Meeting the Digital Literacy Needs of Low-Skilled Workforce
Center Clients: Using supported distance learning across systems
Summer Institute 2013
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Presenters Tom Cytron-Hysom, Coordinator Ray Douha, UI Nola
Speiser, DEED Brian Sturm, Mankato Computer Skills Teacher Allison
Runchey, Volunteer Coordinator
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Background: UI Applicants Lack literacy skills
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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
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Partner Roles DEED initial facilitative role UI/REA provide
clients Workforce Centers host sites ABE assessment and
instruction
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Cross-System Challenges Different funding streams and
accountability measures Differences in organizational (system)
cultures Centralized vs. de-centralized Turf Communication
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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
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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
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Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment
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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
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Learner Web - Instruction
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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
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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
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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
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How it works in practice
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The role of volunteers Provide individualized help to
participants Assist staff with assessment of clients needs Bring
unique perspectives, skills and optimism Enhanced learning outcomes
for clients
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Volunteers what works? Clear communication
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Volunteers what works? Support from staff
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Volunteers what works? Building relationships
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Volunteers what works? Tapping into their strengths
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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
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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
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Challenges Many individuals resist digital literacy instruction
limited time, dont understand relevance to job search, etc.
Coordination of REA and UI Adequate lab space and hours
