[NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:3326] Re: The tech we use

From: Marian Thacher (mthacher@otan.us)
Date: Mon Oct 25 2004 - 16:48:57 EDT


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From: "Marian Thacher" <mthacher@otan.us>
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Subject: [NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:3326] Re: The tech we use
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Good topic, Maryann! 

One thing I'm excited about in the technology realm is the use of
videoconferencing to teach ABE/ASE. In San Diego, there are 3 big adult
education sites with videoconferencing equipment, and the teachers there
are able to use their videoconferencing system to teach pull-out groups
for classes such as math, government and economics. The teacher is at one
site with a small group of students, and at the other sites the students
that want to be in that group go to a small room with the VC equipment,
and in many ways it's like the teacher is there. The teacher can see them
and they can see him/her, as well as seeing the students at the other
sites. This solves the problem of the teacher not being able to get away
from the demands of the independent study lab in order to teach a group
lesson.

We frequently say that our students aren't good candidates for distance
learning because they need that personal relationship with and
encouragement from the teacher. When I observed the VC classes, I could
see that the students had that relationship with the teacher I was
observing, even though she wasn't there at the site. One of the teachers
relates that a relationship between a guy at one site and a young lady at
another site was begun via the VC class!

The teachers in San Diego feel that they are able to do this because they
are able to go to the other sites, and the students actually do know them
in person, not just via video. My question is - would the students be able
to form that relationship with the teacher even if she/he didn't visit
them in person? We need a doctoral student to do a dissertation on this
subject! If this could work, it would really help some of the rural and
mountainous areas of California, and I'm sure other states as well.

Keep in mind, this is good VC equipment and a fast Internet connection, so
the quality of the picture is very good, and the cameras can show the
teacher, the students, the book, the board, or whatever, at any of the
sites. It really does feel like the teacher is there with you.

Is anyone else doing this? 

Marian Thacher, OTAN
Sacramento, CA

nifl-technology@nifl.gov writes:
>Good day all,
>
>Some of you have shared some wonderful tech resources related to voter and
>civic participation in the last couple of weeks. Since we are only days a
>way from the election you are encouraged to keep them coming.
>
>In that spirit what are some other ways you are using technology with
>learners that other practitioners might gain from?
>What is one use of technology in adult literacy/basic education/ESOL that
>you are very excited about?  It could be something cutting edge, or 
>something that has been around for awhile but which you have figured out
>how to make especially useful in your program(s).  Please describe your
>population of learners and under what circumstances you have used it with
>them and had success.
>
>Best regards,
>Mariann
>
>Mariann Fedele
>Coordinator of Professional Development, 
>Literacy Assistance Center
>Interim Moderator,
>NIFL Technology and Literacy Discussion List
>32 Broadway 10th Floor
>New York, New York 10004
>212-803-3325
>mariannf@lacnyc.org
>www.lacnyc.org
>



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