English Access Microscholarship Program
Do you ever get to do something really cool? I do. While I take no credit for these students or the wonderful program they are involved in, they have touched my heart. We have connected, though worlds apart, through a common desire to learn together.
For 280 teenagers, life has taken a very positive turn. In February 2011, the English Access Microscholarship Program (Access) was initiated in Kathmandu, in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy and Nepal English Language Teachers’ Association (NELTA). This 400-hour, two-year program provides intensive English language instruction for 14- to- 18-year-olds from underprivileged backgrounds. Students, half male and half female, are also introduced to American culture, holidays, and traditions. Since the original Kathmandu cohort of 80 students, additional Access centers have been launched in Gorkha, Bhairahawa, Butwal, and Birgunj. Twenty-seven dedicated local teachers assist in this great undertaking.
These students consider it a great honor to be selected for this program and they give it their all. In addition to attending public school six days a week, students come after school and on their only day off (Saturday) to Access classes five hours weekly, often traveling great distances on foot. Students, many of whom are ethnic minorities, have blossomed in both language acquisition and confidence. They have developed respect for and appreciation of U.S. culture and heritage. At the completion of the program, students will be better equipped to serve within their country, towns, and society.
While students are achieving English language skills taught through traditional methods, they lack basic computer and technology skills that would take their learning to the next level and equip them with essential digital skills. Many of their teachers, though eager and willing, are limited in their technology skills and access to updated equipment. Seeing this need and wanting to help, I have volunteered my time over the past several months to teach these students and their teachers basic computer skills that educate, engage, and empower them.
I have before me empty slates–willing students–eager to learn. Many of them had never sat down at a computer, checked their email, taken their own photos with a digital camera, filmed their own videos with a Flip, or swiped on an iPad. Never. None of them have a computer at home. Those who use a computer at their local “cyber” check Facebook and watch YouTube. They didn’t think of the Internet as a powerful learning tool. Where to even begin?
Using skills acquired as I pursue my Master’s of Educational Technology and technology integration certificate, I develop technology integration strategies to expose students to 21st Century learning tools. I design content and write lesson plans that integrate slideshows, movies, presentations, interactive quizzes, and encourage students to explore my digital cameras, video camera, iPhone, and iPad.
Read more about our adventures together here.
Resources I have created for these students and teachers
For 280 teenagers, life has taken a very positive turn. In February 2011, the English Access Microscholarship Program (Access) was initiated in Kathmandu, in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy and Nepal English Language Teachers’ Association (NELTA). This 400-hour, two-year program provides intensive English language instruction for 14- to- 18-year-olds from underprivileged backgrounds. Students, half male and half female, are also introduced to American culture, holidays, and traditions. Since the original Kathmandu cohort of 80 students, additional Access centers have been launched in Gorkha, Bhairahawa, Butwal, and Birgunj. Twenty-seven dedicated local teachers assist in this great undertaking.
These students consider it a great honor to be selected for this program and they give it their all. In addition to attending public school six days a week, students come after school and on their only day off (Saturday) to Access classes five hours weekly, often traveling great distances on foot. Students, many of whom are ethnic minorities, have blossomed in both language acquisition and confidence. They have developed respect for and appreciation of U.S. culture and heritage. At the completion of the program, students will be better equipped to serve within their country, towns, and society.
While students are achieving English language skills taught through traditional methods, they lack basic computer and technology skills that would take their learning to the next level and equip them with essential digital skills. Many of their teachers, though eager and willing, are limited in their technology skills and access to updated equipment. Seeing this need and wanting to help, I have volunteered my time over the past several months to teach these students and their teachers basic computer skills that educate, engage, and empower them.
I have before me empty slates–willing students–eager to learn. Many of them had never sat down at a computer, checked their email, taken their own photos with a digital camera, filmed their own videos with a Flip, or swiped on an iPad. Never. None of them have a computer at home. Those who use a computer at their local “cyber” check Facebook and watch YouTube. They didn’t think of the Internet as a powerful learning tool. Where to even begin?
Using skills acquired as I pursue my Master’s of Educational Technology and technology integration certificate, I develop technology integration strategies to expose students to 21st Century learning tools. I design content and write lesson plans that integrate slideshows, movies, presentations, interactive quizzes, and encourage students to explore my digital cameras, video camera, iPhone, and iPad.
Read more about our adventures together here.
Resources I have created for these students and teachers
