On June 1st at 2PM EST, the EdTech Center’s Jen Vanek joins Kathy Harris, Director of the Literacy, Language, & Technology Research group at Portland State University, in a webinar about their research to practice brief authored for ProLiteracy. The brief, Digital Literacy and Technology Integration in Adult Basic Skills Education, offers evidence-based ideas for providing adult learners with access to digital technologies and opportunities for digital skill development. After two short presentations, there will be ample time for discussion.

Distance Education Strategy Sessions:

Building Digital Literacy Opportunities and

Expanding the Range of Digital Tools Used for Instruction

The Briya Public Charter School in Washington DC has paid careful attention to the skills needed to engage in remote instruction and their learners have benefited. Briya’s structured approach includes a thorough orientation, computer access, and ample support resources and is guided by a checklist that defines targeted digital skills. The result of this approach is the creative use of educational and communication technologies to support video assessments, recorded video lessons, and student-created videos for digital storytelling. On June 11th at 1PM EST, Jamey Sadownick, Briya’s Technology Integration Coordinator, will share a digital skills checklist and other support resources that were developed over the past year to make this approach possible. Following that, Kirsten Wittkowski, Adult Education Coordinator & Instructor, will spotlight examples of the innovative activities and resources that Briya’s instructors use to make technology-rich instruction accessible to all of their learners.

World Education has worked to identify models, strategies, and resources for adult ESOL instruction and support, as well as key considerations in the design and scaling of ‌remote‌ ‌programs. Learn about those findings, innovative remote ESOL program models, and promising practices during the official launch for the results of‌ ‌this descriptive‌ ‌research on Friday, June 18th at 1PM EST.

Curriculum and coaching resources for higher education, adult education and workforce development programs are part of NCTN's Personal and Workplace Success Skills Library, funded by the ECMC Foundation. PWSS Library resources include innovative tools such as the Executive Skills Implementation Toolkit, which includes case studies and tools for applying the New Moms approach to workforce development programs.‌

As communities emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and enter a new landscape of employment and opportunities, decision-makers, advocates, and others need access to technology and related skills. An expert panel moderated by Rural LISC recently discussed current policies, needed reforms, and new funding available to help underserved communities achieve digital inclusion, technology participation, and upskilling.