Earlier this month I posted about U.S.A Learns, and exceptional English Language Learner site designed for student self-access.
My students have found it to be very accessible and engaging.
It belongs on several of my “The Best…” lists, though I haven’t had time to add it to many of them yet.
However, based on an email that John Fleischman, the key person behind the site, has just posted on a listserv coordinated by the National Institute For Literacy (you can learn how to join the listserve by reading The Best Resource Sites For ESL/EFL Teachers) I’m definitely adding it to The Best Sites Where Students Can Work Independently & Let Teachers Check On Progress.
Here’s an excerpt from John’s email (which I don’t quote with his explicit permission, but I assume it’s okay since it’s from a public listserv):
Teacher management features allow teachers to:
To access the management system, go to www.usalearns.org/teacher.
USALearns works beautifully with my high school newcomers. They are empowered by the use of the computer to do independent work and their ability to get a good grade without any help from anyone else. I use it as weekly homework, giving them a chance to “practice” their English in a very non-threatening, but organized way. It also gives them the opportunity to interact within the school library with confidence. Good move on the part of the Department of Education!