Many adult learners in need of further education are not being served by existing classroom programs. However, many adults who never attend programs work independently to improve their basic skills. The Learner Web project at Portland State University is developing new ways to use the Web to increase access of adult learners – whether in programs or not – to the learning resources they need to become productive citizens in today’s economy.

What is the Learner Web?

The Learner Web (LW) is a web and telephone application providing guided support to adults in programs or working independently to improve their basic skills, prepare for the GED, college transition, workforce or other learning goals.

The LW is not a web portal or distance learning product. It is a learning support system that matches Learners’ goals and progress to relevant on-line resources (including learner portals and distance learning products) and local community resources such as adult education programs, on-demand telephone help and tutors. LW users have their own online workspaces and e-portfolios and can give permission for their teachers, tutors or other helpers to view them and give feedback.

State adult education systems, libraries, employers, volunteer and other community-based organizations can partner to support LW users in their regions. Learners anywhere can use learning management systems for broadly applicable goals such as GED preparation or college transition. Some regions may create customized learning management systems aligned with their state content standards, accountability structures, workforce readiness credentials, employee development objectives or other specific learning goals.
The Learner Web is quite different in conception and design from other online adult education websites and distance education systems. In fact, distance education systems, websites, print materials and other supports are entries (called Resources) in the Learner Web database that are matched to adults’ individual goals, needs, skills and learning plans. In this way, the LW connects with and leverages other programs and resources, either online or offline in local communities. It connects learners with tutors, helpers and counselors either through the internet, over the phone, or face-to-face in their local community, depending on the preferences of learners and local partnering organizations and communities.

The LW team is led by Steve Reder and Clare Strawn of Portland State University in collaboration with David J. Rosen of Boston, Massachusetts, and is based on findings from NCSALL’s Longitudinal Study of Adult Learning. Software has been designed and beta tested, and is now being completed. Six sites have been selected to participate in a 3-year field test. Formative and summative evaluations will inform a subsequent national rollout. Contact: info@learnerweb.org