Learner Web 2012
In Minnesota
Julia Tabbut
Jen Vanek
Tom Cytron-Hysom
Summer Institute
August 15, 2012
Outline:
• Overview and history of Learner Web--what is it?
• Description of current Learner Web content and ongoing projects
• Factors for success--learners and programs for whom
it's most beneficial
• Directed hands-on time in Learner Web exploring
content and interface
• How to get your class or program involved
Overview and history of
Learner Web--what is it?
Learner Web is . . .
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Made for ABE
Research-based
An approved DL platform in Minnesota
Customizable according to regional and
program needs
• Most effective with face-to-face support
Learner web is made for ABE
• Matches learners to content that
will help them meet their goals
• Built around free web-based
resources and assessments
• Relevant to adults’ needs
• Currently used at ABE programs,
Workforce Centers, Community
Colleges, and CBOs
• Managed, locally, through the MLC
Learner Web is research-based
• Longitudinal Study of Adult Learners, by Steve
Reder at Portland State University
• 1000 high school drop-outs: not in formal
learning, but using the Internet to try to reach
learning goals
• Largely failing because of lack of educational
experience and structure
• More information at lsal.pdx.edu
Learner Web has improved a lot
It used to look like this:
Learner Web has improved a lot
Now it looks like this:
Learner Web is an approved
DL platform in Minnesota
• Proxy hours = attendance hours
• Proxy hours are embedded in the
software and reported monthly
• Learner Web can be used
independently or as a hybrid class,
but not in the classroom
Learner Web is customizable
• Location
• Language
• Level
It’s most effective with face-to-face support
Tutors
Tutors are used to scaffold learners’
access to technology
Tutors help learners “learn to click”
before we ask them to “click to
learn”
Teachers
Learner Management Tool helps
teachers keep track of learner
progress
Teachers use plans to increase
intensity of classroom instruction.
Face-to-face support is important for learner persistence.
Description of current
Learner Web content and
on-going projects
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Content overview
BTOP
Transitions programs
MN FastTRAC
St. Paul College Gates plans
General overview of usage
Learner Web Content
Digital Literacy
Career Orientation
Additional ABE
Computer Basics
Internet Basics
Email
Internet Search
Internet Security
Social Networking
Accessing highspeed Internet
Buying a computer
Introduction to the
concept of career
Setting personal career
goals
Support for success on
the job
Specific career pathways
programming
Citizenship
English Language
ABE Basic Skills
Transitions Content:
 Accuplacer Prep
 Intro to colleges
 Prep for postsecondary vocational
education programs.
BTOP Project Purpose
• Address barriers to broadband use
– Affordability
– Lack of digital literacy skills
– Perceived lack of relevance to daily lives
• Primary target population
– Low-income adults, often without a high school education,
including immigrant communities.
• Initial implementation sites in Minnesota
– Minneapolis, Ramsey County, Mankato South & New Ulm
Workforce Centers, and Minneapolis Project for Pride in Living
BTOP Project Goals
• 4,000 Minnesotans will understand
broadband, including ways to access this
in their communities.
• These adults will develop the digital
literacy skills needed to use computers
(and thus broadband) effectively.
BTOP Means of Instruction
• Learner Web - 3 Bundles of Learning
Plans
– Digital literacy
– How to be an informed Broadband
Consumer
– Introduction to Career Pathways
• Designed to be used with volunteer
tutors in computer labs
BTOP Accomplishments
• Program year 2012
– Internet Skills – 2241 proxy hours
– Learn About Broadband – 235 proxy
hours
– Learn about Career Paths – 929 proxy
hours
• Total tutors - 77
• Total Learners – 708 (through 6/12)
BTOP Lessons Learned
• Tutors are essential in supporting learners
• WFC clients often have immediate job
application needs – hesitant to work
through learning plans
• Those who complete plans learn important
skills, find experience helpful
• Close coordination with WFC staff
essential for referrals
BTOP Funding
• American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
(ARRA)
• Through U.S. Department of Commerce
• Minnesota fiscal agent: Minnesota Literacy
Council
• Management assistance: St. Paul Community
Literacy Consortium
• National convenor: Portland State University
MN Transitions Regions
North East
North West
East Metro
West Metro
South Central
South West
Learner Web is used to support
distance learning, digital literacy
training, career exploration, and
vocational training
MN FastTRAC Projects
St. Paul ABE
Mankato ABE
AEOA
Roseville
SWABE
Customized vocational post-secondary prep and training
Hybrid distance learning tool
Offers opportunity for supported use of online learning
required in college
Saint Paul College Pilot
Gates Foundation Grant Project
Usage during program year May 2011
through April 2012: 11,002 hours
Content topic
Proxy hours
Specific career training (CNA, Medical
Office, Child Development)
5712
BTOP plans (Digital Literacy, Broadband
Internet, Career Pathways)
3404
Other ABE (English, Citizenship,
Computer Skills)
1507
Other job and career preparation (Soft
Skills, Reading at Work, etc.)
380
Usage during program year May 2011
through April 2012: 11,002 hours
Region
SPCLC (St Paul)
Proxy hours
5089
Mankato
2548
Southwest ABE
1438
Northeast ABE
964
Minneapolis
901
Roseville
62
Factors for success-learners and programs for
whom it's most beneficial
Factors for success: The program
• Structure: Deadlines and/or schedules help.
• Support:
– Teacher-facilitated as part of a hybrid class is best—it ensures
contact at regular intervals
– Tutor-facilitated works well, especially when learner and tutor
can establish both relationship and schedule
– Independent learning facilitated by Distance Learning staff is
the weakest model. Success here requires true independence,
comfortable levels of digital literacy, and a very thorough
orientation to the interface.
• Lab time and space on-site: but don’t collect attendance!
Factors for success: The learner
• Independent & Motivated
• Literate: Recommended reading level varies by
content. TABE 4.0+ or CASAS 221+ is usual.
• Computer-confident: They need not know
everything; however, the lower the digital literacy,
the more tutor or teacher support they will need.
Now you try!
1. Go to mndemo.learnerweb.org
2. Click Sign In
3. Enter Screen Name:
yourfirstname.yourlastname
4. Enter Password: password
5. Agree to the terms of service
6. Click My Profile, fill out the form, and save
How to get your class or
program involved
How to get involved:
1. Consider how you would use Learner Web. As part of
hybrid classes? With tutors in labs? Learner Web
cannot be used in classes for which attendance is taken
and reported. The Learner Web wiki explains these
policies well.
2. Find out if your program or region already uses Learner
Web.
3. If it does, talk with your region’s Learner Web
coordinator. If it doesn’t, talk to us.
Regions pay a nominal fee to keep Learner Web running.
Proxy hour earnings more than make up for these costs.
Learner Web is currently
available through ABE
programs in these MN
locations:
West Metro
Minneapolis
Roseville
St. Paul
Mankato Area
SW MN
NW MN - Soon!
East Metro – Soon!
Information about Learner Web
www.learnerweb.org
learnerwebspclc.pbworks.com
Learner Web Demonstration
mndemo.learnerweb.org
Questions & Demo Accounts
jtabbut@gmail.com
jvanek@mnliteracy.org