Learning Technology Innovation Leadership courses are now available to you from the LearnIT2teach Project

If you are a professional in an IRCC program looking to lead innovation in a LINC or ELT program, we have two-part Moodle-based online training to offer. Each part has six weekly units and the time demand is 1.5 – 2 hours per unit. The course content includes readings, podcasts and videos, and course activities encourage sharing and collaboration with peers in the sector.

Part 1, a pre–requisite for Part 2, focuses on:

• An orientation to Computer-assisted language learning (CALL) historically, and Technology-enhanced Language Learning (TELL) more currently. In the TELL class, learning technology is threaded through learning to be as pervasive and encompassing as information technology is in everyday life;
• Blended learning as a language training practice;
• The blended learning courseware and hosting provided by the LearnIT2teach to the LINC sector at Edulinc.org;
• The teacher training options provided by the LearnIT2teach Project to IRCC-funded language training professionals.

Part 2 focuses on:

• Developing personal leadership skills to support learning technology innovation in a language training program;
• Increasing knowledge of theory, evidence and better learning technology practices in the language training sector;
• Formulating arguments and strategies to encourage and enable learning technology innovation within an organization, and with clients and funders;
• Articulating the outline of a plan for local learning technology innovation.

The courses have recently completed pilot field  testing and participant comments were positive. Three cohorts of roughly 12 teachers were the test groups for Part 1. Ninety percent of Part 1 participants in the field trial chose to go on to Part 2.

If you are looking to delve deeper into the question of innovation in the settlement language training sector, send a note to Mavis Spencer at admin@learnit2teach.ca and she will send you a link to the online sign up form.

Here are some comments from participants in the course:
“I would say that this course successfully took my knowledge of computers in the classroom through a profound paradigm shift.  What I had previously seen as computer assisted language learning was only the tip of the learning opportunity iceberg.  By looking at the use of technology to enhance what goes on in the language classroom, this allowed the door of expanding technology to be pushed wide open.  Technology has a huge part to play to not only assist but enhance language learning.  The Edulinc Courseware already created along with the amazing LMS tools available can make instructors jobs easier and more rewarding.  With the concept of the flipped classroom, Teachers can be freed up to work one on one with students helping them develop skills at the students own pace instead of being the talking head at the front of the room.  I am truly convinced this shift can and will be made in LINC classrooms in the future.”

“The six modules that we’ve gone through actually got me to refocus on my own understanding and gave me opportunities to think both deeper and wider on technology and blended learning in the language classroom.  I really appreciate the integration of a wide range of materials and topics related to blended learning in this course, from theories to process and to the latest applications of technology in the educational fields.  It has now dawned on me that our settlement language training sector has a lot to catch up to align with the 21st century.  It is intimidating to a lot of our instructors because we are at the cross road between the old and new, and the new is approaching so fast.  You don’t know how much you’re behind until you have the chance to see what’s out there.  This course opens my eyes.” 

“I’ve really enjoyed this online learning experience.  It has been a pleasure reading all the well written posts from the group on the forum.  I look forward to starting the next phase.  The real work awaits with the plan on implementation.”