Distance Learning Academy Fact Sheet PDF

Overview

The Distance Learning Academy is the required professional development training for Texas adult education and literacy providers that want to implement a distance learning program for the first time.

1. The program director and distance learning teacher(s) must attend Module 1 and Module 3 before implementing DL for the first time;
2. The DLA is not a mandatory training requirement for programs that already have a distance learning program plan in place; however, participation in the DLA is highly encouraged for new program directors and new DL teachers;
3. The DLA is offered through each of the regional GREAT Centers.

DLA Module 1: Understanding State Policy for Distance Education

Description:  Module 1 explains state and federal policy requirements for implementing a distance education program.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the essential elements of state policy for distance education;
• Explain the critical difference between proxy hours and direct hours for distance learning students;
• Correctly enter direct and proxy hours in TEAMS;
• Set-up a distance learning class in TEAMS;
• Analyze distance learning reports in TEAMS for monitoring the success of the program;
• Adapt the DL program plan to add additional curricula.

Module 1 enrollment recommendation: New administrators and/or distance learning teachers who begin working for a local program are highly encouraged to attend this module as part of a distance education orientation.

DLA Module 2: Exploring Texas Adult Education Distance Learning Curricula

Description: Module 2 introduces numerous curricula options available on the Approved List of Distance Curriculum. This course is not an endorsement of any specific software or curriculum. Module 2 is not a training requirement for local program directors and teachers who are implementing DL for the first time; however, attendance is highly encouraged.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Explain and describe the three distance learning models;
2. Learn about and explore the distance learning software and curricula approved for use in Texas adult education programs.
3. Identify distance learning curricula that are best suited for the local program’s needs and resources.

Module 2 enrollment recommendation: New administrators and/or distance learning teachers who begin working for a local program are highly encouraged to attend this module prior to selecting a DL curriculum. 

DLA Module 3: Teaching Adult Students at a Distance (DL 101)

Description: Module 3 is a six-week online course. Participants will navigate and use an online course platform for DL 101 using Google Sites. Program administrators and teachers will also discuss and complete assignments regarding student recruitment, orientation, technology accessibility, teacher roles in distance education, curriculum choices, assessment, and student progress/academic achievement.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Submit a distance learning program plan, which is a distance education state policy requirement;
2. Develop strategies for successful implementation of distance learning, including recruitment, orientation, student support and evaluation;
3. Navigate the online course platform provided by Google Sites and perform the tasks required for participation (upload and download documents, post a reply to a discussion board, respond to online questions posed by the instructor, etc.)

Module 3 course pre-requisite: Administrators and teachers who are implementing distance learning for the first time are required to be enrolled in Module 1: Understanding State Policy for Distance Education before they complete Module 3.