Social Networking Tools, Literacy and Libraries

A discussion started this month on social networking tools and literacy.  One article, written by the ALA Literacy Office, Dale Lipschultz, covers issues that are not a surprise for tutors.  You have to read and write before you can effectively use the Internet on a computer or smart phone.

What was interesting to me was a new word: Auding...

David Rosen, a long time authority in adult literacy and technology provided a post about -- Auding is the ability to learn by listening.  This word seemed so new that I couldn't find it in wikipedia. People who are blind have often had to have good "auding" skills to learn but so do adult learners who can understand English.  Learners with the goal of getting the GED--can start studying by listening to articles on science, history, literature etc. even if they can't read very well.  As I have mentioned in the past, free magazine and research articles are available through the Florida Electronic Library.  All they need is an IPod to download an authoritative article.  I get my newspaper online now and can listen to articles on my I Phone.

Learn About the Marion Literacy Council

Marion County Literacy Council

Karen Hill is the MCLC Executive Director.  This community based volunteer literacy program is located in Ocala, Florida and offers programs for ABE, GED and ESOL.   Funded mostly by United Way and DOE grants they served about 400 students in 2010.  They offer managed enrollment for ESOL students and hold classes of about 12 students  in locations throughout Marion County.  About 50% of their students are ESOL, 30% ABE and 20%GED (Please see descriptions of these programs below). Classes in citizenship, career development and financial literacy are also offered.  This year the council has two VISTA volunteers who are busy recruiting volunteers and running classes.  The big fund raiser for each year is “Kiss the Horse.”

See their excellent web page http://www.marionliteracy.org/               

New Education Commissioner

Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson started work this week at a $275,000 salary.  Robinson came to Florida from Virginia and is a school choice advocate.  He was appointed by Governor Scott in June.

Who's Reading Our Blog

While the majority of our VALF blog  readers are from the U.S., we do have people from other countries.  Surprisingly, France had the most readers after the U.S.this month and the UK ranked next.  We also had people from Germany, South Korea, Russia, Ukraine, Hungary and India. We can't tell where people are from in the U.S. or in Florida.  So, please post in the comments where you are from.
Thanks,
Sandy Newell, VALF President

Fact Sheet on the GED

The U.S. GED testing service has posted a new fact sheet on the GED.

Volunteer Recognition

Literacy Month is just a month away, and many program's recognize volunteers then, but most program managers strive to fold in little gestures of thanks throughout the year.  Here are a couple of ideas we have gleaned from other sites.  More ideas are available at our Members Only Wiki.  Join or renew VALF today.

       
STICK WITH IT  Put a sticky note on a volunteer’s  file saying—“Stick with it!” when a student doesn’t seem to be making progress, and the tutor is getting frustrated.

THANK YOU TREE   Ask an organization with public space (the library or city hall) to host a thank you tree.  Use a Christmas tree and hang cards with the picture of the volunteer with a”Thanks for Being a Tutor”.  Working tutors will see they are appreciated, and the tree can attract new volunteers.

For more, become a VALF member today and check out our members only wiki.  
This year you can join VALF by completing the membership form and paying via our PayPal Account.

Writing for the GED

Looking for more online tutor training options, then check out this new OTAN video on writing for the GED.  The essay test is the 2nd hardest part of the GED test.  Math is the first.  A GED teacher working with basic reading students who are American born and former English Language Learners describes her strategies for working with adult learners, and then you get to view the process.  Tutors who work individually will find ideas for adapting this technique.