This wiki space will be dedicated to compiling documents and discussions on ESL and developmental issues.

There have been several meetings, dialog days and conference sessions focusing on this issue. Please view the attachments to see what has been ongoing so far.  You may also go to http://web.gccaz.edu/~monne/InfusingTechintoDevEdESL.ppt  to see the powerpoint on Infusing Technology into Developmental Ed and ESL courses created Julie Gray.

 Meeting on Wednesday 12:00 HT2 125

The meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 5th, is to discuss how to best integrate technology skills with the developmental and ESL classes. So far the following options have been presented.

• link courses (see the attachment for Miller, Wingersky and Brysacz).
• create a course specifically for this student population (see the attachments from Lien)
• use the courses now available (see the attachment for Spring 2008 and Miller, Wingersky and Brysacz)
• integrate technology into existing developmental and ESL courses (see the link above).

Obviously, the option of creating our own developmental computer course is a future option. If we plan to use the computer courses already in place, we should examine the reading level and level of content in those courses. We have one course in our course bank that Char Howey authored that does attempt to teach computer skills as part of an ESL class.  However, there needs to be more development of integrating technology into the developmental and ESL courses.

Meeting on December 5, 2008

In attendance: Joseph Bednorz, John Gibson, Julie Gray and Mary Jane Onnen 

Beginning discussion included history of the focus on Developmental and ESL population. The Futures Committee in 2005 pinpointed this population because information gathered showed such cases as the dramatic difference in student success in CIS 105 between developmental and non developmental students. Note: look for research from Matt Ashcraft.

Joseph stated his main concern is we had linked the CPD 096 and ENG 061 and a computer course. We need to resolve which computer course will be linked

John Gibson surveyed Lynn B's course to see student needs. About a third of the students had computers, half knew how to use the most important apps (MS Word); the class and John talked about different applicationss according to what employers would want.  The computer experience of the students was diverse and spotty; there's a whole range of expertise, so the courses John selected are  targeted at middle ground. Students will have different strengths in a computer class; the goal is to make up deficits in their knowledge and build on knowledge already present.  Everyone gets something; everyone gets a lot .

John gave out hand outs which showed courses that might be used. His preference would be BPC 100AB .5 credit with lots of file management, MSWord, and MSExcel (not exciting but useful for other courses-just a good skill).  For more experienced students, graphics and tables could be added. The second course is BPC 109 AA which is all about Power Point. Those two courses would be affordable.

The ideal solution would be to integrate the three courses. The courses are not in the schedule right now. However, we would figure out the times, places and instructors, put together a plan and approach the advisers.  We will make a guide to give advisers in the enrollment center.  After that, we hope to fill the cohort, teach the linked courses and evaluate how well the design worked.  Joseph will get together with Richard Shortridge to discuss the BPC course offerings. Look at the attachments for more details.

How will ESL students be served?  We could have supplemental instruction like the BPC courses with ESL, reading,and English courses. We need to work on designing courses that are integrated through collaboration with the different departments. This will help students who may need an easy plan when they come into advisement.

In the big picture, are we designing for students for GED or college graduation? Can we make students more employable as well as academically prepared?

We'd like to be able to help students realize goals whatever the goals are.

Action:

Joseph will put the developmental cohort in the fall schedule. Meanwhile we will make plans to work on fine tuning the developmental education cohort and creating an ESL cohort.