Download and read the handbook here.

Build a better distance learning program with the following courses:

• Distance and Blended Learning Basics for Minnesota Adult Education has replaced DL Basics. This course was designed for education providers and practitioners teaching adult basic academic skills, ESOL, and literacy at a distance and/or through blended learning; it provides strategies and resources that are essential for both setting up and implementing distance education or teaching with a blended approach. The course includes six modules: Getting Started With Distance And Blended Learning; Outreach, Screening, & Orientation: Supporting Distance Learners From The Start;  Effective Distance & Blended Learning Instruction; Assessment; MN ABE Distance Education Policy and Procedures; and Teacher Verification Model (TVM) in Practice."  
• DL 101: Designed for teachers and administrators new to distance education. This intensive 8 month course combining face-to-face, online learning, and webinars allows you to build and implement a Distance Learning plan for your ABE site/program with support from experienced DL instructors and a cohort of your peers. Approximately 25 CEUs. Highly recommended.
• DL 102: These study groups are for experienced Distance Learning managers and instructors engaged in supporting distance learners and growing their Distance Learning programs. DL 101 is a prerequisite. Approximately 12 CEUs. The application for the next study group cohort, which kicks off Friday, October 29, 9:30am-12:00pm, can be accessed here, and includes additional detailed information about the course. It must be completed by October 15.
• Teacher Verification Model (TVM) Certification process:
  • 1) Complete two modules: TVM in Practice and MN ABE Distance Education Policy and Procedures (in the new Distance and Blended Learning Basics for Minnesota Adult Education online course). Upload practice TVM lesson and materials and pass the quiz. 
  • 2) Completing the 90 minute Certification webinar allows participants to receive TVM Certification & CEUs; and add TVM Certification to your Staff History in SID. The webinar helps participants deepen their understanding of the TVM process and requirements. They will share and receive peer feedback on their practice lesson in order to prepare them to use the TVM process. NOTE: Participants must complete Modules 5 and 6 of the Distance and Blended Learning Basics for Adult Education online course, complete the quizzes in both modules, and submit their practice TVM lesson and materials PRIOR to attending the TVM Certification Webinar.  

    • Webinar dates:

      Webinar registration links are in the course (Module 6, Topic 5). 

      Wednesday, September 29, 2:00-4:00pm

      *You must submit your TVM lesson plan and materials by Friday, September 24th at 5:00pm in order to attend the September 29th TVM Certification webinar.

      Wednesday, October 27, 2:00-4:00pm

      *You must submit your TVM lesson plan and materials by Friday, October 22nd at 5:00pm in order to attend the October 27th TVM Certification webinar.

World-Ed offers a series of three free online self-paced courses related to distance learning: Introduction to Blended Learning; Introduction to Mobile Learning, and Open Educational Resources. Go here to get started, and here to learn how to self-enroll in any of these courses:

• MN Introduction to Blended Learning: This mini course introduces participants to essential and foundational information about blended learning. It includes key definitions, strategies, examples, and reflective activities primarily presented in multimedia format. The goal of the course is for teachers tunderstand the different forms of blended learning and how they might integrate them into their coursework.
• MN Introduction to Mobile Learning: Welcome to the Introduction to Mobile Learning course. This multi-media mini course introduces participants to the basics of integrating mobile devices into their classroom, distance, or blended instruction. It includes key definitions, suggested strategies, examples, and reflective activities to help teachers incorporate what they have learned into their practice. The goal of the course is for teachers to understand the different ways adult learners and their teachers can use flip-phones, smartphones and tablets to enhance learning both in and out of the classroom.
• MN Open Educational Resources: This mini course introduces participants to essential information about Open Educational Resources (OERs). It includes key definitions, examples and reflective activities presented primarily in multimedia format. The goal of the course is for teachers to understand the benefits of using OERs, know where to find them, and how to evaluate their effectiveness.