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Albemarle County Adult Education Web Project most directly affects its
ESOL participants, but the project was created with the knowledge that
the program would have a lasting impact over the community at large.
Below is the official logo of the Web Project along with an explanation
of the five stages of the program. The web itself is a clear depiction
of how the involvement of a few to educate ESOL members will have a
far reaching impact on an entire community.
The Web Concept
Planning phase
Planning for the Project began with a small team of staff members
and a twelve-person Advisory Board. The Advisory Board was composed
of Community Leaders in the six areas of concern (Education, Finance,
Government, Employment, Rule of Law and Healthcare) and six members
of the ESOL community who were former students who had transitioned
to employment in each of the six areas.
Community Representatives phase
Following a survey of all current ESOL learners to determine areas
of interest, Community Representatives were invited to share their information
and answer specific questions at round-table style discussions with
the Web Project students. Through these conversations and information
sharing sessions, field trips and other project activities, project
participants collected information for dissemination.
Web Project Participants phase
Project Participants applied to be a part of the Project and their
applications were carefully considered by the staff and Advisory Board.
Based on the following criteria, participants were selected:
• English language proficiency at the high intermediate or advanced
level
• Commitment to the project
• Diversity of the group
• Willingness to dedicate time and energy to the effort
Over a three-year period, this group of approximately 50 students participated
in Community Representative discussions and prepared informational materials
for dissemination to other ESOL learners.
ESOL Community phase
Information gathered on civic life was compiled in various formats
for presentation to the larger ESOL Community, both in Central Virginia
and in many other locations. Through print
brochures, the “Web Project Civics for Adult ESOL Learners”
DVD with accompanying curriculum and this website, valuable civics information
have been disseminated. Community partners continue to provide help
to the ESOL learners in various ways, through the partnerships developed
with the Web Project.
Community-at-Large phase
The goal of this final phase of the project is to aim for a community
where teaching and learning are reciprocal (i.e. a community which puts
the emphasis on how we are the same rather than how we are different,
and a community that recognizes that all teachers learn and all learners
teach). This will be accomplished through a series of activities that
showcase the International Community members’ abilities, willingness
to contribute to the community at large and potential to make major
contributions for the benefit of all.
