"In August 2020 a new platform for adult newcomer language instruction was released by New Language Solutions (NLS) on Avenue.ca. NLS recognized the need for standards to support effective use of Avenue and technology-enhanced language learning (TELL) in online and blended classes. Concluding that existing technology standards from ISTE and TESOL were too broad for their purposes, NLS initiated a project to develop their own technology standards for Avenue stakeholders including instructors, programs, and learners. These would not be performance evaluation tools but rather best used for self-assessment and for guiding local innovation. Here we report on that initiative, which was introduced at TESL Ontario 2023, focusing on the instructor standards as they are currently the most fully developed."
What is this research about?
This research is about developing targeted technology standards for language instructors, programs, and learners using the Avenue platform for adult newcomer language instruction in Canada. It focuses on creating standards specific to the Canadian settlement language sector rather than using broader existing standards.
What do you need to know?
New Language Solutions (NLS) initiated this project to support effective use of technology in online and blended language classes on the Avenue platform. NLS has been providing a learning management solution for settlement language training since 2010, initially through EduLINC.org and later through Avenue.ca.The project aims to develop technology standards tailored to the specific needs of the Canadian settlement language sector, as existing standards from ISTE and TESOL were deemed too broad.
The standards are meant for self-assessment and guiding innovation, not as performance evaluation tools.
Standards were developed for instructors, programs, and learners, with the instructor standards being the most fully developed so far.
What did the researchers do?
A team of experts, including experts who developed the TESOL Technology Standards, collaborated online to develop the standards over several months in 2023.
They reviewed existing standards, generated principles, and drafted an initial set of standards and performance indicators.
The standards went through multiple revisions to make them clear, direct, and relevant to the specific context. They held over 30 online collaborative meetings to draft and refine the standards. Feedback was sought from Canadian university colleagues and other faculty in applied linguistics and language teacher education.
They created supporting materials like explanatory texts, reflection questions, and vignettes to illustrate the standards in practice. The standards are being integrated into Avenue's teacher training and leadership programs, with plans for widespread dissemination through various channels, including conferences, workshops, and online resources.
What did the researchers find?
They developed 7 instructor standards covering areas like using devices/systems, digital resources, technology-enhanced pedagogy, digital literacy, and professional connections.
Using devices and systems skillfully.
Utilizing tools and digital resources.
Implementing technology-enhanced pedagogy.
Promoting digital literacy and digital citizenship.
Supporting all learners with technology.
Communicating with learners and monitoring their progress.
Establishing professional connections online.
Each standard has multiple performance indicators with explanatory text and self-assessment tools.
Program standards and learner standards were also developed to complement the instructor standards.
The standards are designed to be achievable and relevant to the specific needs of the Canadian settlement language sector.
How can you use this research?
For Instructors: Use the standards for self-assessment to enhance your technology skills and integrate technology effectively into your teaching practices.
For Program Administrators: Implement the program standards to make informed decisions about technology use and to support continuous improvement in language training programs.
For Learners: Leverage the learner standards to build competence with digital tools, fostering greater autonomy in achieving language goals.
Professional Development: Participate in Avenue's training programs and leadership microcredentials to stay updated on best practices and integrate the standards into your teaching or administrative practices.
Community Building: Engage with the broader community of practice through conferences, workshops, and online forums to share experiences and strategies for implementing the standards.
The Avenue Instructor Standards for Technology-Enhanced Language Learning (TELL) incorporate the latest research and practices and are written in plain language. Every effort has been made to make them user-friendly and accessible to the adult ESL/FSL sector. While these standards are designed for language instructors, they can be helpful to program administrators as well.
The Avenue Program Standards for Technology-Enhanced Language Learning (TELL) are designed to help those in decision-making roles in a language program. They provide guidance to administrators, here defined to include both immediate and upper-level decision-makers such as funders, directors, deans, and school boards. Program administrators can use the can-do statements to determine how closely aligned their program is with the standards.
The Avenue Learner Standards for Technology-Enhanced Language Learning (TELL) are designed to give instructors and administrators a framework for providing lessons and course offerings that build learner competence with technology, primarily for language learning and use. These standards are meant to work in concert with Avenue Instructor Standards and Avenue Program Standards.
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This research is about developing targeted technology standards for language instructors, programs, and learners using the Avenue platform for adult newcomer language instruction in Canada. It focuses on creating standards specific to the Canadian settlement language sector rather than using broader existing standards.
