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| By Paula Canning Staff Writer HOLYOKE With the help of the Holyoke Public School system (HPS), the the Juntos Distance Learning Project, a flexible program designed to assist adults in obtaining their General Educational Development (GED) diploma, now broadcasts lessons on Channel 12 four times daily. According to Emily Fox, program coordinator for the Distance Learning Program, the Holyoke Public School Technology Department runs the GED Connections Series an essential component to the Distance Learning Project's curriculum on the city's educational cable channel daily at 9 a.m, and 12, 3 and 6 p.m. With the onset of the Channel 12 broadcasts, the program can now offer an even greater accessibility and flexibility to its participants qualities that, according to Fox, lie at the cornerstone of the program's goals. She explained that the program, which officially began in January of this year, is designed for adults who possess the initiative and self-discipline to obtain their GED, but are unable to participate in existing GED test preparation classes due to either schedule constraints or program wait lists. She said that participants work with a variety of educational tools such as computers, videos, and workbooks within a flexible schedule that allows them to study independently. "I think it's a remarkable opportunity because there are a number of people who would like to get their GED but are unable to attend regularly scheduled classes because of problems with childcare, transportation, or work schedule conflicts," Fox said. "It allows them the flexibility to study on their own time." She explained that the program, which is offered in both English and Spanish, is "especially useful" for those who have passed one component of the GED, and do not want to take part in a program that prepares students in all areas of the test. "It's a way of streamlining the studying to specifically meet their needs," Fox explained. According to Fox, the program is based out of the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, where Distance Learning Instructor Ervin Santiago meets with participants of the program. She explained that the program utilized two main educational tools the GED Connection Videos Series and the Anywhere Learning System, an internet-based computer program. Before participants begin the program, they meet with Santiago so that he can determine skill level in writing, reading and mathematics in order to help assess their specific needs, Fox said. Santiago then meets with the participants in accordance with their schedules to correct their assignments, assist with lessons, and to oversee progress. When participants are unable to come into the Chamber of Commerce during its hours of operation due to a scheduling conflict, curriculum videos are also available at the Holyoke Public Library, She said students are afforded the opportunity to work at their own rate. "You really can work as hard or as fast as you want," she said, adding that some participants have to work faster than others if they are under a deadline to obtain their GED. She said that the program, which one of six program throughout the state that is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Education, currently has 15 members and is seeking to double its enrollment. She explained that HPS assists in funding the program, and that a number of organizations partner with the program by serving on the Advisory Board. These organizations include CareerPoint, the HALO Center, Light of Restoration Ministries, MCDI-Holyoke, the New England Farmworkers' Council and the Holyoke Public Library. Fox said the the program has generated a positive response from the community, and that all of the participants are "working like crazy," to obtain their goals. She said that the program has especially attracted interest from those who have been put on a waiting list to attend adult education programs in the city. "There's not enough room in many of the adult education programs, and a lot of those students who have gotten wait-listed are coming over here and signing right up," she said. Although the current participants range in age from late-teens to mid-forties, Fox said there is no age limit for participants. According to Fox, the program is looking to expand with a network of tutors to help instruct participants in a variety of places throughout the city. "My vision of this is to have study sessions set up around the community at different times throughout the week," she said. "That way, all of the Distance Learning students who know they're having a problem in a certain area would be able to go and meet with a tutor." Interested tutors do not need to have experience tutoring, she said, but retired teachers as well as those that have past tutor experience are welcome. She said that tutors should have a good command of the English language. Although there are a number of tutors in the midst of training right now, Fox said she is still hoping to attract more. Anyone interested in becoming a tutor can call Fox at (413) 534-3376 or reach her via email at holyoketutor@hotmail.com. |