TESL Ontario Webinar: Learning Tech Innovation in the Adult Settlement Language Training Sector

  • April 8, 2019

When: Thursday, May 30, 2019 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Presenter: Rob McBride

Where: TESL Ontario Group on Tutela http://www.teslontario.org/webinar-series

Webinar Description:

Online learning technology represents an opportunity and a challenge for adult ESL and LINC professionals. Learners want the language gains and flexibility that blended or online learning provides, and they need orientation to information technology because it’s so integrated in the landscape of daily life. But, many language training programs are held back by gaps in teachers’ skill, lack of reliable local Wi-Fi, shortages of paid release time, and shortcomings in leadership.

Since 2010, the LearnIT2teach project has provided learner courseware to support LINC blended learning and four stages of teacher training on how to put the courseware to work. Since 2015, the project has also provided an additional level of training for lead teachers and managers, Learning Technology Innovation Leadership (LTIL). The course is mentored and delivered online, and seven cohorts of leaders have progressed through the course. Participants in the course have self-identified as technology leaders, and their forum posts contain valuable lessons on change management and innovation.

This webinar is an opportunity to review and discuss:

  • lessons learned from LTIL participants
  • innovation theory and its application to the adult settlement language training field
  • the value of IT for successful settlement in Canada
  • the contents and value of the LearnIT2teach Language Learning Leadership Guide

LearnIT2teach

Website: www.learnit2teach.ca

Twitter: @learnIT2teach

LearnIT2teach is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Language Learning Leadership Guide https://leadership.learnit2teach.ca/

An evaluation report was published in 2018 on the Learning Technology Innovation Leadership course. It’s available at: http://learnit2teach.ca/wpnew/reports/LTIL_Participant_&_Program_Evaluat…

Webinar Type: Technology

Categories: Technology, organization, blended learning, online learning

Participant Level: No previous knowledge required

About the presenter:

Rob McBride is the LearnIT2teach Project Manager of Administration and Communication, and has been the Executive Director of New Language Solutions since its inception in 1983. Rob has worked as a teacher, researcher, writer and producer, principally in the settlement language training and adult literacy basic skills sectors. Rob works on projects where building basic knowledge and skills has the maximum positive impact on the work and personal lives of learners.

New Part 1 Learning Technology Leadership Group Begins Course Monday, April 8, 2019

  • March 30, 2019

Six-week course is online and mentored

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.

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.”

The Selected Annotated Bibliography

  • March 26, 2019

Adult Settlement Blended & Online Language Training:

What are the pros and cons of blended or online learning? Are there practical ways to introduce technology to the classroom? What impact can Web 2.0 have on program flexibility and learner outcomes? TESL professionals looking for research on blended and online language instruction in settlement programs have a convenient online resource for professional development and research; The LearnIT2teach Project continues to support the development and hosting of “The Annotated Bibliography: Adult Settlement Blended & Online Language Learning.” This Tutela online resource summarizes the contents of more than 100 articles from the research literature. The bibliography is divided into 16 sections ranging from Instructor Readiness to Learner Readiness and Learner Attitudes Toward Technology, all the way to Technology Tools.

Researchers Trudy Kennell and Maria Moriarty researched and wrote the bibliography and update it with new entries monthly. According to Trudy and Maria, “We were glad to have this opportunity. It gave us a chance to apply our separate backgrounds and depth of knowledge in the areas of language learning and blended learning. We were able to critically analyze some very useful research.”

Interesting surprises for the authors were the importance of digital technologies and the Internet in the lives of newcomers to Canada, and the role information technology plays in helping people stay connected to their home country while adapting and adjusting to life in Canada. Making their job a bit easier was, “The availability of such a wealth of material freely available – and just a couple of clicks away – educators, researchers, and scholars are so generous in sharing their thinking and their work.”

IRCC CFP 2019

  • March 1, 2019

The LearnIT2teach Project would be pleased to offer a Letter of Support for IRCC CFP 2019 proposals by a LINC provider which has demonstrated local adoption of eduLINC blended learning. Please contact admin@learnit2teach.ca with your request.

An IRCC Contract Amendment for LearnIT2teach

  • February 25, 2019

The LearnIT2teach Project has an expanded mandate to support e-learning in the IRCC-funded sector.

New Language Solutions is pleased to announce an amendment signed in January to our agreement with IRCC. This agreement enables the LearnIT2teach Project to move ahead with the development of an augmented Moodle learning management system solution for teachers and learners. Enhancements to be rolled out by the end of March 2020 include:

  • An electronic portfolio solution in Moodle;
  • Single sign in to both EduLINC and Tutela, creating close integration with Tutela and the learning resources available there;
  • Enabling of online distance training in addition to blended;
  • A Moodle LMS for Clic, the French equivalent of LINC.

