AREA: / Distance Learning –iPodLibrary Phase I
DATE: / August 21, 2008
TO: / CWES Staff and Community Partners
FROM: / Denise Boland, DEBS Administrator
Background:
The concept of “mobile learning” or “digital learning” is a new trend in education and supports education “on the go”. Numerous educational institutions from K-12 to higher education are taking advantage of this new technology and are utilizing podcasts or iPods in place of the traditional classroom setting.
iPod is a personal handheld multimedia player that can be used for mobile learning. Students can replay lectures, build language skills, and review tests. iPod put students in control, empowering them to study at their own pace, when and where they’re ready to learn.
Under the new Federal regulations, Distance Learning is now considered a countable activity. Distance Learning is defined as alternate education delivery methods for students who are not physically on-site, including but not limited to on-line classes, podcasts, videotapes, and audio books.
To leverage this new technology, CWES has developed an iPod library of Distance Learning Material. Phase I of the Distance Learning project is to pilot the iPod Distance Learning Library with the clients referred by the RRT. Using iPods in Distance Learning for CalWORKs clients promotes engagement, provides flexibility and facilitates meeting the hours of participation.
Overview:
The RRT will identify clients who need additional hours to meet WPR for the sample month and offer the iPod library as a distance learning option for clients to fulfill their required hours. If a client chooses the iPod library, the RRT will help him/her complete the paperwork and check-out equipment. A client will be awarded with incentive(s) for returning iPod, its accessories, required paperwork, and meeting WPR for the sample month.
Modules:
Modules loaded into the iPods can be counted as coreor non-core activities depending the hours needed to meet WPR, with the exception of ESL modules which can only be counted as a non-core activity. Below are the available modules for the phase I iPod Library:
CORE / NON-CORESuccess Signals - Tim Dunkin ( 3 hours) / Success Signals - Tim Dunkin ( 3 hours)
Bridges Out of Poverty – Kathy Estes (6 hours) / Bridges Out of Poverty – Kathy Estes (6 hours)
Getting Things Done – David Allen (8 hours) / Getting Things Done – David Allen (8 hours)
Goals – Brian Tracy (3 hours 21 minutes) / Goals – Brian Tracy (3 hours 21 minutes)
Now, Discover your Strengths - M. Buckingham & D. Clifton (3 hours) / Now, Discover your Strengths - M. Buckingham & D. Clifton (3 hours)
Getting Ahead in the U.S. – Advance ESL – Living Language (6 hours)
English for the Real World – Intermediate/Advance ESL – Living Language (3 hours)
Welfare to Work Plan (WTW 2):
TheiPod library is considered part of the current plan. Therefore, a new WTW2 is not needed.
Overpayment:
The RRT will identifyand inform the assigned ET in the event of an overpayment if the equipment is damaged, lost, stolen, not returned, or downloaded with unauthorized materials. The assigned ET will complete the overpayment process.
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