CC-BY-NC-SA 2025 New Language Solutions Avenue Program Standards for Technology-Enhanced Language Learning, version 1.2 Transitioning to TELL When the COVID-19 emergency was declared in March 2020, Jennifer and her colleagues were told by the Adult ESL-LINC Program’s principal to leave the office, take everything they would need to work from home, and not return until it was considered safe. It was nearly seven months before they were able to return in September 2020. With staff working from home, the urgent task of sustaining learning without classrooms began. Before this, there were no regular online ESL classes. With face-to-face instruction no longer possible, the team quickly pivoted to digital tools, online platforms, and virtual classrooms. Creativity and resilience were critical to maintaining continuity for learners during this global disruption. Jennifer responded by curating a list of online and stand-alone resources organized by language level. Instructors used this list to recommend activities targeted to their learners. One key resource was the ESL Library (now called Ellii), and all full-time staff were provided with accounts. The program also acquired Oxford Digital resources suitable for all instructional levels. To support learners in adapting to the new environment, the team created simple how-to videos, digital tip sheets with infographics, and reached out to those with basic digital literacy skills. When learners and teaching staff regained access to the buildings in late 2020 - early 2021, face-to-face digital orientation sessions were introduced, especially for foundation learners unfamiliar with computers or smartphones. For these learners, personal support from instructors was crucial. Initially, staff relied on Microsoft Outlook for communication. While Microsoft Teams was available, few had used it, so training was provided. Soon, all staff were attending weekly Friday meetings to discuss online teaching strategies, including how to reach learners, suggest activities, and monitor progress. Instructors were also trained to use Google Classroom and Google Meet. By the 2020-2021 school year, learners at all CLB levels were engaged in a mix of synchronous and asynchronous classes. The range of tools expanded to include Google Docs, Google Drive, and WhatsApp. As Jennifer recalled, the first year was all about real-time problem-solving: “I don’t want to sound overly rosy, but I think those early days of the pandemic strengthened relationships within our team and built trust. Everyone jumped in, figured things out, and dealt with challenges as they came. There was so much commitment – from both staff and learners – to move forward despite COVID.” Post-pandemic, the focus has shifted to strengthening the digital component of both in-person and online learning. Google Classroom remains in use for all in-person classes, while online sessions use both Google Classroom and Google Meet. As of early 2025, over a quarter of ESL-LINC staff have completed Avenue training and are actively using the platform in the classroom, with more staff scheduled for training this year. Avenue is now a key resource across multiple delivery models: it is the sole LMS for the healthcare employment course and the flexible Anytime English stream for learners unable to attend scheduled classes. It is also used in blended classes and Stage 2 online courses, particularly to support the employment theme. Today, the program serves approximately 1,700 learners. At the ESL-LINC program’s central facility – the GA Wheable Centre in London – there are 38 classes, with up to 25 learners in each higherlevel class. Learners come from a wide range of backgrounds. Ages range from early 20s to mid-70s, with a 60-40 female-to-male ratio. Educational levels vary from no formal education to university degrees. The current cohort includes learners from China, Korea, Eritrea, Syria, Colombia, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Venezuela, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Palestine. 40
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