San Ysidro Adult Expands Campus through Technology
When Linda Carlton became principal at San Ysidro Adult three years ago, she wanted to increase the number of students. Limited by classroom space and available classes, the vision was challenging.
That is until Carlton created a distance learning center lab.
Carlton and a team of teachers pulled together used computers and loaded them with the Rosetta Stone language-learning software, basic education software and the computer-based GED program. Now the lab is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Some 200 students use the lab each week, with more students on a waiting list.
"Just because we have had cuts in our revenue doesn't mean that we should be hiding under our desks," Carlton said. "We can be creative in reaching out to our community."
The ideal instructional model is for a student to take the four-hour language class and then follow up in the computer lab. Students are able to learn at their own pace, with the Rosetta Stone software allowing students to practice their pronunciation through a microphone and headset at each station.
"Rosetta Stone allows the students to learn English and computer skills," said teacher Rosa Neves-Duarte. "This program has been ideal for older students because it is individualized. It records your voice, and nobody cares what others are doing because you have your own headphones."
The computer lab is great for those students who don't have the time for a four-hour class, Neves-Duarte said. As long as students finish one lesson a week, they are considered in good standing.
Each student meets once a week with one of the three teachers assigned to the center. Students are able to enroll at any time of the year. "It means that students won't be behind," Neves-Duarte said. "They start where they need to start."
The individualized computer-based lessons have also helped students break through plateaus in classroom instruction, Neves-Duarte said.
Interest in the computer-based classes has grown steadily over the last two years. The program has grown from three students on two computers in January, 2009, to more than 200 students on 18 computers today.
"This has surpassed our expectations," Neves-Duarte said. "It has all been from word of mouth."
The Adult Education division serves 24,000 students at four campuses and at many community-based locations.