New Nonformal Adult Educators Micro-Group Closed

The moderator for this group was not able to continue. If you or others are interested in this or similar micro-discussions, let me know. Leecy Wise (leecywise@gmail.com)

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You are invited to join a new and ongoing discussion group, The Nonformal Adult Education Micro-Group, which is part of the LINCS Diversity and Literacy Community of Practice. When you open the Diversity and Literacy home page, you will find a link to this exciting micro-group. Don't wait. Let us hear from you right away!

The purpose of this discussion is to support those who provide instruction for adult learners, including immigrants and low-income people, including diverse  populations in urban and rural nonformal education programs. The Nonformal Adult Education Micro-Group will support the exchange of ideas and coordination of efforts around instruction, best practices, and access to funding and resources, especially for those using distance-and blended (face-to-face integrated with online) education.

Your moderator for this micro-group is Paul Rogers, whose profile you are encouraged to examine. Paul is an expert in providing services to nonformal programs. Please join him in asking questions, and sharing opinions and resources as this group develops and expands.

We are also fortunate to have David Rosen, Moderator for the Technology and Learning grou

Due in large part to technology, many adults are now able to now learn on their own and attend classes in a nonformal setting where there often are no strict attendance requirements, guidelines and tests, and other elements that define “formal” publicly funded programs. This instruction is usually offered in community centers, churches, libraries, or in any space where people can gather. Instruction is  community centered and tends to be more flexible and “student friendly” than formal classes.

“In the US, over 30 million adults do not have a high school diploma and 20% of US adults with a high school diploma have only beginning literacy skills. The US ranked 21st in numeracy and 16th in literacy out of 24 countries in a recent assessment of adults' skills. Two-thirds of U.S. adults scored at the two lowest levels of proficiency in solving problems in technology-rich environments. Yet, the publicly funded adult education system is able to serve only slightly over 2 million young and older adults per year. There are waiting lists for classes in all 50 states. Current funding cannot begin to meet the need.” (http://www.worlded.org/WEIInternet/us/adult-ed-facts.cfm)

If you serve diverse, low-income adult learners in rural or urban nonformal programs, become part of an active network that seeks to support these under-served populations through onsite, blended, or distance learning opportunities. Your voice is needed! Join us today!

How to Join the LINCS Community and Groups
NOTE: This message has two audiences: those who are already LINCS members, who will only need a link for joining the micro group, and those who will need directions on how to Join LINCS, Join the D & L CoP, and then join this micro-group. Please share the information with all!

1. If you are not a member of the LINCS Community, visit: https://community.lincs.ed.gov/ to create an account. If you are already a member, skip this section.
2. To complete your registration information, select Log In/Register on the far right in the light blue menu ribbon.
3.  Choose an ID and password (and save them someplace secure but where you can easily find them!).
4. Check the box indicating you agree to the Terms and Conditions. A confirmation email will be sent to the email address you provided.
5. Click on the link in that email. You should receive a “Validation Successful “ response. It may take one or two days to approve a new registration. Wait until you receive an email that indicates that your account has been approved before logging in. Once approved, log in with your new ID and password.
6. Once logged in, click the  “Join Groups” button, or “Groups” tab in the light blue horizontal navigation bar. You will be directed to a list of groups you can join. Chose the group(s) that interest you and, for each, select “join” to become a member. You may want to start with only one or two groups at first, and add others later if you wish
7. When you choose a group, you will be redirected to that group’s home page. On the right you have the option to set your Email Subscription.
8. Select Immediate from the drop down menu. You can always change this to another setting later, to 12 hour digest or 24 hour digest to get batched messages, less frequently.
9. Click Submit. Each time someone posts a message, you will receive it in your email.