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LVA-Verizon Technology Project
Resource Link #02-3
The 2001-02 program year is almost over, and it is time to focus on the fall. In addition to focusing on your organization�s activities for September, why don�t you also consider enhancing your own skills through online learning? This issue offers you to alternatives to explore. Additionally, there are some new Web resources and some tips on building your own website.
*** Online Learning***
Primarily, there are two types of online learning opportunities. Asynchronous courses are Internet-based, self-paced learning modules that you can take at any time. Synchronous courses are designed to parallel traditional classroom instruction. These are classes with instructors, reading, and assignments. There are even exams. The difference is that your class discussion is done through message boards or bulletin boards.
The advantages of online learning are freedom and flexibility. You always wanted to take a course while wearing pajamas, didn�t you? Another plus is the ability to register for a course offered by any institution in the world. If classes in your community do not meet your needs or your schedule, this option may be for you.
Successful online learners feel comfortable with basic technology and communicating in writing. They are self-motivated and self-disciplined, can work independently, and have good time management skills. Individuals who need a class attendance schedule to work successfully or who want face to face interactions should not enroll.
Asynchronous Courses
There are thousands of courses available via distance education. Most are offered by universities. Many offer students the options of obtaining a degree, obtaining a certificate, or just taking a course of interest. One of the more comprehensive guides can be found at http://www.distance.gradschools.com, but you can also do a search in Yahoo or on a similar search engine.
Here are some examples:
Pennsylvania State University offers a master�s in adult education.
http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/pub/adted/index.shtmlCapella University offers a master�s in education with concentrations in adult education or training and development. There are also certificates in these two areas.
http://www.capella.edu.Regis University in Colorado offers a master�s in nonprofit management. Coursework includes finance and resource development.
http://www.regis.edu/regis.asp?sctn=apg&p1;=gp&p2;=mnm&p3;=olOnLineLearning Net, an extension of UCLA, has non-credit courses in education (Writing for ESL) and business (Accounting for Non-Accountants).
http://www.onlinelearning.netThe Workforce Development Campus (WDC), based at James Madison University, provides a complete curriculum for workforce educators. Courses include Organizational Assessment, Planning and Designing Programs, and Marketing.
http://www.jmu.edu/wdc/Synchronous Courses
Many of these courses focus on improving computer skills. There are a myriad of offerings in Microsoft Office, Web page design, and more. Some vendors are:Digital Think � http://www.digitalthink.com, also offers some courses on personnel management.
Learning Place � http://www.learningplace.com.
Be sure to take a demonstration course before enrolling. Courses vary in quality and interactivity.
*** New on the Net***
Get a free computer literacy course for advanced or high intermediate students with minimal computer skills at http://www.literacynet.org/nvesl. The 32-hour course offers a foundation in using the PC for word processing, test taking, and Internet navigation. Each lesson is a two-hour session.
The National Center on Adult Literacy and its partners (OTAN/SCOE, PBS, and the National Adult Education Professional Development Consortium) launched the first phase of the TECH21 website. Visit the site to find out more about the activities and goals of this OVAE-funded project and its field sites.
http://www.tech21.orgTake some time to explore the Hot Sites on the National Institute for Literacy�s website. These are update semiannually. Current offerings include Learning Edge, an online newsletter for students and Randall�s ESL Cyber Listening Lab.
http://novel.nifl.gov/lincs/hotsites/hotsites.htmlThe Benton Foundation recently launched an updated Digital Divide Network. This database, the largest of its kind on the Internet, helps individuals easily identify local libraries, community technology centers, and additional neighborhood entities that provide free or low-cost Internet access, IT training, and other community technology services. Click the �Get Connected� button to search by zip code or use advanced search options to find resources by city or state.
http://www.digitaldividenetwork.org/content/sections/index.cfm
*** Articles of Interest on Building Your Own Website ***
Building a Great Website
If you're like most people today, you want to build your own website for any number of reasons. It may be for informational purposes, or because you want to set up shop on the Web and become a "dot-commer." Whatever the purpose, there are a few things to keep in mind in creating the best site possible.
http://www.thejournal.com/magazine/vault/A3879.cfmTurbocharged � Websites Aimed to Engage
A small but growing corps of nonprofits are igniting a new wave of Web-based initiatives that are changing the way they do business. Beyond simply using websites as electronic brochures, for example, or converting paper records to software databases, these pioneering nonprofits are using technology to rethink and retool their operations and services and to build resources to better connect and involve donors, partners, volunteers, clients, staff, and board members.
http://www.nptimes.com/June01/SR1.htmTips for Attracting and Retaining Visitors
Most visitors to your website have logged on with the expectation of making a contribution, whether in dollars or time. The simplest - but most frequently ignored - dictum in website design is: "Make it easy for them!" Here are some suggestions for doing so.
http://www.uwnyc.org/technews/v4_n6_a2.html
*** Miscellaneous Tips of Interest ***
Reading for Meaning just received a �thumbs up� from education reviewers. Thirty lessons contain literature selections by authors like Gwendolyn Brooks, Robert Frost, and Jack London in a variety of genres like stories, articles, and poems. It is designed to improve student reading comprehension skills like main idea, inference, sequence, cause and effect, and compare and contrast. It is available on CD-Rom for a 30-day trial.
http://www.tomsnyder.comThose of you with family literacy programs or who tutor a number of parents will be interested in StoryPlus. Jean Chalopin, creator of "Inspector Gadget," has formed The StoryPlus Network, a group of companies to promote literacy among children worldwide. StoryPlus forms the center of the StoryPlus Network, using advanced technology to offer an extensive library of original stories for children ages 2 and up. Stories available in text or text with illustrations are downloaded in pdf format using Acrobat. Some stories are also available in audio with text, audio with text and illustrations, or animated versions. Go to the site to see samples of free stories. Costs for purchased stories vary by format.
http://www.storyplus.comCommunity Technology Centers (CTC) grants totaling $15M are available. The CTC program helps eligible applicants create or expand centers to provide disadvantaged residents of economically distressed urban or rural communities access to technology and the training to use it. This year�s competition requires applicants to offer adult education and family literacy activities through technology and the Internet. Approximately 83 grants are expected and the deadline for applications for this competition is July 19, 2002. Download notice and application forms at; http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/announcements/index.html.
The announcement was on June 4.