Language and Literacy:

Citizenship Website

Jessica Horning, Literacy Minnesota

Learn about a free citizenship website students can use to prepare for their interview. The website has videos to help students practice reading, writing, 100 questions, and yes/no questions.

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/pUmWX6JgCAzz

Resource: https://sites.google.com/view/citizenshipopendoor/home

Writing in the Online ESL Classroom

Karla M. Krause-Wohlfei, Winona Adult Literacy

Margaret Trott, Winona Adult Literacy

Presenters will discuss challenges associated with writing instruction as experienced in the online ESL classroom. They will present a variety of approaches in order to adapt to the new learning environment; including silent writing labs, predictive texts, newsletters, dictations, and peer feedback.

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/AenK4SkvXPfD



Introduction to the *New* English Unlocked Curriculum from Literacy Minnesota

Jessica Horning, Literacy Minnesota

Mya Shaftel, Literacy Minnesota

The new English Unlocked curriculum from Literacy Minnesota is a low-prep, flexible, standards-based curriculum for 4 levels of adult ESL. It is designed with an equity lens for volunteer or teacher led classrooms.

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/rLCigxxs93r2

Resource: www.literacymn.org/englishunlocked

Three Ways to Use Children's Picture Books in Adult English Language Classrooms

Andrea Echelberger, Literacy Minnesota

Don't recycle those picture books! Learn three writing activities that incorporate children's picture books into interactive level and age-appropriate writing activities.

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/y_SpQkAwmmvg



Journeys: An Anthology of Adult Student Writing

Mariah Wika, Literacy Minnesota

Kelly Rynda, Literacy Minnesota

Journeys, the annual publication of ABE student writing, seeks submissions for the 2022 edition. The submissions webform is now open and entries are being accepted throughout the fall.

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/wFoZBtdhDTXG

Handouts: Journeys Packet

Math: 

A Metacognitive Routine to Promote Independent Math Learning

Lindsey Pust, Literacy Minnesota / ATLAS

Math students are often much too reliant on the teacher when navigating through difficult/unfamiliar problems. This simple routine provides one way to help students develop confidence as independent, capable mathematicians.

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/PFs_pynYeo__

Handout (Google Doc): Math Activity Reflection Page

Handout (Word Doc): Math Activity Reflection Page

Math Warm-Up Activities

Penny Brown, SouthWest Metro Intermediate District

Review six free resources to help your students build numeracy skills through brief tasks suitable for warm-up or closing activities. Materials can be used for online instruction or in-person classes.

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/mnmS44GU8r_r

Resource: Math Warm Up Activities 

Meet Students Where They Are in Math and English with EdReady

Terri Rowenhorst, The NROC Project

Adult educators nationwide have aligned EdReady study paths with NRS levels, TABE, CASAS, and more. Discover how this personalized learning platform can help assess and support student progress.

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/JbVFqeivxjej

Resource: https://www.nroc.org/info/adult-education

What is My Open Math?

Cindy Secord, Metro North ABE

Have you heard of My Open Math? It is an interactive, online math program that many colleges are using! Come and take a look at the program and some of the exciting features.

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/Nv-kRerQwAaN

Handout: My Open Math - Teacher Guide

Handout: My Open Math - Student Guide

Handout: My Open Math - Downloading Reports

Digital Literacy:

Using Classkick to Strengthen Basic Computer Skills

Sarah Pradt, Hmong American Partnership

Learn how to use the ed tech tool Classkick to teach and reinforce basic computer skills, virtually or in person.

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/k8Xr4Sk4GRzM

Handout: Intro to Classkick for ABE

Digital Literacy in the Age of COVID

Katherine J. Erickson, Adult Options in Education

COVID 19 forced many in education to get creative and teach online, but how do you teach digital skills online? This video will cover some of the different strategies I used as a CTEP member at Adult Options including tech help schedules and taking advantage of google drive.

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/tahn9jdZcXPz



Creating a Digital Equity Plan

Jason Brazier, Literacy Minnesota

We are all aware of gaps in digital equity but we may not know how to close those gaps. This session will provide you with some guidance on areas of focus and provide a template to start creating a plan for your program.

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/SKML4zpyP21i

Handout:  https://tinyurl.com/DEPP2021

Northstar Digital Literacy Curriculum Resources

Leah Hauge, Literacy Minnesota

Northstar curricula give learners opportunities to build digital literacy skills, soft skills, and English skills. Walk through Northstar lessons, new standard alignment maps, and new unit projects. Resources are ready-to-go!

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/VE7ygcfMtGb9

Handout: Accessing the Northstar Digital Literacy Curriculum

Tagging in Northstar - Separate Learners by Class or Instructor with this New Feature

Theresa Sladek, Literacy Minnesota

Learn how to use the new tagging feature in Northstar Digital Literacy to separate learners by category (class, instructor, etc.), allowing for more user-friendly reports.

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/kz426os8THkg



Updates to the Northstar Learner Tab

Rob Podlasek, Literacy Minnesota

The learner tab in the admin portal has a new look and some new features. 

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/1TYAmcwWmPRc

Getting Started with the Northstar Admin Portal

Dani Brown, Literacy Minnesota

Learn how to use the features in the 'Info' tab of the Northstar Admin portal.

