Education

Education

Advancing learning through technology

ISI takes education far beyond the traditional classroom to help make learning easier for students and teachers' jobs easier - while achieving outstanding results. For example, ISI teams up with the State University of New York, Morgan State, and Passaic and Union County Colleges.

State University of New York (SUNY)
University Center for Academic and Workforce Development (UCAWD)
Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC)

Since 2000, ISI has partnered with the SUNY EOC system to implement a statewide project to bridge the "digital divide" in under-served communities throughout New York. Through the ATTAIN program, ISI has designed and installed approximately 30 computer learning labs -- complete with occupational, basic skills, and life skills courseware and a comprehensive learning management system. These SUNY community technology labs are vital tools in assisting the EOCs' learners to become self-sufficient and gain economic independence.

The 2003 SUNY-EOC Project's independent evaluation report -- compiled by MAGI Educational Services, Inc. -- stated that the ATTAIN labs stand out as attractive alternatives to meet the needs of adult students, ensuring them an equal footing in competing for jobs that demand computer and technology literacy. MAGI found that the labs have succeeded in seeding advanced computer and technology capability in targeted disadvantaged regions throughout New York State. From 2000 to 2003, more than 10,000 adult learners have been served by these labs - which add up to a total of more than 30,000 self-paced instructional sessions.

Morgan State University
Baltimore, MD

Morgan State University (MSU) has two decades of experience in preparing publicly dependent populations to enter the workforce and remain employed. In a partnership with the Department of Social Services, Morgan State University uses ISI courseware. This is part of a comprehensive program designed to prepare TANF recipients for entry-level positions in the hospitality, security and retail industries. In addition, ISI courseware is extensively used to deliver training services to individuals working to become certified geriatric nurse assistants.

One of the mainstays of Morgan's Occupational Skills Training (MOST) Program is the introduction of all program participants to computers, as well as the development of skills required to function in an office environment. ISI course modules for personal development, goal-setting and sound decision-making are integral parts of Morgan's job readiness, placement and retention program. It is believed that continuous exposure to a college environment will encourage many program participants to pursue higher education.

Union/Passaic County Colleges
New Jersey

In 1997, ISI and Union County College (UCC) formed a unique partnership to create a take-home laptop distance learning program called "Project Learn." (Passaic County Community College joined the Project Learn partnership a few years later.) Most of the project participants are female welfare-to-work participants who are provided with access to ISI courseware on laptops. This gives them opportunity to study a wide range of subjects from home so they can don't have to worry about arranging for child care. Technology allows program managers to monitor the students' progress from wherever they have access to the Internet.