Problem 1: Part-time teachers can't meet informally in the halls.

It is often  difficult for part-time teachers to talk informally with each other about students, classes, curriculum, and other program-related topics because they don't bump into their colleagues in the halls.  On a tight schedule, they teach their classes and go to their next part-time job.

Solution 1: Free software and the Web
If part-time teachers at the same program had regular access to the Web at home, or at one of their jobs, using a private chat room  such as AOL Instant Messenger (free download off the Web at  http://www.aim.com/index.adp , and you don't have to be an AOL member) they could create a "virtual water cooler" where they could "run into each other " on the Web.  With AOL Instant Messenger you can create a "buddy" list of e-mail addresses of colleagues (or, incidentally, family or friends.)  When a "buddy" logs on to the Internet, you are automatically signaled and can instantly chat ("print talking" back and forth in real time.) If more than one buddy logs on at the same time, you can quickly set up a private chat room.

Chrys Dudbridge, a Regional Director with the New York State Professional Development Consortium, says they have used the America Online Buddy list and online chat for a number of years and have found it very helpful to coordinate staff development trainings, clarify messages, check arrangements, and discuss initiatives. They have also used the Instant Messenger chat as a virtual water cooler.  Kathy Sikes, Executive Director of the Student Coalition for Action in Literacy Education, uses AOL Instant Messenger to talk to colleagues, and suggests that it might be an inexpensive and effective alternative to conference calls.

Solution 2: Electronic List ("Listserv")
Another option for those who have access to computers is to set up an electronic list for themselves. One site that helps you do this is http://www.egroups.com/   If computers are not available, another option might be to get together once every two weeks, or once a month, for a face to face over coffee to share problems and solutions.

Solution contributed 11/22/99 by:
Janet Burroughs
Program Director and Co-Founder
Learning English Adult Program, Inc.

Problem 2:  Web resources with information for new or prospective volunteer tutors

Solution 1:  There is an introductory manual on tutoring which is published by the Literacy Partners of Manitoba at http://www.nald.ca/clr/demyst/cover.htm.
It is written in a reader-friendly style from the point of view of someone who has been a volunteer.  The manual covers topics such as how adult learn, maintaining boundaries and cultural differences.  It is not a substitute for training, but would be a good orientation for prospective volunteers, enabling them to get an overview before pursuing a volunteer position.

Problem and solution provided 8/4/99 by:
Roberta Lukes
Trainer/Technology Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts Literacy Council

Solution 2: Web Page (PDF)
ESOL Starter Kit Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center October, 2002
http://www.aelweb.vcu.edu/publications/ESLKit/ESLKit_2002.pdf

Solutions 2 recommended in a post to the NIFL-ESL List  on 2/19/01 by
ROSIEFIUME@aol.com

Problem 3: How to use the Internet for collaboration
"I want to be able to use the Internet for collaborative purposes but I don't know how to begin. Help!"

Solution 1: Join a Collaborative Project
Participate in a collaborative project already underway. There are many collaborative projects that you can participate in at  http://www.otan.dni.us/webfarm/emailproject/email.htm

Solution 2: Read a practical guide for educators on how to collaborate on projects electronically.
Click on "projects," then download the publication Electronic Collaboration: A Practical Guide for Educators
http://www.alliance.brown.edu/topics/technology.shtml#item1a

Problem and solutions provided 8/24/99 (and updated 2/15/03) by
Susan Gaer
Santa Ana College
Rancho Santiago College District

Problem 4:  Where to find good adult education courses

Solution 1: Web-based courses on LiteracyLink
"I took two on-line courses offered by LitTeacher, http://litlink.ket.org  Through the course on Integrating Video in the Adult Education Curriculum I learned about the Crossroads Cafe curriculum.  I would encourage other adult practitioners to investigate the on-line courses."

Solution 2: Web Pages
Barnes and Noble University offers all kinds of free online courses, including a course in Webpage design.
http://www.barnesandnobleuniversity.com/

Solution 3: Web Pages
Education To Go offers free general and computer-related courses
http://educationtogo.com/catalog.html

Solution 1 contributed on November 12, 1999 by:
Cheryl Tondreau
Literacy Specialist
Literacy Volunteers of Northern RI
Project LEARN
Woonsocket, Rhode Island
Web address updated 9/5/05 by David J. Rosen