Home | About Us | Site Map

Instruction

Evidence-based Strategies - Examples, Research and Tools


Strategy l: Integrate the use of computers and the Internet in instruction, using real world applications and websites as much as possible.

Examples

Distance Learning as a Backup
Lauri McLellan Schoneck
This article describes the requirements and supports put in place to create a highly structured home study/online GED option for students. This improved persistence of students who had the motivation, self-discipline, and time to do the work.

Distance Learning for the Adult Learner: Improving Persistence and Effectiveness
Lynn Parr Bartlett, et al
This study of adult ESOL learners in California found that the students in the blended distance learning programs persisted at a rate of 68% as compared to 57% for students in regular ESOL classes. The distance learning students, especially at the lower levels, showed higher learning gains than their classroom-based peers with the same amount of instructional hours. Note the strategy chart on pp. 16-23.

Making it Worth the Stay: Findings from the New England Learner Persistence Project, pp. 42-45
Andy Nash and Silja Kallenbach
These pages describe the strategies New England programs used to provide learning options to students, from reading packets to web-based activities.

Planning and Implementing Distance Learning
Destiny Myers, Andy Simpson, and Dyan Brandt
Distance learning allows programs to serve students who lack transportation, have schedule conflicts, or face other barriers to classroom attendance. This article identifies essential program components for recruiting and supporting successful distance learners.

Solving Problems with Computer-Assisted Instruction at the East Texas Literacy Council
Kelley Snowden
The addition of a computer learning center enabled this program to provide additional instruction at multiple sites in the community and accommodate students waiting to be paired with tutors.  All students who enroll develop individualized learning plans that include using the learning center in combination with classes or one-on-one tutoring.

Studying ESOL Online
Marisol Richmond, Marian Thacher, and Paul Porter
Reporting on a two-year investigation into the varied ways programs can use English for All, a video-based ESOL curriculum, authors found that on-line access offered convenience and flexibility for students, and yielded an 88% retention rate.