AES EdTech Hub
Tech User of the Month: Julie Neff-Encinas of Pima County Adult Probation LEARN!
Across the nation, many adult education programs are struggling with retention and recruitment as a result of the pandemic. The Coalition of Adult Basic Education (COABE) even came up with a campaign to assist local providers in this area; it is known as #MoveAheadWithAdultEd (Fun fact, our very own Sheryl Hart came up with that slogan!). Below, learn how Program Coordinator, Julie Neff-Encinas and her team at Pima County Adult Probation LEARN, implemented new recruitment strategies to increase the amount of students they are serving, which is about 12-15% of their typical amount.
What did your campaign to increase enrollment include?
We started with the ideas provided by COABE and National Association of State Directors of Adult Education (NASDAE) and sought support from the Public Information Officer for the Arizona Superior Court in Pima County. She continues to support, guide and help us reach out to court related partners and think of how we might leverage our WIOA core partners also. Click here to see the Fact Sheet created with COABE's toolkit! As a low-tech option, this flyer was posted in sets of 10-15 in folders in collaboration with location managers at halfway houses, apartment complexes and laundromats near our locations. We've seen the flyers disappear in a couple locations, but I'm not yet aware of anyone calling in based on those. We also sent emails to Probation Officers explaining our services and providing contact information for each of our locations.
How did you measure the success of each component of your campaign?
We always ask people how they heard of our program. So far we have had five who reached out because they or a friend/family member saw the KOLD-TV News feature. We sent the attached flyer to the Pima County Library Workforce Program Coordinator who I meet with in several different community groups and he spread it to the library sites. We've had at least two recently call in due to referral from library staff. We're talking about very small numbers at this point. But each individual is someone we can touch and help create an improved life.
Is there anything you plan on adding/revising for the remainder of the program year as far as recruitment?
Yes, we're trying to decide the best type of advertising campaign to include Public Service Announcement for free, more features on local radio or TV and paid advertising via digital media. Our court doesn't allow us a social media presence yet, so that limits us severely, but we're working on finding Pima County social media accounts that would be willing to post info about our program.
Is there any additional information you'd like to add?
We're going to expand our target market to those with high school diplomas or a high school equivalency who still struggle with computer hardware and software skills or technical reading or math for careers. We've never really reached out directly to that population in the past, so this is a whole new group of people to attempt to engage with.
This is a great example of using the resources provided, thinking outside of the box, and reaching outside of your comfort zone for the greater good of the student; great job Pima County Adult Probation LEARN! Click here to find out more about #MoveAheadWithAdultEd and sign up for your own toolkit!
Are you or someone you know implementing technology into instruction in an innovative way?
Send nominations to [email protected]
1/4/2021: Get started with Odysseyware, BurlingtonEnglish, and EdReady!
This is a reminder that your program receives access to the following online curricula at no cost to the program: Odysseyware (ABE/ASE), BurlintgonEnglish (ELAA), and EdReady (ABE/ASE)! All are fully web-based and qualify for proxy hours under the Clock-Time Model. Training dates and links can be found below in the "Webinars & Self-Paced Online Courses" section. Please reach out to [email protected] for additional information.
12/4/2020: Check Out the Professional Development Resources from The NROC Project!
The NROC Project is EdReady's parent organization. They have ongoing professional development opportunities, both live and recorded avaialble here!
11/6/2020: BurlingtonEnglish Core Has MORE New Features!
A lot of these updates are a direct result of your feedback!
- In Class Lessons (ICLs) now have a full screen option for better readability when presenting. Click on the ICL tab > Presenting > Full Screen (at the top right of the screen)
- High-intermediate level now has lesson plans and worksheets available!
- On-demand training is back! Professional development certificates are awarded at the completion of each training.
- New word-lists are available for 36 careers under the College and Career Readiness courses.
- In the "Listen" portion of each lesson, the audio speed can now be controlled for faster or slower playback.
- The Advanced level has module projects and Extra Reading worksheets available for students.
- Core Basics now has lesson plans!
- Student tutorial videos are now available in 18 languages!
10/2/2020: Schedule a Session with EdReady to Learn More!
After the sessions on NROC and EdReady at the Institute a couple of weeks ago, do you have some follow-up questions about EdReady, how to install NROC courses into your LMS, and/or how to best use Hippocampus? Follow the steps below to have Jason come to you! It can be just you, a group, or your entire program as it is all virtual!
- Go to: https://nrocnetwork.org/support-options/
- Click on "Personal Appointments" and then "Make an Appointment"
- Select "Implementation Appointment with Jason"
- Choose the date and time that is best for you!
9/4/2020: BurlingtonEnglish Core Has New Content Features!
- Translated voice overs now available in five languages for the Tutorials, languages include: Spanish, Arabic, Chinese Mandarin, Korean, and Haitian Creole
- High-Intermediate Level
- Module 9 is now available
- Module 10 is out coming next week
- Lesson plans and worksheets now available for Modules 1-2
- Advanced Level
- Scope and Sequence is now available
- Lesson plans
- All worksheets for Modules 1-2
- ICL Worksheets only Modules 3-8 (expansion worksheets coming soon)
8/7/2020: Check Out EdReady's Webinar Series!
