The Future of EL Civics: Integrating Distance Learning

Claudia Farnandez, CPCCRebeca Fernandez, CPCCGilda Rubio-Festa, CPCC

Why Distance Learning Distance Learning in Basic Skills Distance Learning – Civics Explore – Civics Online Courses

Technology Development – Student Demand – Demographics Educational opportunities – flat budgets

Technology Voice: phone, audio tapes,

CD, radio, conference call

Computer : Computer Assisted

Instruction: Instructional Software

Computer Managed Instruction: LMS- computer organizes instruction, tracks student work

Computer Mediated – web, email, real time conferencing

Print Text book, study guides -

The Future of EL Civics: Integrating Distance Learning

Video

University of Idahohttp://www.uiweb.uidaho.edu/eo/dist1.html

Distance Learning: Teacher and learner are separated by physical distance and instruction delivered by technology and or print.

Distance Learning - Connecting the Components

Distance Education—Formal learning activity where students and instructors are separated by geography, time or both for the majority of the instructional period.  Distance learning materials are delivered through a variety of media including, but not limited to, print, audio recording, videotape, broadcasts, computer software, web-based programs and other online technology. Teachers support distance learners through communication via mail, telephone, e-mail or online technologies and software.

National Reporting System; http://www.nrsonline.org/reference/?chapter=2&section=5&topic=2&subtopic=2

The Future of EL Civics: Integrating Distance Learning

The Future of EL Civics: Integrating Distance Learning

Introduction to Delivering at a Distance, North Carolina Basic SkillsNorth Carolina Online http://ncbsonline.net/main.htm

It is designed for teachers and administrators who are new to developing and implementing a distance learning program. This training serves as a resource for any instructors and administrators who need additional information or ideas on implementing distance learning programs.

“An educational program that emphasizescontextualized instruction on the rights andresponsibilities of citizenship, naturalizationprocedures, civic participation, and US historyand government to help students acquire theskills and knowledge to become active andinformed parents, workers and communitymembers”

--Federal Register, 1999

Contextualized instruction Civics themes Skills and knowledge acquisition

Began in early 1900s for the purpose of assimilating European immigrants

Revised in the 1960s to be more realistic and participatory

Expanded in the 2000s to include individuals’ varying needs for both civic knowledge and language skills

The EL/Civics program at CPCC is committed to improving the

English language skills and American civic knowledge of adult

immigrants so they can be informed and responsiblecommunity participants . The program is founded on

respectand acknowledgement of all cultures and learnerbackgrounds and fosters both local and global citizenshipthrough courses and educational opportunities that usetechnology to connect all students to a life of greater short-term and long-term career opportunities.

“Having determined [student] needs,practitioners can find a wide variety of ideas andteaching materials for use with learners at alllevels, both online and through local

sourcessuch as public libraries, community centers,schools, courthouses, and police stations.”

Center for Adult English Language Acquisition, 2006

Contextualized instruction Civics themes Skills and knowledge acquisition Electronic or print medium Physical distance between teacher and

student Other (e.g. personnel, resources, etc.)

Source: Zemsky, R. & Massy, W.F. (2004). Thwarted Innovation. Final Report for the Weatherstation Project: University of Pennsylvania.