Project News
October 4, 2007
Project IDEAL Updates Its Web site. To provide additional guidance to states in setting up a distance education program, the Project IDEAL Support Center revamped its Web site (www.projectideal.org). It has a new section called “Getting Started with Distance Education” where visitors can get an overview of key issues to consider in setting up a distance program. It also includes a blog called “Distance Education for ABE Learners” designed to foster discussions about current issues in distance education.
October 1, 2007
ESL Consultants Advise U.S.A. Learns. In September, seven national leaders in ESL reviewed plans for U.S.A. Learns. They provided feedback and guidance on the overall design of the portal and made recommendations that could increase its usefulness for low- and mid-level ESL learners. The consultants include:
- Jayme Adelson-Goldstein, ESL teacher-trainer, consultant and author
- Blanca E. Enriquez, Associate Executive Director, Region 19 Education Service Center and Director, Region 19 Head Start, El Paso, Texas
- Elizabeth Hanson-Smith, Independent Consultant for online teacher training and software development issues
- Eliza McFadden, President of the Volunteer Florida Foundation
- Joy Peyton, Vice President of the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) in Washington, DC and Director of CAL’s Language and Culture Resources Division
- Pam Etre-Perez, Adult Basic Education Director, Academic Affairs, Planning and Research Division, State of New Mexico
- David Rosen, Independent Consultant, Newsome Associates, Boston, Massachusetts
September 1, 2007
The Technology Integration Self Assessment (TISA) - the second free online self-assessment from AdultEd Online - is available for adult educators. This assessment helps adult educators assess their knowledge of ways to use technology to improve the quality of classroom instruction. Teachers reflect on their skills and knowledge in technology arenas from basic computer operations to using technology in the classroom. The TISA helps teachers develop a personalized professional development plan to improve the skills they select as important. Administrators can also invite teachers to take the TISA and then use the results to provide targeted professional development opportunities.
August 23, 2007
U.S.A. Learns was announced today with an official press release. Download a PDF copy of the Press Release. 
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October 1, 2006
AdultEd Online launches a free online self-assessment to help teachers determine if distance teaching is a good fit for their teaching skills. The Distance Teaching Self Assessment (DTSA) provides information about the skills needed to teach at a distance and asks teachers to reflect on their abilities in these areas. After completing the self-assessment, teachers are provided with suggested professional development resources. Program administrators can invite teachers to take the assessment, and with their permission, see their results. This will allow administrators to better design professional development to meet staff needs.