EdReady is hosting a range of sessions for all levels of users! Topics range from EdReady 101 (for those interested in learning more about it or are just getting started) to EdReady Advanced and New Functionality, as well as, Leverage EdReady Reports to Support Your Students (both ideal for teachers already using the platform). See the times, dates, and register here!
7/2/2020: Check Out 3 New Features in BurlingtonEnglish!
Readers are Now Available on Mobile Devices! A teacher guide is also available with tips and strategies on how to incorporate the readers into your instruction!
Levels 5 & 6 are now available in Core - there are 4 modules for each level!
The promised Placement Test is here! Teachers will have a Placement Test tile on their home screen and can assign it to a specific student or all students. Once the student logs in, they will automatically be directed to the placement exam (it is approximately 15 minutes in duration). The report will show which level of BE to place the student into. Note: This exam is for instructional placement only and does not take the place of the TABE CLAS-E and cannot be used for NRS reporting purposes.
State-Approved Online Curricula Info-graphic
This info-graphic contains the approved online curriculum for the Learner Mastery Model and Clock-Time Model as well as tips for success regarding reporting proxy hours in AAEDMS and the Teacher Verification Model! Click here to view.
Blended & Virtual/Distance Learning Policy
The updated version includes pertinent AAEDMS information and features the newly approved online curricula. Click here to view.
AZ Library Resources for Internet Challenges
State Land Department’s Statewide Map of Public Wifi Hotspots: https://azland.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=20dd52ea241e42f0932ac1a27580f3e0
A Tucson Based Group is Mapping Wifi and Food Distribution Sites for Their Communities: https://www.c2cpima.org/district_resources
Wifi Hotspot Lending Program Update: recently awarded funding for 16 libraries to start or continue lending programs, and with the CARES Act stimulus funding are in the process of awarding additional funding for hotspot lending. Reach out to your local library to see if they are a participant of this program.
AZ Library Tech Access Phoneline: Get FREE tech help with anything from help with computer issues, finding free wifi hotspots, to using your smartphone to access email and other apps!
Feedback Survey Guidance Document
Click here to access the Feedback Survey Guidance Document.
Teacher Verification Model Lesson Repository with Search Feature!
It has been a year of dreaming and 6 months in the making, but, it is finally here (courtesy of, Kyle Boysen)! Use this Google Sheet to filter and search for TVM submissions from around the state. An instructional video is coming soon, for now follow these three simple steps navigate it:
Click the link above then select “Make a copy”
Use the drop-down boxes to select your filter/search criteria
Delete the cell to clear the filter
To submit an assignment for the TVM, use this Resource Evaluation Tool Template.
To contact the EdTech Team, use this email: [email protected]
Digital Literacy Supports for Students & Teachers
- Northstar Digital Literacy has NSOL platform courses freely available at the moment, including: Basic Computer Skills, Email, Microsoft Word, and Career Search Skills.
Microsoft has a pair of digital literacy courses that go from basic computer skills to collaboration online.
Too busy to read? Check out this ISTE Podcast about Edtech questions.
Facebook has a Digital Literacy Library with 5 different modules of free lessons covering Privacy & Reputation, Identity Exploration, Positive Behavior, and more.
Google has an extensive list of courses geared towards adult learners in their Applied Digital Skills program.
KQED has a host of courses with instructors in mind that help with modern media such as video production and interactive media.
EdTech Tools & Strategies for Distance Learning YouTube Channel
Check out all of our past sessions featuring digital tools that enhance instruction presented by the EdTech Team and AZ's Awesome Teachers! Click here to see the entire playlist!
Digital Tools for Different Access Scenarios
Check out this table that briefly describes various digital tools that can be used in all access scenarios (from a computer with reliable internet to a cell phone with unreliable internet to no internet or computer access)
Webinars & Training
TNT: Teachers 'N' Technology Virtual Conference
08-January-21 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM Click here to register
Join the AES EdTech team in this virtual 1-day conference featuring two general sessions and two concurrent session tracks with focuses on building students’ digital literacy skills, best practices in blended and virtual instruction, and digital tools that help increase engagement in the virtual classroom. There will be a mix of national presenters and local teachers sharing their expertise!
Click here to see the topics that will be covered by both national presenters and local super teachers!
BurlingtonEnglish Core Initial Teacher Training
14-January-21 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM Click here to register
Odysseyware Initial Teacher Training
21-January-21 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Click here to join (no need to register)
EdTech Tools & Strategies for Distance Learning Webinar Series
Check back soon for date, time, and topic. Want us to feature a tool? Let us know, email [email protected] for your requests!
Self-Paced Online Courses - Earn 4 hours of PD for each one!
NEW! Digital Literacy for Teachers (Beginner to Intermediate levels)
Focus: Introductory training on Microsoft Office Suite and Google G Suite to support Digital Literacy in the classroom. Click here to enroll
Instructional Strategies
Focus: Instructional strategies that are often referred to as 'The Marzano 9’, along with a range of technology tools that can be integrated into your instruction. Click here to enroll
Google Sites for Assessment
Focus: Building a Google Site with a YouTube video, a Google Form, and some written guidance for students to follow. Click here to enroll
Blended Learning Certification (TVM requirement)
Focus: Ensure an understanding of blended learning as a mode of instruction. You will also have a thorough understanding, and provide evidence to show as such, of the 'teacher verification model'. Click here to enroll
