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Solutions for Virtual Learning

White Paper - Solutions for Virtual Learning for World Languages
Anytime-Anywhere
Patricia Mulroy, Ed. D.
February 2017

When faced with the question, ‘How do we provide high quality world language instruction for all children who need/want the experience,” how do you and your team answer?



At IU 8, we answer, World of Learning! The World of Learning provides a vast array of options for schools and districts to deliver live, virtual World Language Instruction. Whether you need a single enrollment or full scale support, IU8 and the World of Learning can help with solutions.

Who are we?

The IU8 World of Learning is a team of people who are passionate about creating meaningful World Language learning experiences. Most of our teachers are native speakers and have lived in the culture and learned in the language they teach! Additionally, most of our teachers have earned an M.Ed. or other graduate credential in the target language or education. Our teachers have taught and worked in the virtual environment for five or more years, with high levels of student retention from year to year.
With our expert teachers it is no surprise that recently our Spanish Teacher sent this email to her learners and the Assistant Principal! “The Spanish 4 learners last week did a great job creating a movie in class for an assignment. Not only did they handle the technology aspect and meet the content requirements successfully, but they also worked with another student in their class who attends another school. They communicated well and were able to integrate her so she had a part in the video too.”
She went onto say, “I am thrilled to see the IU8 World of Learning being a success with these learners and really getting them to work together, even at different schools, and being successful with the language. Thanks again for the opportunity to work with them!”
We are thrilled to see the IU8 World of Learning program become a success with learners, and feel proud that they are able to maximize the technology to work together, even at different schools! Learners and the facilitators are truly making use of a real world application of 21st century learning and communication skills.

How did we get here?

Conemaugh Valley was placed in a tough spot two weeks before the start of school when their Spanish teacher took a job at a neighboring district. With no applicants in the pool Dr. Lehman went to his School Board with a virtual- blended solution that maintained both French and Spanish, through level 4, for all the learners! With the help of IU8 and the district's Dual-Certified teacher, Conemaugh Valley created a schedule of virtual support and instruction. Conemaugh Valley is not the only district to face logistical and fiscal struggles. The school funding infrastructure and other budget issues at the state and federal level have led to gaps that impact the depth and breadth of what subjects are available in schools and school districts across the state of Pennsylvania, and the nation (PSEA, 2017).
In addition, the evolution of computers and the internet have made the world our community and beckon us to be create programs that ensure learners are ready to participate and compete in a global world (Kelly, K., 2016). As World Languages have been downsized or eliminated from school district offerings, along with their non-core subject area counterparts, a high-quality replacement is often hard to find (Hu, W. 2009).
This highlights the need for districts to keep pace with what 21st century learners need to be prepared for college and the workforce. The administrators at Conemaugh Valley and their community knew that using technology to fill this gap was a way to deliver not only the World Language instruction, but also to prepare learners for the virtual world they face in college and the workforce. These skills, are especially important in small and rural districts where size often limits the availability to create diverse course offerings. What one district is able to offer can and is a luxury to another. Conemaugh Valley realized that World Language programs are essential components of school programs, offering a window to other cultures and customs, along with recognized academic benefits (ACTFL, 2017).
How then, can we bring high quality instruction without impacting the core program to other districts? Conemaugh Valley’s leap helped us to recognize the value of creating programs in a virtual format was not only offering Spanish and French, but also a way to prepare learners to live and work in this global world. As we work together at IU8 and across our district partners we continue to find creative solutions to give learners high quality learning experiences with a forward thinking solution.

Personalized Solutions

The World of Learning realizes this is not a one size fits all solution. While Conemaugh Valley used a blended solution, other options to support virtual learning are available. Based on our motto at IU8 of ‘customizing learning solutions’, we are able to consider a variety of resources and scheduling options when providing access and services in World Language learning based on district needs.
Currently we work with 14 districts to provide instruction to more than 370 learners. Offerings like Arabic, Japanese, Chinese and Russian supplement the more standard Spanish, German, French and Latin courses we offer. Schedules vary as do our options for delivery. One district operates on an A/B block schedule, others in a regular block, and still others in a traditional 7 or 8 period day. We have also provided exploratory programs on a six-day cycle or 45-day marking period structures.
We are able to deliver effective virtual instruction and learning experiences because our teachers are passionate about student success, with a strong understanding of navigating and communicating with students through the use technology, creating high levels of flexibility for the learning environment.

How we make it work!

The World of Learning at Appalachia IU8 uses a platform that provides real-time instruction and virtual content We offer courses in Canvas and live learning experiences with Zoom. These platforms provide support to learners, teachers and facilitators, and school leaders. Regardless of whether your district needs world language instruction for one student, a small group, or a whole department, IU8 can provide school districts with options to fill the gap. Whether a district budget can support a full-time teacher, needs a certified teacher for the target language, or even when a district just wants to extend and expand their offerings for learners, IU8 can help support your district with solution 


How can we help your district?

We are glad you asked! We offer a variety of languages at every level. 

Whether your district would like to explore with a few learners by participating with our Dual Enrollment partner Seton Hill University, introduce student to a new language and culture at the elementary school, or support your current World Language program, we can help.
Please call or email to set up a time for a visit or virtual tour of our learner centered “Can Do” Framework. In addition we can work with you or your school’s team to schedule the right program to fit your school and budget.



References
ACTFL. (n.d.). Retrieved February 14, 2017, from https://www.actfl.org/advocacy/what-the-research-shows
Hu, W. (2009, September 12). Foreign Languages Fall as Schools Look for Cuts. Retrieved February 14, 2017, from http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/13/education/13language.html
Kelly, K. (2016). The inevitable: Understanding the 12 technological forces that will shape our future. New York: Viking.
The Pennsylvania State Education Association. (n.d.). Retrieved February 14, 2017, from https://www.psea.org/apps/budget/budgetimpact.aspx

Saavedra, A. R., & Opfer, V. D. (2012, 10). Learning 21st-Century Skills Requires 21st-Century Teaching. Phi Delta Kappan, 94(2), 8-13. doi:10.1177/003172171209400203

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