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Project News
New PBLA-compatible content available on Avenue
The Avenue team is pleased to announce the availability of new content for LINC programs using Avenue.ca. ... Twenty-eight new units and modules across all LINC levels are now available. They focus primarily on various aspects of financial literacy, workplace communication, Canada, and literacy support.. ...
http://learnit2teach.ca/wpnew/new-pbla-compatible-available-on-avenue/
Join us September 17th for the first in the fall series of Avenue Zoom webinars
To kick things off, we are very pleased to present Building Community and Making Learning Memorable with Dr. Deborah Healey, University of Oregon. Abstract: The rapid move to online learning and teaching last year left many teachers scrambling to find ways to connect with their learners. This talk will offer some lessons learned – including ideas that can be used in a face-to-face setting. ...
http://learnit2teach.ca/wpnew/join-us-september-17th-for-the-first-in-the-fall-series-of-avenue-zoom-webinars/
What are the benefits of LINC blended learning? Watch these videos for an explanation
... In 2017-18 an Avenue-LearnIT2teach Project evaluation team undertook a demonstration research project at a LINC program in Burnaby B.C. They looked into the impacts of blended learning. The report was released in 2019. The evaluators identified multiple benefits of LINC blended learning. We’ve distilled the results into nine videos and taken a dive on them with expert LINC learning technologists.
http://learnit2teach.ca/wpnew/what-are-the-benefits-of-linc-blended-learning-watch-these-videos-for-an-explanation/
New Part 1 Learning Technology Leadership Group Begins Saturday, September 25th!
If you are a professional in an IRCC program looking to lead innovation in a LINC or ELT program, we have two-part Moodle-based online training to offer. Each part has six weekly units and the time demand is about two hours per unit. The course content includes readings, podcasts and videos, and course activities and lots of forum discussion to encourage sharing and collaboration with peers in the sector. ...
http://learnit2teach.ca/wpnew/new-part-1-learning-technology-leadership-group-begins-tuesday-april-14-2020/
Web News
It’s a system meant to help newcomers to Canada learn English. But critics say it prioritizes testing — at students’ expense
... students and instructors say the portfolio-based language assessment or PBLA introduced in 2013 is taking the fun — and class time — out of learning ... The language assessment system, which has been rolled out incrementally since then, is meant to provide a standardized tool to measure the program’s impact on participants’ language learning ...
https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/08/05/its-a-system-meant-to-help-newcomers-to-canada-learn-english-but-critics-say-it-prioritizes-testing-at-students-expense.html
Pandemic prompts changes in how future teachers are trained
Before last year, a one-credit technology course for students pursuing master’s degrees in education at the University of Washington wasn’t seen as the program’s most relevant. Then COVID-19 hit, schools plunged into remote learning, and suddenly material from that course was being infused into others. ...
https://apnews.com/article/technology-health-education-pandemics-coronavirus-pandemic-f2dabbf25ac4a074360ec80671971f56
Use Of Language-Learning Apps Spiked During The Pandemic. Will It Last?
Despite what you've heard, it's never too late to pick up a new language and many adults started doing just that in 2020. What are adults' motivations for learning a new language and why did the pandemic jump-start those efforts? Will it last? ...
https://www.tpr.org/podcast/the-source/2021-07-07/use-of-language-learning-apps-spiked-during-the-pandemic-will-it-last
No More Periods When Texting. Period.
... To younger generations, using proper punctuation in a casual context like texting can give an impression of formality that borders on rudeness, as if the texter is not comfortable enough with the texting partner to relax. The message-ending period establishes a certain distance. The punctuation is polite when speaking to someone older than you or above you at work, but off-putting among friends. ...
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/29/crosswords/texting-punctuation-period.html
IRCC to accept a record number of applications for the 2021 Parents and Grandparents Program
Canada’s Parents and Grandparents (PGP) Program is unique in the world. It gives families the chance to reunite here, providing them the opportunity to thrive in this country. ... Building on the success of the PGP Program in recent years, IRCC will accept up to 30,000 additional applications, giving more Canadians and permanent residents than ever before the opportunity to bring their loved ones to Canada. ...
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2021/07/ircc-to-accept-a-record-number-of-applications-for-the-2021-parents-and-grandparents-program.html
Langley ESL school helps 300 newcomers get vaccinated
An English language training school in Langley is doing its part to help protect the newest members of the community during the pandemic. In partnership with Fraser Health, New Directions Vocational Testing and Counselling Services Ltd. vaccinated 300 people during a two-day clinic. ...
https://www.aldergrovestar.com/news/langley-esl-school-helps-300-newcomers-get-vaccinated/
How Remote Learning Subverts Power and Privilege in Higher Education
... Right now is a key moment in making higher ed institutions more inclusive through technology that broadens accessibility and encourages innovative pedagogies. As many prestigious universities that had previously looked down on the idea of digital learning put their content online, the entire dynamic of inclusion has shifted. ...
