Technology

Choose technologies that are accessible and easy to use

Tips & Resources

The choice of a curriculum and the technology to deliver it go hand in hand.  You need to balance educational goals, affordable curricula, and the technologies available to you and your learners. Issues to consider include:

• Is the technology appropriate for delivering the course content?
• Do learners have access to the technology they will need for their distance studies? 
• Do they have the technology skills needed?  If not, how will you develop their skills so they can learn effectively from the curriculum chosen? 
• Do teachers have the technology skills necessary to support students?

High tech is not always needed for distance learning.  For example, research in Project IDEAL states has shown that Crossroads Café can be an effective tool to teach ESOL at a distance.  The curriculum consists of videos (available on VHS videotape or DVD) and a workbook.  It does not have an online component.  Learners check out the materials from a literacy center or library and study at home.  They get teacher support when they return to the center to pick up a new video.  This is still considered distance education.

At the same time, Project IDEAL research has also shown that English for All can be an effective tool to teach ESOL at a distance.  This curriculum is entirely online.  The choice of Crossroads Café or English for All by a distance program is based on content considerations, but also on whether students are likely to have easier and more comfortable access to a VCR or the Internet. Both approaches can be successfully used with distance students.