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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Special Topics Colleagues,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Today we begin a discussion of two new online and
distance learning models specifically designed for adult literacy education,
including ESL/ESOL. They are the Learner Web and USA Learns. Each has much
to offer, but they differ in their design, audiences, and also in their stage of
development. USA Learns, with core funding from the Office of
Vocational and Adult Education, launched earlier this month (<A
href="">http://usalearns.org</A>) and is a national adult ESL/ESOL
portal. It is available now at no cost to adult learners
everywhere.The Learner Web is beginning its second year of a three-year,
federally-funded demonstration grant from the Institute of Museum and
Library Services. The Learner Web is available now only for
piloting, and only in certain regions of the country. I am an advisor to
USA Learns, and am a Regional Implementation Advisor for the Learner Web,
so I have had the privilege of watching both projects evolve.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>We will begin today with a presentation of the
Learner Web by Stephen Reder from Portland State University. He will be joined
in the discussion by Clare Strawn, a co-developer with Steve, of the Learner
Web. Clare is also on the Portland State University faculty. On
Tuesday we will have a presentation about USA Learns by John Fleischman,
from the Sacramento (CA) County Office of Education. John will be joined by
Jere Johnston and Leslie Petty, both from the University of
MIchigan. They will also be joined by Sheryl Adler, from the U.S.
Department of Education's Office of Vocational and Adult Education as there may
be questions about the development of USA Learns which she can best
address.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I am delighted that our guests -- and you -- can
join us for this discussion. Please feel free to post your questions and
comments for our guests at any time this week.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>David J. Rosen</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Special Topics Discussion Moderator</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><A
href="">djrosen@theworld.com</A></FONT></DIV></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>