1. Computer Literacy Classes
for English Language Learners
Barb Hauck-Mah
hauckmah@bccls.org
973-365-4044 x7
www.rtlibrary.org/esl.html

2. What you need to get started:
• Partnership with literacy organizations
• Weekly computer access
• Instructor with 1 volunteer for every 3 students
(fluency in another language not required)
• Lessons and handouts in English
www.rtlibrary.org/esl.html
• Flexibility— Computer literacy is the goal 2
ELL Computer Literacy Class Checklist

3. Publicize need 2 months before start
Targets: Website, newsletter, schools, community,
Book Clubs and library regulars
Training session 2 weeks before AND
Weekly communication via email pre and post classes
3
Recruiting Volunteers

4. Need name, phone number and library card.
Email if available
1) In person at library
2) In person at outreach site
3) By phone – Screen for English fluency
4) By email (teacher or family)
4
Registering Students

5. • Websites with visuals
• Language translation
option for internet
and email
• Created handouts in
English
(pdf and links on RT
Library website)
5
Materials Used
http://www.rtlibrary.org/esl.html

6. Goodwill Community Foundation
English (for teachers)
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/
Spanish (for students)
http://gcflatino.org/
6
Good Bilingual Online Resource

7. Partnership: Rockaway Twp Library & Dover Library
Ten weekly 90 minute sessions:
Computer , email, internet basics to MS Office
Students with some English fluency
Instruction and handouts in English
Small group size with volunteer aides
7
Program Overview

8. Flyers at Zufall Health Center,
Hispanic Affairs & libraries
Literacy Volunteers Meeting
Email newsletter
Press releases
Library Website
ESL class announcements
8
Program Publicity
http://denville.injersey.com/2010/09/01/esl-goes-digital-at-rockaway-twp-library/

9. 5 Laptop computers
Software licenses
Books and materials
Class Handouts
9
Use of Grant Funding

10. Age range 35-75 years
Primarily female
Native Spanish speakers +
Most joined library for class
Big fluency range with
English and computers
10
The Students
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtlibrary/sets/

11. 27 students graduated from 2 sessions
100% have library cards + basic computer skills
3 students got jobs due to new tech skills
5 students enrolled in Hispanic Affairs computer course
8 students enrolled in free ESL classes
11
Results by the Numbers

12. How much do you know about using computers?
Zero or a Little 55% Before Class 11% After
Favorite thing about class The Teachers
“Every time I am here, I learn something new”
Most useful computer skill learned? Excel
What changes would you make?
More classes, more practice time at the library
12
Survey Results from Students

13. 13

14. 14
Computer Class Grads & Aides 2011

15. Pilot test the programs & handouts
Email is the touchstone
Create hotmail accounts for students
Each lesson should stand alone
ELL Computer resources scarce
http://www.rtlibrary.org/eslcollection.pd
f
Make it relevant and fun 15
Lessons Learned

16. Contact Information
Barb Hauck-Mah
Library Director, Lodi Memorial Library
www.rtlibrary.org/esl.html
https://sites.google.com/site/hauckmah/links-1
hauckmah@bccls.org
hauckmah@optonline.net
973-365-4044 Ext. 7
Thank you and Good Luck! 16