Transcript Document
U.S.A. Learns An ESL Web-based Tool for Distance Education AGENDA • Development & Components of USAL • Course Content Overview • Teacher Site Overview • Implementing U.S.A.Learns in a distance education program What is U.S.A. Learns? A free Web site for immigrant adults who want to improve their English language skills Who is the target audience? Immigrant Adults with beginning or intermediate English language skills (NRS levels 2 through 5) limited opportunities for attending traditional classes Who created U.S.A.Learns? Sacramento County Office of Education, Internet and Media Services and Project IDEAL, University of Michigan through a federal grant from the U.S. Dept. of Education, Office of Vocational and Adult Education FUN FACTS Total # of visitors Repeat Visitors 2,069,326 633,751 Average time on site 27 minutes Number of countries 188 represented What are the hardware requirements? • Fast Internet connection at least 384 Kbps or faster; no dial-up connections • Up-to-date Web browser with Flash plug-in What are the hardware requirements? • Sound card • Speakers or headphones • Microphone (optional) What computer skills are required? Mouse: • Click and scroll Keyboard: • Letters, backspace, shift key, space bar What computer skills are required? Web browser: • Open a browser (e.g. IE, Safari, Firefox). • Navigate a basic Web site. • Click buttons and links. Microphone: • optional What are the USAL components? Independent Learner Site usalearns.org Teacher Site usalearns.org/teacher Class Site usalearns.org/class What are the USAL components? 1st English Course: Beginner 20 video-based units: Survival language topics What are the USAL components? 2nd English Course: Intermediate 20 video-story based units: Job & Life Skills topics What are the USAL components? Practice English and Reading: Intermediate 42 stories: Various topics First English Course Unit Menu 1st Course Topic menu 2nd English Course Topic Menu Practice English and Reading Topic Menu What are the features of USAL? Clean Intuitive Design Directions and feedback in consistent locations on standardized screen templates Simple navigation; easy-to-see buttons Graphic and audio-animated Help screens What are the features of USAL? High Quality Video Video programs converted to an interactive Web-based learning system Putting English to Work English for All Interesting and humorous characters, situations and stories relevant to immigrants What are the features of USAL? Language Development Activities Practice of: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking skills Special focus on: Vocabulary, Life Skills, Grammar Activity Types Activity Types Learn New Words Intermediate Vocabulary Spell It! Match Game Listen for it! Grammar - Writing Life Skills - Listening and Reading Life Skills - Reading a Lease Write about it! Making Choices -You Predict Thinking Skills - Drawing Conclusions Self-Reflection - Learning Log Say it! - Record your Voice Teacher Site usalearns.org/teacher What can I do at the Teacher site? • Create an online class. • Monitor student’s progress and scores. • Score/comment on writing assignments. • And… What can I do at the Teacher site? • Post messages to the online class • Print an instruction document to help learners sign into the online class. • View/download Scope and Sequence Teacher Home Page Student Scores-Activity Menu Feedback on Student Writing Remember! Different URL for students in class usalearns.org/class URL for teacher management usalearns.org/teacher U.S.A. Learns In a Distance Education Program Getting the Most out of USAL Register on the Teacher site. Give students a personal tour of the course for orientation. Make sure students use the Class site. Monitor your student’s progress online to find their problem areas. Getting the Most out of USAL Familiarize yourself with the content; check scope and sequence document. Use the rich video content, storylines, characters for writing assignments, discussion and other activities. Suggest other online sites to extend and supplement USAL content. Teach Good Learning Habits Encourage students to: Spend about 30 minutes a day rather than speeding through all the content in one sitting. View videos 2 or 3 times with and without the script. Practice speaking either with a mic or simply speaking out loud. Teach Good Learning Habits Encourage students to: Keep a learning journal for new words, expressions, practice, and questions. Set personal goals and self-monitor. Supplement their learning on other Websites you suggest. Face-to-Face Time Inverted Classroom First contact with content is online, outside of class. Teacher time is for communication, discussion, interaction, practice of content. “Are there any questions?” starts the class rather than ends the class. U.S.A. Learns Questions? Problems? [email protected]