No worries about losing access to what we have been providing LINC professionals for nine years now. The LearnIT2teach team will continue to:

  • Provide Stages 1, 2, 3, 4 of teacher training through a coast-to-coast network of expert mentors and regional partners;
  • Partner with TESL Ontario to support PTCT accreditation for Ontario TESL teachers who’ve completed Stages 3 and 4 of the teacher training;
  • Create and distribute informal professional development through the Live Help chat option, twitter feed, articles and podcasts on our project portal and Tutela webinars;
  • Provide online training in Learning Technology Innovation Leadership to sector managers and aspiring lead teachers;
  •  Apply a strategy for continuous improvement of all our tools and services through evaluation of all we do.

New Project Evaluation Report Analyzes LINC Blended Learning Impact on Programs

  • January 31, 2019

Based on research and evaluation since project inception in 2010, this report summarizes results from two surveys of the implementation of learning technologies in LINC programs in Ontario and across Canada. There are plentiful examples across Canada of successful uptake by individual teachers and in some cases, entire programs. Surveys completed by training participants indicate 90%+ satisfaction with the training offered by the project. Yet, many LINC professionals have struggled to get started locally, and others have still not taken first steps.

Evaluation is part of everything we do on the Project. Since the project’s inception, the team has implemented evaluation strategies that allow us to maintain a conversation with all stakeholders: learners, teachers, managers and the funder. These conversations equip us with the feedback we need to constantly improve the teacher training and learner courseware services we provide to the LINC sector. This report focuses on information from teachers and managers on challenges, barriers and opportunities represented by LINC learning technology innovation. We welcome any feedback on the contents of the report and its conclusions.
Download report here!

New Administrators Manual!

  • January 27, 2019

Language Learning Leadership Guide

The project is pleased to offer managers and lead teachers in the IRCC-funded language training sector a new version of our leadership guide.  Where previous versions (2012 and 2014) were print and PDF based, the Moodle 3 edition is an online resource on the project portal.

 

 

The new guide has some familiar topics but they’ve all been updated and refreshed:

  • Technology-enhanced language learning (TELL);
  • The function of a learning management system and why we use Moodle;
  • The Edulinc.ca learner courseware;
  • The professional development stages offered free of charge to the LINC sector;
  • The LearnIT2teach’s online resources such as Live Help that support practitioners.

The new leadership guide also examines some fresh and very relevant topics:

  • Mobile-assisted language learning (MALL);
  • Theory and evidence to show that local leadership and communication are at the heart of the learning technology innovation process;

How information technology can connect with newcomers with knowledge, skills and community to support their successful adaptation to Canada.

New Report available!

  • September 27, 2018

New Report available.  — Learning Technology Innovation Leadership: Course Evaluation & Lessons for the Settlement Training Sector.

Check our Publications page here to view and download the report.

New Part 1 Learning Technology Leadership Group Begins Course April 1, 2019

  • September 18, 2018

Six-week course is online and mentored

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.

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.”

“An Adult Settlement Blended Language Training: Selected Annotated Bibliography.”

  • March 20, 2018

Tutela Online Resource:


An Adult Settlement Blended Language Training: Selected Annotated Bibliography.”

What are the pros and cons of blended learning? Are there practical ways to introduce technology to the classroom? What impact can Web 2.0 have on the language classroom? TESL professionals looking for research on blended language instruction in settlement programs have a convenient new online resource for professional development and research; The LearnIT2teach Project has just released “An Adult Settlement Blended Language Training: Selected Annotated Bibliography.” This Tutela online resource summarizes the contents of more than 100 articles from the research literature. The bibliography is divided into 16 sections ranging from Instructor Readiness to Learner Readiness and Learner Attitudes Toward Technology, all the way to Technology Tools.

Researchers Trudy Kennell and Maria Moriarty researched and wrote the bibliography and update it with new entries regularly. According to Trudy and Maria, “We were glad to have this opportunity. It gave us a chance to apply our separate backgrounds and depth of knowledge in the areas of language learning and blended learning. We were able to critically analyze some very useful research.”

Interesting surprises for the authors were the importance of digital technologies and the Internet in the lives of newcomers to Canada, and the role information technology plays in helping people stay connected to their home country while adapting and adjusting to life in Canada. Making their job a bit easier was, “The availability of such a wealth of material freely available – and just a couple of clicks away – educators, researchers, and scholars are so generous in sharing their thinking and their work.”

https://tutela.ca/Resource_25908

http://bib.learnit2teach.ca/