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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Thank you, John and Evelyn for describing
the differences between USA Learns and English for All.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>USA Learns has many components that were
lacking in English for All. We found the need to add listening, speaking and
writing activities in Moodle for our students but USA Learns has incorporated
these skills and many others. The content of the videos is helpful for immigrants
to understand <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region>
culture and the vocabulary introduces the learners to unfamiliar terms. I look
forward to using this program.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Margaret<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma;font-weight:bold'>From:</span></font></b><font size=2
face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'>
specialtopics-bounces@nifl.gov [mailto:specialtopics-bounces@nifl.gov] <b><span
style='font-weight:bold'>On Behalf Of </span></b>Evelyn Fella<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></b> Wednesday, November 19, 2008
12:18 AM<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>To:</span></b> <st1:PersonName w:st="on">specialtopics@nifl.gov</st1:PersonName><br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></b> [SpecialTopics 1144] Re:
New Designs in Online and DistanceLearning --your q</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>Hello Margaret and all EFA users,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>I love John's description of what we did to EFA as "efa on
steroids." It sounds illegal, but empowering. I hope only the later is
true. Let me add to what John has listed on the differences (and similarities)
of EFA and Second Course in USAL.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>- All sections within each episode are the same, though we have renamed
a couple. So, for example, Comprehension is now called Story Startup and
Special Skills is called Making Choices. Your students could use EFA (and the
CDs if they are using those) to watch the video segments, but get more practice
with the activities on the USAL site.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>- Each Unit (aka episode in efa) offers 20 vocabulary words with
definitions and a variety of activities as John mentioned: matching, spelling
and, speaking (Say It) just on the word level. These words are taken from the
script and they are used throughout in readings, comprehension questions,
listening activities, and dictation so students can practice the words in
context. Each unit has 20 new words. The videos do a fine job of recycling
vocabulary so words that are learned in one unit are repeated in other stories
and students get a review in other stories. In Study Tools (top right corner),
students will find a glossary of all the words and definitions (and audio)
presented in Second Course. (also in the other two courses) <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>For current EFA users, the words are NOT the same as those in EFA, so
material you may have created may not work with USAL vocabulary. A scope and
sequence will be posted later and all words are listed in that document. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>- In order to build background knowledge to increase comprehension of
the video segment, there is a short pre-reading, called Getting Ready. There is
always a question at the end of the reading asking the student to listen for a
specific piece of information in the video. The answer to that question is
always contained in the first question following the video viewing. In some
cases, the students are asked to predict what they think will happen in the
video segment based on what they already know. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>-All video segments are followed by a variety of activities to
encourage students to listen again and work with the language of the script. To
keep learners motivated, the activities vary using audio, images, or video
clips. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>-Dictation and writing that can be corrected -- In USAL students can
get feedback on writing in dictation activities or activities that have only
one correct answer. In order to use the "active" skill of writing, we
used this kind of activity in some Grammar activities where students are asked
to type the correct past tense form of a verb or to put words in the correct
order of a sentence when this is the only grammatically correct order.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>-Writing -- There is at least one open-ended writing activity in each
unit. The computer can not give feedback on these writing activities, but as
John noted, teachers can see and comment on the writing if the student is
enrolled in a class. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>Because the basic design for USAL was for an independent learner, we
were concerned about learners who may not have a teacher, tutor or even a peer
who would give feedback. We look forward to what research tells us about
open-ended writing in this kind of program.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>-Grammar - the grammar points are the same as in EFA (the wizard
introduces them) but activities are more numerous in USAL and we hope more
directed to ESL students' problems. Grammar is presented in charts, but usually
practiced in context. Sometimes students listen for the grammar in the context
of the script; sometimes they repeat sentences or write sentences using the
grammar point.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>-Life Skills activities have been revamped and they always appear in
the Life Skills section. :). You may find the flyer or want ad is very similar
to what existed in EFA, but the comprehension questions are different.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>-Activities using critical thinking skills. In USAL students are asked
to draw conclusions, make connections, determine sequence.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>-Learning Log - This is a very simple form of self-assessment, asking
students to check words and skills they have learned at the end of the unit.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>Let me know if you still have more questions.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>Evelyn Fella<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>On Nov 18, 2008, at 3:09 PM, John Fleischman wrote:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><br>
<br>
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Hello, Margaret. I'm pleased to hear that
you're using English for All. That Web site was created here at Sacramento
County Office of Education and will continue to be supported by OTAN (<a
href="http://www.otan.us" target="_blank">www.otan.us</a>), a CA statewide
leadership project.</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>You're right, U.S.A. Learns (USAL) Second
English Course is based on English for All (EFA). But you might think of USAL
as EFA on steroids. Our creative team of content experts, led by Evelyn Fella,
have made significant modifications, things that have been asked for since EFA
was created more than 7 years ago. Some of the differences between the old
(EFA) and the new (USAL Second English Course) include:</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>- Vocabulary: words are presented
individually with audio and definitions; learners match words with definitions</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>- Spelling: learners listen to a word or
phrase, spell it, then get immediate feedback</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>- Listening: learners click a word or
words they hear in a sentence; learners listen and read text; learners listen
to characters in context and "click" on the person who said it.</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>- Dictation: learners listen to a
sentence then type what they hear and get feedback</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>- Grammar: charts and tables are
presented with comprehension checks</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Of particular note is the addition of
listen and record (Say it!) exercises where learners can record and play back
an oral exercise, comparing their pronunciation with that of a native English
speaker. Another new feature is writing exercises. If the learner is studying
the Second English Course while enrolled in a USAL "class," the
teacher or tutor can review the writing and provide feedback right in the
online record.</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Evelyn may want to add her two cents on
the additional changes (improvements) that have been made.</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>A student does not need to complete EFA
before using USAL. USAL was designed with the idea that it would serve learners
at a distance. As Leslie has pointed out, USAL was not designed for use in
school or agency computer labs (at least not if you want to stay on good terms
with your computer network manager). EFA includes a hybrid (CD-ROM) version
which is more appropriate for use in labs. </span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>John</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;font-weight:bold'><a
href="mailto:specialtopics@nifl.gov">specialtopics@nifl.gov</a> on Tuesday,
November 04, 2008 at 9:28 AM -0800 wrote:</span></font></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black;background:#D0D0D0'>The discussion looks
very interesting. Here are my questions for USA Learns:</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black;background:#D0D0D0'>1. We are currently
offering an online class for intermediate level ESOL students using English for
All. We understand that USA Learns uses similar content for its intermediate
level course. Please describe the difference between the intermediate level
course in USA Learns and English for All.</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black;background:#D0D0D0'>2. Can a student make a
smooth transition from EFA to USA Learns or does the student need to complete
EFA if he/she is enrolled in that class? </span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>-------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>National Institute for Literacy<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>Special Topics mailing list<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><a href="mailto:SpecialTopics@nifl.gov">SpecialTopics@nifl.gov</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>To unsubscribe or change your subscription settings, please go to <a
href="http://www.nifl.gov/mailman/listinfo/SpecialTopics">http://www.nifl.gov/mailman/listinfo/SpecialTopics</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>Email delivered to <a href="mailto:evfella@san.rr.com">evfella@san.rr.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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