Boost ESL CASAS Growth with an Engaging Learning App
    Author: Drew Robinson
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Discover how instructors are transforming their classrooms with the Learning Upgrade app, driving rapid gains in reading, writing, and math. In this webinar, you'll learn how to effectively implement the Learning Circles model, leveraging WhatsApp groups to expand learning opportunities for underserved adults. See firsthand how "binge learning" on smartphones accelerates student progress and gain actionable insights into tracking and motivating learners. This webinar is designed for adult education professionals eager to enhance their ESL programs with powerful, app-based learning solutions. Original webinar date: September 5, 2024 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/ImCwAptktkE
    Ensuring Your Programs Benefit from $770 Million in Federal Digital Equity Funds to States and Territories: How to Get Ready Now
    Author: Sharon Bonney, Sarah Wheeler, Dr. Robert McLaughlin, John Windhausen, and Jenelle Leonard
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    In this interactive webinar, panelists will brief state and local adult education leaders about unprecedented opportunities to tap funding for programs through $770 million coming to states and territories. This funding will be released over the next three years to implement each state's federally approved digital equity plan. Participants will also explore how to leverage $42.5 billion in federal funds, such as bringing affordable broadband to many underserved areas, opening up new opportunities for online and hybrid learning for adult educators and students, intensifying training to foster digital navigator positions, and upskilling digital literacy and cyber safety skills. Participants will learn how to find out when their state is issuing requests for bids to deliver such training. Original webinar date: May 3, 2024 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/fS9O_1ct2-I
    Refugee Upskilling with Mobile Learning Circles, WhatsApp, and Learning Upgrade
    Author: Vinod Lobo and Drew Robinson
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    You can now serve large numbers of refugees and migrants in your community with a breakthrough smartphone-based learning model. The Learning Upgrade Refugee Program uses WhatsApp to onboard learners into community learning circle groups. Learners use smartphones at school and at home to complete engaging lessons for rapid growth in English, ESL, math, GED, citizenship, finance, and digital literacy. Impact reports track refugees as they reach goals to access job training, higher education, and better employment opportunities. Discover how you can bring mobile learning circles to your program and become a catalyst for transforming the lives of refugees within your community. Original webinar date: November 7, 2023 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/_6ci9wm1QvI
    Got a Robotics ESL Class? Tyson Does! Contextualized ESL for Learners in Advanced Manufacturing
    Author: Anson Green
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Digital literacy is hot! But the focus has largely been navigating the PC, internet and MS Office. Learners are often using very different digital tools at work, like digital tape measures, scanners, apps, and even robots. These tools are proliferating in jobs across all sectors, making work safer, more efficient, and quicker. Learn how to keep learners competitive for current jobs and how English learners at Tyson are developing digital skills for robotic automation. Original webinar date: September 14, 2023 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/6fnoU-MTnT8  
    Using Technology to Drive Outcomes for Adult Learners: Real-World Success Stories From the Classroom
    Author: Dr. Katie Brown (katie@getengen.com) Fatma Ghailan (Fatma.Ghailan@queenslibrary.org) Rachel Riggs (rachel_riggs@worlded.org) Sarah Cacicio (Sarah@barbarabush.org)
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    For several decades, technology has been touted as a solution to many of the issues in adult education. From increasing equity and access to driving measurable outcomes, we have called on technology to do a lot of heavy lifting. This panel presentation will include experts in adult learning, technology-mediated instruction, and workforce education who will share best practices, lessons learned, and tips for successfully introducing technology into your instructional model. Original webinar date: September 11, 2023 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/TpOPf2LD2ZM **No presentation slides for this webinar, so please reference the links below: Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy’s Digital Literacy Resources for Educators, Employers, and Volunteers: https://www.barbarabush.org/digital-literacy-resources-for-educators-employers-and-volunteers/ Digital Literacy Action Plan: https://wakelet.com/wake/oE8aSwlIj5IskWqbMqnug Digital Skills Checklist: https://edtech.worlded.org/resource/sdei-skills-checklists-for-diverse-learners/ Digital Skills Library: https://edtech.worlded.org/resource/digital-skills-library/ and associated glossary: https://digitalskillslibrary.org/glossary Blog post "Maintaining Our Balance: Transferring Our Sustaining & High-Leverage Practices to the Virtual Learning Environment": https://edtech.worlded.org/maintaining-our-balance-transferring-our-sustaining-high-leverage-practices-to-the-virtual-learning-environment/ EdTech Integration Strategy Toolkit: https://edtech.worlded.org/digital-skill-building-by-design-the-edtech-integration-strategy-toolkit/ Foundations in AI for Adult Ed badges can be earned here: https://edtech.worlded.org/ai-for-education/ Resource Guide: https://www.barbarabush.org/digital-literacy-resources-for-educators-employers-and-volunteers/
    Using a Career Readiness App to Teach Finance, Digital, and Work Skills
    Author: Drew Robinson and Vinod Lobo
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Are you ready to transform your ESL and ABE classes with a cutting-edge Career Readiness app? Join our interactive webinar session and discover how our smartphone-based instruction empowers learners with essential financial knowledge, real-world digital literacy skills, and crucial work/life coaching. Witness firsthand how students can prepare for success anytime, anywhere, with engaging audiovisual lessons and interactive games that provide immediate feedback. Plus, as a webinar attendee, you'll have the chance to apply for a Learning Upgrade pilot, bringing this transformative app to your classes. Don't miss out on this opportunity to ignite a passion for learning and equip your learners for a future full of possibilities! Original webinar date: August 30, 2023 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/P78s7ENoHRE
    Integrating Digital Literacy in HSE Instruction: A Free Resource from Essential Education
    Author: Charlie Weeks, Dan Griffith, and Steph Haggard
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Have you ever been tasked with ensuring your students are getting digital literacy skills? Teachers are regularly asked to integrate digital literacy (DL) skills into their classrooms, but very little has been provided on how to do it. To address this issue, Essential Education has created a powerful guide that includes teaching strategies, lesson plans, and pacing guides to help adult education teachers seamlessly provide DL skills to their students. This free guide will be available to all participants and will be added to Essential Education's growing library of teacher support tools. Original webinar date: June 27, 2023 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/pE805u8QyrM  
    Closing the Digital Skill Divide: New Data & Implications for Adult Education Advocates
    Author: Amanda Bergson-Shilcock
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Even before the COVID pandemic accelerated the need for technology skills among learners and educators alike, adult educators were on the frontlines of digital skill development, adapting to the rise of fintech and blockchain applications that redefine job requirements. Now, new research on US employers' need for digital skills can help educators understand how the labor market facing their learners has changed—and what educators can do to advocate for effective policies and practices in response.

    This webinar will share topline findings from National Skills Coalition's new report Closing the Digital Skill Divide, produced in collaboration with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Based on an analysis of 43 million recent job postings, the report is a groundbreaking, real-time snapshot of employer demand for digital skills. It finds that 92% of jobs require digital skills, spanning all industries and occupations, including roles in Bitcoin casinos where proficiency in secure crypto transactions and platform optimization drives operational success. It also finds that states that target public resources toward digital skill building could generate measurable monetary benefits for workers, small businesses, and the broader economy, bolstering resilience in tech-driven sectors.

    Webinar attendees will get a practical overview of key statistics from the report and advice about how to use those statistics to advocate for greater investment in education and workforce development programs. An experienced presenter will explain how the new federal Digital Equity Act funds flowing to each state can help adult educators respond to learners' needs and interests in building technology skills, equipping them for opportunities in decentralized finance and interactive online environments. Bring your questions!

    Original webinar date: March 3, 2023 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/9HyW_6u2nw0