JVS - Boston

Bridges to College and Careers Program

Bridges to College and Careers (BTCC) is a college transition program for adult learners, focusing on low-income adults, primarily persons of color, and non-native English speakers. Throughout its 23-week program, the goal is to prepare students for the rigor of college coursework and for employment in their chosen field of study, accelerate progress toward credential attainment, and support them through college matriculation, successful completion and job placement.

Routines

Conduct a Digital Literacy Pre-Assessment with Students

Boston Uncornered, JVS - Bridges to College and Careers, Rian Immigrant Center, Suffolk County Sheriff's Department, X-Cel Education


TAGS: #DigitalLiteracy #Assessment #GoogleForms #BostonUncornered #JVSBoston #RianImmigrantCenter #XCelEducation #SCSD


WHAT | One effective way to understand the digital literacy levels of learners is to conduct a pre-assessment: Once the results are collected, they can be analyzed to identify the areas that require attention. By understanding the learners' needs early on, we can effectively move forward and provide them with the support they need to succeed. Assessments may be administered upon intake using the Northstar Digital Literacy platform (paper or digital), custom-made Google Forms, or other resources that work for the agency.


WHY | As educators, we strive to save learners' time by identifying their specific needs and crafting our edtech routines accordingly: Our goal is to assess and build digital literacy skills for students, providing additional support where needed to help them achieve their education goals and/or transition smoothly to higher education or the workforce. Assessing digital literacy skills can motivate students to improve their academic skills and reduce anxiety and frustration during instruction by empowering students with the knowledge to use digital platforms.


Connected Evidence-Based Strategies | This strategy connects to the following evidence-based strategies:


HOW | Google Forms: During the intake/orientation process, new students are provided information about and access to a pre-assessment to self-assess their digital literacy skills. Students log into the pre-assessment and review the directions with instructors and staff. Students then answer questions that determine their digital literacy and knowledge of the platforms and programs they will use within the program. This may include, but is not limited to: Zoom, Google Classroom, Google Drive, Google Docs, Moodle, Chat (WhatsApp), Canvas, navigating college websites and financial aid websites, and more.

The students are given a time limit to answer the pre-assessment questions. At the end of the allotted time, students will be given an opportunity to review their answers with instructors. Instructors will review the answers as a team and determine which students need additional digital literacy support as they begin their classes. Digital literacy instruction will be integrated across subject areas with a focus on improving technological skills with formative assessments, goal setting, and a final summative assessment.

DIGITAL SKILLS | Implementing this strategy connects to the following digital skill(s):


Prepare Students for Expectations and Personal Management of Learning Management System (LMS) Use During Class

JVS - Bridges to College and Careers


TAGS: #LMS #GoogleClassroom #JVSBoston


WHAT | Discover ways to successfully and effectively use Learning Management Systems (LMS) to enhance and review comprehension of essential digital literacy skills.


WHY | The goal is to assess students’ skills, determine the additional support they may need, and provide classroom instruction to build digital literacy skills ahead of a transition to a Community College. A tutorial and review of the LMS will provide students with the strategies and reminders they need to participate in classes in Adult Education and college programs successfully.


Connected Evidence-Based Strategies | This strategy connects to the following evidence-based strategies:


HOW | Google Classroom


DIGITAL SKILLS | Implementing this strategy connects to the following digital skill(s):

Prepare Students for Expectations of Video Conferencing Use During Class

JVS - Bridges to College and Careers


TAGS: #ProgramPractice #VideoConferencing #Zoom #JVSBoston


WHAT | Video-conferencing tools increase opportunities to hear diverse perspectives, discover strategies to participate in coursework, and increase learning outcomes effectively.


WHY | The goal is to assess students’ skills, determine the additional support they need, and provide classroom instruction to build digital literacy skills before transitioning to higher education. A tutorial and review of the video conferencing app will provide students with the strategies and reminders they need to participate in Adult Ed or college classes successfully.


Connected Evidence-Based Strategies | This strategy connects to the following evidence-based strategies:


HOW | Zoom: Following orientation, students whose assessment results reveal that they need additional practice in computer basics, specifically Zoom (depending on program and student needs). Students are given a formative assessment to review their digital literacy with Zoom and asked to answer the question(s) at the start of class. After the assessment, the instructor reviews the answers with the students and shares the results. The instructor then reviews the Zoom basics that the students will be required to master during class, including, but not limited to: screen sharing, muting/unmuting, camera on/off, annotate, reactions, messaging via chat, polls, and breakout rooms. The instructor will then share additional videos and resources to assist students in mastering the content over Zoom. At the end of the lesson portion, the instructor will provide a Zoom “scavenger hunt” in breakout rooms requiring students to show mastery of content as a summative assessment.

DIGITAL SKILLS | Implementing this strategy connects to the following digital skill(s):