Project CONNECT information site!
Note:
This site tells you about Project CONNECT, however you
will not be able to access the actual Project CONNECT
website from this information site.
ABOUT PROJECT CONNECT
Project CONNECT is an interactive, educational website
designed for adult immigrants and refugees in the United
States who are studying English. Using Project CONNECT,
intermediate level students can practice their English
skills and learn about working, studying, and living in
the United States, all online. Unlike most Internet
sites, Project CONNECT is written specifically for adult
English language learners.
The learning units are organized by three major themes:
"Working in the USA," "Learning in the
USA" and "Living in the USA." Within the
three themes are eight units that include audio and video
sections for listening practice, thematic readings,
writing practice and guided Internet activities. In each
unit, interactive activities provide feedback to
learners.
In addition to the units, the Online Community provides a
chance for authentic communication among learners within
its discussion board and an internal email features.
Project CONNECT is designed for intermediate level
language learners which refers to Student Performance
Levels (SPL's) 4 or 5. Test scores on standardized tests
would be in these ranges: BEST 42-57; CASAS 201-220.
According to the US Department of Education's National
Reporting System (NRS) our target learners ranges from
Low Intermediate Level ESL to High Intermediate Level
ESL.
>> See our TESOL 2004
presentation.
<<
THE ROLE OF TEACHERS
Project CONNECT is designed as supplemental instruction:
a teacher can use it to enhance what is being taught in
the classroom, for independent or group work in the
computer lab or for out of classroom assignments. The
site content is broad enough to appeal to a range of
learners in various leaning environments. Some programs
may be interested in using Project CONNECT for distance
education.
Teachers will be able to review saved student work and
provide feedback to the entire class or one student using
CONNECT's email feature.
PROJECT PARTNERS
The following partners have developed the curriculum and
written, designed and programmed the learning units and
site features:
- PBS Adult Learning Service, Alexandria, VA
- The National Center on Adult Literacy (NCAL) at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Adult and Continuing Education, Louisville, KY
- KET, The Kentucky Network, Lexington, KY, joined as a partner in Dec. 2002
Project
evaluation is being conducted by SRI International of
Menlo Park, CA. Public Television
Site support:
FIELD TESTS
The following sites have participated in field tests
since 2002:
- Arlington Education and Employment Program (REEP), Arlington, VA
- Fairfax County Public Schools, Adult ESOL Program, Fairfax, VA
- Harrisburg Area Community College, Harrisburg, PA
- Jefferson County Public Schools, Adult & Continuing Education, Louisville, KY
- Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria Campus, Alexandria, VA
- Northside Adult Community Education Center, San Antonio, TX
- Pima County Community College, El Rio Learning Center, Tucson, AZ
- Project READ, San Mateo Public Library, San Mateo, CA
- Rochester City Public Schools, Department of Workforce Preparation, Family Learning Center, Rochester, NY
- Truckee Meadows Community College, Reno, NV
- Vision Literacy, Santa Clara County Library, Gilroy, CA
Special
thanks to all of the teachers who have given of their time to
introduce their learners to Project CONNECT!
FUNDING
Project CONNECT is sponsored in part by the Fund for the
Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) U.S.
Department of Education and by in-kind contributions by
the project partners and field test sites.
Sign up to receive email updates about Project CONNECT and notification when it is launched. If you have other questions about Project CONNECT, please contact Fran Keenan the project manager.