Features:

How Does the Learner Web Work?

The Learner Web consists of a Web-based software system that is implemented regionally. The System is organized around Learning Plans. A Learning Plan is a set of steps structured around achieving an identified goal. For example, if the goal is to get a GED, the steps might include finding out more about the tests, identifying what skills one needs to brush up on, learning new skills and knowledge, taking practice tests, etc. Each step is matched with online and community based resources and a workspace where Learners can take assessments or save their work in an e-portfolio.

The Learner creates a personal profile, may take a short reading assessment and interest inventory, chooses a goal from the available list and follows the learning plan independently or with a tutor or a teacher. The Learning Plan is dynamically matched by the software to both the learner profile and educational resources. The Learner's progress is saved and can be returned to at any time via the internet. Learners can choose to share their workspace with a tutor or teacher.

Select View Demonstration to request a password to view a video that shows how learners use the software.

How does the Learner Web help educators?

Adult Educators across the country are grappling with challenges such as meeting the demand for ESOL, reaching learners who don’t come to programs, transitioning GED recipients to postsecondary education and to jobs, integrating new and international college students into academic environment. Creative programs, curriculum, websites and learning resources are being developed to meet these challenges. The Learner Web organizes these existing Resources in ways to make them accessible to Learners and other educators.

Distance education programs are an example. The most important difference between the Learner Web and distance education is that the Learner Web is driven by the Learner, while most distance education programs are organized on the classroom model and facilitated by a teacher. Providers will also be able to use the Learner Web to administer a class or distance education curriculum and packages can be integrated into the Learner Web as Resources.

Flexible and Customizable

In addition to being web-based, The Learner Web is grounded and localized in administrative units called Regions.

Regions consist of a group of partnering organizations, usually led by a literacy coalition, public library, community college, or government agency in a state, county, city, or other geographical region. Regions can also be organized around a specific constituency, group of affiliated programs or need rather than geography.

Regions can choose and tailor existing Learning Plans needed by their local population and partners or create their own Learning Plans that are Region-specific. Education service providers can integrate their curriculum with the Learner Web to deliver blended learning opportunities for their students that supplement classes, or that enable students who temporarily cannot attend classes to stay enrolled and make progress toward their goals.