CC-BY-NC-SA 2025 New Language Solutions Avenue Program Standards for Technology-Enhanced Language Learning, version 1.2 VIGNETTE 1: SHARON RAJABI LOOKING BACK: FROM INSTRUCTION TO ADMINISTRATION Avenue Program Standards for Technology-Enhanced Language Learning (TELL)1: Précis The Idea Sharon Rajabi, currently an Adult Education Consultant, has always been passionate about helping instructors and learners make use of technology. When Sharon first started in the nineties, there were very few resources. She had to figure out what to do, one day at a time. As the early work of integrating Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) into the curriculum took shape, Sharon believed it was important to share them as widely as possible to give others the benefit of the new resources and to participate in their further development. Later, Sharon found out that it was the same story with the programs; there was little PD for managers and their staff. Whether a new system was introduced or new equipment was purchased, the trainings that were offered seemed generic and were not very effective. As a result, staff found it difficult to transfer them to their own context. Sharon understood the importance of timely and relevant professional development and training opportunities and dedicated her career to help build cross-Canada expertise. The Transition Soon after her own arrival in Canada in 1991 – and fresh from a successful search for employment as an ESL instructor at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) – Sharon Rajabi began her teaching career with developing what, at the time, was a novel course that combined language instruction with intensive employment preparation skills and computer training. As a computer science graduate, Sharon used her knowledge of technology as a foundation to prepare the course materials. A few years later, Sharon transferred to Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) in 1994 teaching a similar course. In 1998, Sharon was seconded to work on the LINC 4&5 Curriculum Guidelines Project, which created the first LINC curriculum guidelines that introduced the integration of computer tasks in language teaching. Other project work ensued. and in 2000 Sharon was promoted to a Program Consultant to oversee the budget and operations, as well as managing various projects at the TCDSB Adult Education Program. Program Administration In 2000, The TCDSB Adult Education Program was a large size urban program provider that offered ESL (funded by Ontario government), LINC (federal), and Literacy and Basic Skills (provincial) to about 12,000 adult learners over a hundred locations across the city of Toronto. The program hired hundreds of full time and part time instructors and tens of program consultants and administrative assistants to provide support and supervision to the sites. 1New Language Solutions has developed three standards to guide the effective integration of technology in Canadian settlement language programs: the Avenue Instructor Standards (seven standards), the Avenue Program Standards (five standards), and the Avenue Learner Standards (four standards). These frameworks equip ESL instructors, learners, and program administrators with clear objectives, practical examples, and self-assessment tools to help implement TechnologyEnhanced Language Learning (TELL) in blended learning environments. By prioritizing TELL strategies, the standards empower educators to create dynamic, learner-centered experiences. Ultimately, the standards aim to elevate program quality while enriching outcomes for newcomers navigating linguistic and cultural integration. 28
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