Extend Your ReachExpanding Distance Learning with Volunteers

Agenda Overview of Distance Learning in MN

ABE How volunteers fit in DL Benefits & challenges Resources & examples How you can get started

What is Distance Learning?

Distance learning (DL) is a structured learning experience where the teacher and the learner are not always present in the same place at the same time.

DL in MN ABE 181,000 hours in PY2014

DL Programming Models DL-only: learners only enroll in DL and

have no face-to-face (F2F) classes Dual-enrollment: learners enroll in two

classes – DL and F2F. The two classes have different teachers and run independently of each other.

Hybrid or Blended Learning: learners enroll in one class that uses both modes of learning. One teacher does both DL and F2F instruction. Content of DL & F2F is coordinated.

Use Existing Resources 18 Platforms approved in MN Teachers don’t create online courses;

they choose & assign content from approved curricula

Learn more at:www.mnabe-distancelearning.org/approved-dl-platforms

Why DL? Potential to reach new learners Intensify services to current learners Meet diverse needs Develop digital literacy skills in context Younger learners want/expect online

learning Increase learning outcomes

Open Door LCs had 48% more level gains in ESL learners with at least 10 hours of DL

Components of DL Programming Recruitment & Screening Orientation Instruction Assessment & Feedback

Volunteers can help with all of these!

Small Group Discussion What is your program currently doing

for DL? Do you currently involve volunteers in

your DL program? If so, how? What would you like to be able to do

in DL (that you can’t currently do)?

DL at Open Door Learning Centers Dual-enrollment 1 DL Coordinator/Instructor 20

hrs/week 4 sites in 2 cities Skills Tutor & USA Learns 287 learners with 3498 hours (May-

Oct 2015)

Volunteers Extend Our ReachMay-Oct 2015 16 DL Volunteers 275 hours = 10.5 hours/week Increases DL staffing by 50%!

Access is Critical

Roles for VolunteersIn Recruitment Posting flyers Skills Tutor bulletin board Visiting classrooms to promote the

program Share learning center posts on

FaceBook Recruit new volunteers!

Roles for VolunteersIn Orientation Assist learners so the DL instructor

can give her full attention to orienting new learners

When DL instructor is not present, lead tutors set up accounts & provide DL orientation

Roles for VolunteersIn Instruction Lead tutors run DL computer labs Float in DL computer labs Work 1-to-1 with learners Coach learners on Digital Literacy

skills

Roles for VolunteersIn Assessment & Feedback Share observations with

DL instructor Update progress chart

Roles for Volunteers Promote incentives

Computer scholarship Winter break rewards (gift certificates)

Bilingual volunteers follow up on email, phone, or text message with encouragement Also call learners who haven’t logged in

Encourage donations by local businesses

Computer Scholarship Recipients

Thanks to our partners atPCs for People!

Benefits More lab times! More personal connections with

learners DL instructor can’t be everywhere at

once. Volunteers allow us to support 4 sites in 2 cities with both day & evening programming.

Challenges Recruiting volunteers with both

interest & skills for supporting DL Volunteers find enforcing lab rules

difficult Learners want to use the lab for non-DL

activities Volunteers need DL-specific training

Platform training, DL policy Volunteer turn-over

Professional Development is Crucial DL101 is strongly recommended for

the supervising teacher or coordinator

Resources!DL Website:

www.mnabe-distancelearning.org

Google Drive with Open Door LC Materials:

http://tinyurl.com/VMC2015DL

Planning a Role for a Volunteer

Questions?

Contact Me!Susan Wetenkamp-Brandtswbrandt@mnliteracy.org651-251-9090Twitter: @swbrandt