants lack literacy skills – Unable to perform jobs in their labor market area
– Unable take advantage of job training programs
– Lack basic skills and competencies
– They are structurally excluded from job training opportunities
• UI reached out to ABE staff in DEED – To Better understand this concern
– Use computer literacy as starting point
Background: UI Applicants
Lack literacy skills
Background: Purpose
• Determine if basic literacy needs could be identified during Unemployment Insurance intake processes
• Determine if applicants could be successfully referred to other providers – To identify their exact needs – Create a remediation plan
• Provide an opportunity to better understand this need so that policy makers could address the longer term need
Partner Roles
• DEED – initial facilitative role• UI/REA – provide clients• Workforce Centers – host sites• ABE – assessment and instruction
Cross-System Challenges
• Different funding streams and accountability measures
• Differences in organizational (system) cultures• Centralized vs. de-centralized• Turf• Communication
Service Delivery Model
• Brief paper screener during REA sessions• Those with some skills can take full Northstar
assessment• Those with limited skills assigned to Learner Web
learning plans• Participation written into work plan requirements• Regular supported instructional sessions provided, with
tutor support, in computer labs• Northstar administered on completion; certificate
awarded
Supported Distance Learning
• To assess digital literacy needs• To teach digital literacy skills• To credential digital literacy knowledge• Staff/tutor support essential element of instruction
Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment
Northstar – Assessment and Certification
• Specific standards developed through community-based process
• Being adopted by MDE ABE as statewide digital literacy standards
• Includes six online, self guided assessment modules• Available to anyone on the Web• Successful completion (85% correct) at sponsor sites
leads to Northstar Digital Literacy certificate
Learner Web - Instruction
Learner Web
• Made for ABE• Research-based• An approved DL platform in Minnesota• Customizable according to regional and program
needs• Most effective with face-to-face support
Learner Web Provides
• Dynamic content matched to learner needs and goals• Designed for adults• Built around free web-based resources and needs• On-going assessment of learner mastery• Assistance from staff and trained tutors
Learning plans for this project include
• Northstar 1: Basic Computer Use• Northstar 2: World Wide Web• Northstar 3: Windows 7• Northstar 4: Using Email• Northstar 5: Microsoft Word 2010
How it works in practice
The role of volunteers
• Provide individualized help to participants
• Assist staff with assessment of client’s needs
• Bring unique perspectives, skills and optimism
• Enhanced learning outcomes for clients
Volunteers – what works?
Clear communication
Volunteers – what works?
Support from staff
Volunteers – what works?
Building relationships
Volunteers – what works?
Tapping into their strengths
Program Results through mid-July
• Four WFC sites staffed and operating• 610 individuals screened• 365 completed at least one Northstar module• 147 began at least one Learner Web plan• 244 proxy hours earned• 17 volunteer tutors have contributed over 130 hours
Evaluation
• Results will help determine continuation/expansion of project
• Quantitative date: Number served, services received, etc.
• Formative/Qualitative: Project development and implementation, systems issues, recommendations
• Longitudinal: DEED to look at re-employment outcomes
Challenges
• Many individuals resist digital literacy instruction – limited time, don’t understand relevance to job search, etc.
• Coordination of REA and UI• Adequate lab space and hours
Questions?