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/k8AMsZcA417h

 

Distance Learning:

The Distance Learning Website: Your One-Stop DL Resource Hub

Susan Wetenkamp-Brandt, Literacy Minnesota 

In 2021 the DL website moved to a new home. In this virtual tour of the new site, you'll see the major features and find out how to locate information on DL platforms. It's your one-stop shop for all things distance learning!

Video:  https://flipgrid.com/s/TMBfdB6FuDvr

Resource: https://www.literacymn.org/distancelearning



Do It Yourself DL: Using an LMS to Learn How to Use an LMS to Build Teacher-Created Distance Learning Courses

Cathy Grady, St Paul Public Schools - Hubbs Center

This session will introduce participants to a new(er) online, self-paced course geared towards ABE teachers on using a Learning Management System (LMS) to build online courses for their students.

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/CWB34XSoz2Jz



MobyMax: Dare to Try the Interactive Lessons Module

Therese Badenoch, Literacy Minnesota

Create a customized in-class activity or homework assignment for one or all of your learners with MobyMax's Interactive Lessons module. Learn how easy it is to get started!

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/hCxsadFsyzUU

Tech Tips:

What's New in Windows 11

Jason Brazier, Literacy Minnesota

Windows 11 will arrive later this year. This preview will give you a view of it's new look, features and answer some of the questions you might have about the newest Windows operating system.

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/cvR23TyQQgRm

Handout: https://tinyurl.com/w11cs2021

Using Jamboard in Google Meet

Andy Francis, Literacy Minnesota

This tutorial will show you how to use Jamboard in a Google Meet tutoring session. This video is an excerpt from the Getting Familiar with Google Meet training available on Literacy Minnesota's Remote Tutoring Resource page.

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/d4Kaw4ZSkC7J

Resource: https://www.literacymn.org/remote-tutoring-resources



Bookmark Moving Made Easy

Jason Brazier, Literacy Minnesota

Managing and sharing bookmarks is an easy. A few easy keyboard strokes are all you need to take your bookmarks with you and share with others.

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/5k2b3B8WrZ9A



Less Eye Strain Using Windows Night Light

Jason Brazier, Literacy Minnesota

Is too much screen time causing eye strain? Follow these simple directions to enable Windows Night light which may help prevent eye strain and headaches.

Video:  https://flipgrid.com/s/bdW1se_YHweq

 

Program Management:

Build your Capacity and Mentor Emerging Leaders: Host a Digital Equity or Literacy Leader VISTA

Meghan Paul-Cook, Literacy Minnesota

Build your capacity and mentor emerging leaders! AmeriCorps VISTAs are full-time volunteers who lead anti-poverty projects at nonprofits, public agencies and Tribal Nations. At the same time, VISTAs build their own leadership, explore career paths, pay for college and become lifelong advocates for the communities they serve due to the power of their experience. Learn about how AmeriCorps VISTA can help you to turn dream projects into reality, reach more learners or support learners more effectively, and advance your mission.

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/7LWx1AX_5ziH

Resource: https://www.literacymn.org/americorps-vista

Advancing Adult Education Teacher Expertise with Hamline’s ABE Licensure Program!

Betsy Parrish, Hamline University

Gain insights on what constitutes an optimal adult education learning environment. Learn how Hamline's ABE Licensure program can prepare you to create such an environment for all adult learners.

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/rjC9uA4qH8wX

Handout: Adult Basic Education (ABE) Licensure in Minnesota FAQs

Are You Ready for In-Person Volunteers Again?

Matthew Miller, Metro North ABE

Orientation is an important way to welcome new volunteers and help them begin on a solid footing. The goal of an orientation session is to introduce the volunteer to your program, the classes and services you offer, and the resources available to the volunteer. This can be done individually or within a group. Whichever way you choose, it's a time to make sure volunteers understand their position, supervisory roles, responsibilities, and other administrative or programmatic policies at your learning center.



To help volunteer coordinators and other literacy staff create an in-person orientation, the Volunteer Engagement Committee of LAN has created a checklist of topics to use while considering your specific program's in-person orientation. The following process is designed for volunteers who have completed your interview and application process, in many programs, this would be the next step after the application process.

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/98exeQsDtWwa

Resource: http://literacyactionnetwork.org/committees/volunteer-engagement

Adult Literacy Hotline

Kelly Rynda, Literacy Minnesota

The Adult Literacy Hotline connects prospective students with ABE programs in their area. If your program has a waiting list or does not offer a learner’s requested services, use the Hotline! You can also make updates to your program’s Hotline information in SiD.

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/9qcwSSoDyBJY

Handouts: Hotline Rack Card

Creating a Bridge to Healthcare Class with a PCA Certificate

Renee Koster, Lakeville Area Adult Education

Tracie Kreighbaum, Lakeville Area Adult Education

Do you have a small-mid size ABE program and need to ramp up your career pathways offerings? Lakeville ABE started from scratch exploring ways to offer a Career Pathway that made sense for our students and local area. Learn about the practical steps taken and the successful start to a Healthcare Careers Bridge that leads to a PCA certificate.

Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/FfqtYnBpU3gX