Patricia Mulroy, Ed.
D.
February 2017
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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