AlphaPlus has collected a set of interesting frameworks, approaches and theoretical foundations that are relevant to adult literacy practice and can inform planning, designing and decision-making.
We’ve included a blended learning toolbox, an annotated bibliography of tools, apps and websites curated using the framework principles.
If you’re interested in exploring blended learning options for your program, please get in touch.
The role of resource curation is an important one and can be overwhelming and time consuming.
AlphaPlus developed this site to help literacy practitioners
There are three sections.
If you’d like to learn more about curating resources, contact Tracey, sign up for an Educator Network program or sign up for one-to-one support through Coaching.
If you’d like a copy of this site to use as a starting point to adapt and expand for use in your program, please get in touch. AlphaPlus can give you a copy and support you in learning how to use a website builder such as Google Sites or Weebly as online learning spaces for learners, staff and volunteers.
“Reflective teaching is the practice of colleagues joining together to observe and analyze the consequences for student learning of different teaching behaviors and materials in order to gain insights that will result in the continuous evaluation and modification of pedagogy.”
– Chapter 11: Professional Development and Reflective Practice By William Powell
Reflective practice can help us think through these questions and arrive at solutions.
AlphaPlus has created a website with a collection of reflective practice resources to support literacy educators develop a reflective process that works for them and the people they work with.
In the Educator Network Blended Learning program and Planning Your Digital Toolbox, participants have the option of working through the Reflections on teaching with digital technology workbook. Join us or try it our with your colleagues (sign in to a Google account and make a copy).
If you’re interested in using a reflective practice process to plan and explore digital technology for learning, please contact Tracey or the AlphaPlus coaches.
If you’d like a copy of the Reflective Practice for Literacy Practitioners site to use as a starting point to adapt and expand for use in your program, please get in touch. AlphaPlus can give you a copy and support you in learning how to use a website builder such as Google Sites or Weebly as online learning spaces for learners, staff and volunteers.
Presenters from three programs share how they are using YouTube and TikTok videos to engage learners.
Presenters from three programs share how they digitize and organize activities and learner files.
Blended learning is an approach where educators leverage technology and digital access for learners to create, communicate, collaborate and apply critical thinking skills to construct knowledge in a connected world.
Blended learning is a foundation of AlphaPlus services for instructors and program planners.
Through eNet, technology coaching, workshops and tech support services, AlphaPlus helps literacy educators employ blended learning methodologies.
What does AlphaPlus mean by blended learning?
Our position is that blended learning in adult education is not only about the use of tools and resources. Instead, it’s a way to think about program and curriculum development, including learning design and delivery.
Why do we take this position?
Using digital technology isn’t just learning how to operate digital devices and navigate the internet. These are important skills that enable participation in a digitally connected world, but a curriculum that focuses only on these operational tasks doesn’t meet learners where they’re at and doesn’t meet the changing needs of people learning, working and engaging in 21st-century life.
Join the discussion
We believe that the discussion about blended learning in adult education needs to extend to the realities of adult basic-education programs that operate in an individualized educational context as well as those that are course-based and use a fixed curriculum.
We’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas
Read the full paper to learn more about the principles and benefits of blended learning in adult literacy programs as well as our recommendations for program development and why AlphaPlus supports people-first strategies.
Read an online version and more about AlphaPlus and blended learning here: The Blended Learning Collection.
The full paper is available in American Sign Language.
Are you a literacy practitioner looking for resources to support a remote learning option for learners?
AlphaPlus started this site during the pandemic of 2020-22 to support adult literacy learners and practitioners during the pivot to remote learning. We’ve kept it going because the interest in offering remote learning options has increased.
The Resources for Practitioners page is a collection of resources you can use to build remote learning “classrooms.” Some of these resources were developed or reviewed by Ontario literacy practitioners.
You may also find The AlphaPlus Guide to Getting Ready for Remote Learning and the AlphaPlus Guide to Building Community in Remote Learning useful resources.
If you’re interested in exploring remote learning options for your program, please get in touch.
If you’d like a copy of this site to use as a starting point to adapt and expand for use in your program, please get in touch. AlphaPlus can give you a copy and support you in learning how to use a website builder such as Google Sites or Weebly as online learning spaces for learners, staff and volunteers.
Presenters from three programs share how they use learning a management system in their programs.
Presenters from three programs share how they extend learning and critical thinking beyond virtual meetings.
Presenters from three programs share how they engage learners to collaborate remotely.