Monthly Archives: January 2020

CommonLit–a leveled reading resource

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One resource I have used in my multi-leveled adult basic education classes is CommonLit. It allows an instructor to set up classes, assign a pre-assessment and leveled reading assignments for class, small groups or individualized per student. Often students struggle in different areas and demonstrate differing levels of proficiency. By allowing students to work at their own pace and at an appropriate level, it enables students to grasp new concepts quicker without the fear of it being too high or low. Individualized instruction is a task that requires a lot of planning time and effort on an instructor’s part but with online tools like Newsela and CommonLit, it makes such as task easier to navigate. In the past, I used Newsela when most of the articles were free; however, since they have a subscription model, I moved more toward CommonLit who (as of now) have many free articles, assessments and tools. I like free tools and my students seem to enjoy turning in their assignments and getting the online feedback. It can be used in mixed groups of differing levels or as a way to assign a class particular articles. One challenge would be if the online platform starting locking articles for paid subscribers. Many educators face budgets and I’m not sure if the amount of the subscription would justify money spent by a school program that might be utilized elsewhere. If anyone finds free leveled instructional sites, please share. I’m always open to innovation!

Has EdTech lived up to its potential?

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Educational technology has been seen for many years as a necessary part of upgrading education with the potential to create greater access to learners and empower educators in the classroom. But has EdTech lived up to its promises of access, ease and equity? What challenges does it still face? Tony Wan from Technology Trends suggests in his article, “What Problems Has Edtech Solved, and What New Ones Did It Create?” that technology has largely benefited classrooms everywhere.

The issue of accessibility and affordability have improved as the costs for technology have decreased. Chromebooks are easily found in many P-12 classrooms and its low cost and maintenance make it learner- and teacher-friendly. Most teachers are more comfortable with technology and curate the vehicles by which information is presented and engage their students. However, ever increasing stimulation to young minds presents a challenge to educators in how to steer young learners through the constant connectivity that social platforms demand and recognize how to establish healthy boundaries.

Surprisingly, video conferencing has been the “dark horse” in education that had the ability to empower educators and learners in new inspiring ways. Zoom and online collaboration allows students and teachers to share ideas and present information in new ways that also embed career related soft skills. Online collaboration can address 1:1 format of those students needing extra help to small and large group work.

The author presents personalized learning as the next big trend in education. I would hazard to say that personalized learning is already here and thriving especially in higher education. There are a plethora of online venues, colleges and universities that have evolved from just offering online classes to offering a complete program and credentialing online. I would think the rating of these multitude of options will be the next big thing in personalized learning. How does the consumer know that this credential or degree would have more weight and/or credibility than another? With so many choices and options, programs must stand out and offer something the consumer sees as necessary to their educational path.

A little about myself

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A little background about myself and journey in adult education…

I have a B.A in English Literature and A.G.S in Latin from McNeese State University. I have worked as an adult basic education instructor for English As a Second Language, GED (now HISET) and distance education for over 14 years for a local educational nonprofit. I have seen how adult education has evolved over the years and am working on my Masters in Adult Learning and Development from Northwestern State University. I will graduate in May and look to enroll in a doctoral program with a focus on workforce and educational technology. I have always been a proponent of equal access and how digital resources can help to bridge the gaps that students encounter in their educational and professional journeys. This blog is new for me as I share my thoughts and ideas on what I find in the wide wide world of online resources.