LIT2T Leadership Guide

1 TO: TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION This guide is designed to help Canadian settlement language training program administrators, lead teachers and local change agents to understand the LearnIT2teach project within the contemporary settlement learning context, and assist them with specific issues related to applying blended learning at their centres. In the manual, you will find discussions of: Technology- enhanced language learning (TELL), learning management systems, details of the LearnIT2teach Project, LINC courseware, best practices, professional development options, technology standards, assessment options, considerations for implementation, essential conditions for success, hosting options, lab management and first steps towards implementation. The LearnIT2teach Project was developed by the team at New Language Solutions. It is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. The project supports language instructors in integrating digital technology into their teaching methods and classrooms. This aligns with the IRCC’s Modernized Approach to Settlement Programming, which aims to provide newcomers with the language and other skills needed to function in Canada today. “The web has changed the way we live, work, learn – and even how we socialize with one another. It should therefore come as no surprise that digital literacy is now considered a basic skill for newcomers who want to succeed in the Canadian job market.” (CIC ENEWS, MARCH 18, 2011) Learner expectations of technology have radically transformed over the past decade. Smart phones, laptops, Internet access, and tablets in the home and at the workplace have led many learners to see technology as an integral part of their training. Our training and courseware combine social media tools such as forums, wikis, polls and messaging with lessons. The LearnIT2teach Project is currently collecting the best practices of TELL and blending it with contemporary technologies. In addition, these learning resources are accompanied by four stages of training for language training instructors. Instructors who finish Stage 3 or Stage 4 of this training can receive a Post TESL Certificate Training accreditation from TESL Ontario. Additional training resources for language program administrators, Learning Technology Innovation Leadership Parts 1 and 2, are available through the LearnIT2teach project. In our growing community of practice, you and your instructors can learn and share ideas and resources with professionals across Canada. We have incorporated live events, mentor support, and tools such as Twitter, audio podcasts and YouTube videos to promote communication and mutual support. Appendix A14 provides a complete listing of our customized support videos for training of language instructors.