This three-part workshop explores methods educators can use in their classrooms and programs to engage ESOL and AE students in several areas of the Information Technology (IT) field. The series includes a face-to-face session, an online component, and a follow-up webinar. Through participating in all three components, you will have opportunities to plan and implement a hands-on lesson or project that will support your learners’ exploration of the IT field.
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Novice and experienced ESOL & AE teachers and program directors who are interested in supporting adult learners’ exploration of career and education pathways in the IT field
This professional development activity/course is designed for:
The face-to-face session presents a model program from Holyoke Community College that provides ABE students with opportunities to engage in hands-on activities in several areas of digital technology, learn basic coding concepts, explore jobs in the IT field, and prepare an individualized career and education plan. The session illustrates how the model can be modified for ESOL learners and includes guidance for planning lessons to engage classes in smaller scale projects. You will learn how to support students in researching education and career options using online tools.
You will practice a variety of hands-on instructional strategies and techniques, such as:
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Technology tools to engage students, like Scratch and Code Combat
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Designing technology lessons/projects that support accessibility for ESOL students
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Exploring possible partnerships with other non-profit educational institutions or non-profit organizations in your region to support student pathways to careers in IT
Next, in the online companion course facilitated by the workshop presenter, you will put your ideas into action by submitting and discussing a draft lesson plan or project with your peers and the presenter, and get feedback and support for developing it further. The companion course includes additional resources, a forum to ask questions (and have them answered), and a discussion board to share ideas with colleagues. A minimum of one post and two replies in the companion course is expected.
The final session (about a month after the workshop) is a one-hour webinar, in which you will share the lesson/project you have implemented in your classroom, receive feedback, guidance, and information from the facilitator and colleagues, and plan next steps to further refine your practice.
To receive credit for this professional development activity, participation in all three components is required.
Professional development hours: 5
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Face-to-face session: 3 hours
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Online companion course: 1 hour
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Webinar: 1 hour
An additional time commitment of approximately two hours is expected for the application of learning to your teaching practice.
Date(s) and time(s) of the event:
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Face-to-face session: May 4, 12:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
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Online companion course: TBD
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Webinar: TBD
For more information, please contact Dori McCormack at dmccormack@hcc.edu.
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Navigate several free technology tools to use with students to learn basic concepts in IT
Identify specific jobs in the IT field that may be appropriate for your learners
Identify IT providers in your region
Plan a lesson/project to engage students in technology concepts
Create a template for education and career planning for students
Upon completion of this professional development activity/course, you will be able to:
Quinsigamond Community College- Ahlfors, Room 106
670 West Boylston St.
Worcester, MA
United States
