The LearnIT2teach project provides LINC teachers with the technology tools to implement blended learning in their programs, as well as a FREE four stage teacher training and professional development program to master the tools. Teachers much take the FREE training to be eligible to receive the free courseware that they can use with their students in a blended environment. Administrators of any IRCC programs in Canada can contact Mavis Spencer at admin@learnit2teach.ca to arrange free training sessions for their teachers. Training in Stage1 and Pre-Stage 2 must be successfully completed by all participants before they can receive the free courseware to use with their students.
Teacher participants will learn how to integrate online learning through:
- Face-to-face delivery of Stage One training at TESL Ontario, local LINC PD days, TESL Affiliate events or by arrangement with LINC Service Provider Organizations.
- Online delivery of Pre-Stage Two, Stages Two, Three and Four.
For Stage 1 Face to Face training the organization needs to provide a computer lab with one computer for each participant.
• Broadband internet access
• Windows XP or later; or Mac OS X (v. 10.5)
• Browsers: Windows: Firefox 3.5.5/ Macintosh: Safari 4.0.3
• Screen resolution: 1024 X 768 (or higher)
• QuickTime Player plug-in (version 7 or higher)
• Adobe Flash Player (version 8 or higher).
• Individual headsets and an LCD projector are also required.
• Individuals must have a valid email address.
To use the couresware you can check if your computer will support it by visiting this site http://learnit2teach.ca/btpage/browser-test.html
Stage One
Delivered in a computer lab, this workshop introduces the LearnIT2teach approach to blended learning and gives an overview of further STAGEs of training available to eligible teachers. With the assistance of a multimedia slideshow, STAGE 1 explains important e-learning concepts and provides time for a question and answer discussion. Later, participants select a benchmark level and take a guided tour through sample activities and resources available in the LINC courseware.
Pre-Stage Two
This online training provides a fast track to the requisite skills teachers need to start deploying the courseware and using it with students. After successfully completing multimedia quizzes and software simulations, LINC teachers are ready to start using the courseware with newcomers shortly after entering STAGE 2.
Stage Two
Upon entering this STAGE, participants start delivering and adapting the courseware to their teaching context. They identify their target CLB or LINC level(s) and are set up with their own courseware pre-loaded with activities and student accounts. The focus of STAGE 2 is on using the courseware in blended learning, and participants are required to deploy and manage the courseware with learners for a minimum of 4 weeks. Basic course editing is introduced in STAGE 2 and Tutela.ca integration requires participants to use an instructional resource from this site in their blended course delivery.
For Stage 2 independent study the individual will need a computer which meets the following minimum standards:
• Broadband internet access
• Windows XP or later; or Mac OS X (v. 10.5)
• Browsers: Windows: Firefox 3.5.5/ Macintosh: Safari 4.0.3
• Screen resolution: 1024 X 768 (or higher)
• QuickTime Player plug-in (version 7 or higher)
• Adobe Flash Player (version 8 or higher).
• Individuals must have a valid email address.
Stage Three
STAGE 3 builds on the participant’s course editing skills, and it emphasizes using the courseware in ways that support best practices in blended learning and settlement language training. More advanced functions of the Moodle learning management system are introduced, such as authoring Moodle activities, enhancing course communication, adding dynamic content and widgets, and participants select a few of these features to enhance their courseware. Participants are required to use the courseware with learners to complete STAGE 3. Tutela.ca offers over 400 SCORM[3] learning objects in its collection, and the STAGE 3 training provides information about how to access these resources.
“As of July 2014, Ontario TESL professionals who complete Stage 3 are eligible for TESL Ontario Post-TESL Training Certification. However, stage has been modified for PTCT accreditation, and those who have already completed it are not eligible.”
Stage Four
ITeachers master the creation of their own e-activities and the skills needed to upload them to a digital repository (Tutela.ca) where they can be shared with other
professionals across Canada.
• Provides an introduction to Hot Potatoes and TexToys software, enabling teachers of all levels to create their own self-correcting ESL exercises
• Introduces teachers to project-based learning and webquests
• Familiarizes teachers with Web 2.0 tools that can be used in language instruction
• Offers TESL Ontario members a PTCT accreditation in “Developing e-Materials for Language Training.”
This STAGE is also provided online and supported by TESL trainers accredited by TESL Ontario.