https://www.edsurge.com/news/2021-08-30-how-remote-learning-subverts-power-and-privilege-in-higher-education
Online teaching negatively impacts student learning, Wharton professor’s study finds
... The study, led by Cornell University professors ... aimed to find the impact of transitioning to online teaching at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers found that no particular demographic was more impacted by the effects of online learning and that certain learning techniques were more effective, Penn Today reported. ...
https://www.thedp.com/article/2021/07/penn-wharton-professor-study-online-learning
Blogs
Best Google Tools for English Language Learners
The best Google tools for English language learners are now more powerful than ever ... As more non-English speaking students require support, the right digital tools can make all the difference, both for their learning and for reducing teacher time requirements, so too helping the rest of the class. ... This guide aims to explain some of the best Google tools for English language learners and help to show the best ways to use them in a learning environment. ...
https://www.techlearning.com/tl-advisor-blog/google-tools-for-english-language-learners
Brighter futures: The ‘Uber-fication’ of ELT
... Nik Peachey, education technology expert, wrote here about the ... different business models that language schools may adopt. With an increasing reliance on digital teaching, some schools may consider a new model of moving everything online. He will look at the implications of this, including how it may disrupt the teaching industry.. ...
https://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2021/05/27/brighter-futures-uber-fication-elt/
Should Schools Continue Offering Virtual Learning Post-Pandemic?
Transitioning to a virtual learning platform during the COVID-19 pandemic was a seismic shift for schools and teachers. Most students are looking forward to returning to school in person, while others say remote learning worked best for them. They say they felt more at ease asking questions in virtual classrooms, and some revealed that virtual learning helped them feel free ...
https://www.weareteachers.com/virtual-learning-post-pandemic/
How to provide online learning and skills training to youth in low-bandwidth areas
COVID-19 has accelerated efforts to rapidly develop online delivery models ... But many youth living in low bandwidth areas have no or limited access to these resources. ... If online classes aren’t accessible to youth in rural, remote, disconnected areas, the youth will be further left behind in school and the job market. ...
https://blogs.worldbank.org/jobs/how-provide-online-learning-and-skills-training-youth-low-bandwidth-areas
5 sites to lighten the lesson planning load
Teachers’ jobs involve much more than teaching in the classroom or online. Putting together the right materials and resources for student learning is critical–and that’s where the right lesson planning tool can be invaluable. ...
https://www.eschoolnews.com/2021/07/23/5-sites-to-lighten-the-lesson-planning-load/
Professional Development
LearnIT2teach Annotated Bibliography New Resource: Evaluation of Language Training Services
If you have been wondering how other instructors and learners view PBLA in their LINC classes, take a look at this Toronto Star article (also referenced in the Web News section) and follow it up by reading the latest Evaluation of IRCC’s Language Training Services from December 2020.
http://bib.learnit2teach.ca/blog/2021/08/
How to manage expectations in online classes: Guidelines and requirements
... This paper attempts to (1) present certain challenges students and teachers may encounter in an online environment as opposed to face-to-face classes, (2) provide relevant guidelines as well as strategies informed by the findings of previous research studies to address the issues, and (3) present a reflection checklist. ...
http://contact.teslontario.org/how-to-manage-expectations-in-online-classes-guidelines-and-requirements/
Tips for teaching deaf students: Understanding the hurdles they face
Deaf learners often have English as their second language. In the U.S., ASL is usually their L1, especially if they are exposed to it from birth by their parents or other family members.. ... Here are some more helpful hints for teachers: Learn how to read the student’s facial expressions; Deal with a student's social delays and emotional problems ...; Remember to face the student as often as possible; ...
https://exclusive.multibriefs.com/content/tips-for-teaching-deaf-students-understanding-the-hurdles-they-face/education
Jobs
English Online Teacher
... This is an opportunity to teach the British Council’s flagship 100% online learning product for Adults – English Online. English Online is aimed at adults learning English worldwide, who are absolutely committed to improving their English. ...
https://www.tesl.ca/images/graphics/Jobs/2021_08_05_BC_EnglishOnlineInstructor_CA.pdf
Online English And/Or French Teacher Wanted
UASK ... Deliver 1-on-1 and/or group English and/or French lessons using supplied curricula to Chinese students via interactive online teaching platform ( training and support from professional team are provided!)
....
https://www.teslontario.org/node/1574991
e-Resource Corner
PBLA Module Bank for LINC Online
Calling all LINC instructors and administrators! TIES [The Immigration Education Society - Calgary] is currently completing the development of multi-level PBLA modules and assessments for use in your online classroom. These materials are free to access: simply click on your desired format (Word or PDF) to download below.
https://www.immigrant-education.ca/pbla-modules/
My Canadian English - Shona Nichols
Description Welcome to My Canadian English! Hi! I’m Shona Nichols, a trained ESL instructor in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. My lessons are FREE for anyone, anytime, anywhere. I release videos EVERY DAY to help you improve your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. I will teach you DIGITAL LITERACY skills and EMPLOYMENT skills to get and keep a job in Canada.
https://www.youtube.com/c/MyCanadianEnglishShonaNichols/videos
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