CC-BY-NC-SA 2025 New Language Solutions Avenue Program Standards for Technology-Enhanced Language Learning, version 1.2 • The program has adopted HARTS (History of Assessment, Referrals, & Training Systems) as its record-keeping system. HARTS is used to store learner profiles, assessment history, and attendance information. The system is also used by teaching staff to record attendance and by Coordinators and Lead Instructors to monitor waitlists, refer learners to (or transfer them between) classes, and to validate attendance for benchmark progression. • In addition to HARTS, TVDSB has implemented both centralized and outsourced systems for IT (Outlook email, Microsoft Teams), Finance, and HR (K212 Human Resources and Payroll System, Questica Budgeting), and an internally developed absence reporting and call-out system (TVARRIS). These systems support the organization’s commitment to enhancing the learner experience, service quality, and operational performance. • In keeping with Standard 2, a lot of effort is currently being invested in understanding how AI can be used to support our administrative and classroom operations. After some initial research and staff training, we have begun to use AI tools such as ChatGPT to complete routine administrative tasks, prepare lesson materials and develop assessments. We’ve been slower in adopting direct AIsupport for language learners, but that is not far off. Standard 3: Preparing instructors to use technology effectively. Programs offer resources and professional development that will allow instructors to meet and exceed clearly defined expectations. • In keeping with this Standard, the program has clearly defined expectations for instructors: Interviews with instructor candidates include questions related to experience using technology in the classroom and experience teaching online or in blended classes. Candidates who are successful are trained on the current learning management system and on Board communication tools. Learning Support services are available to help staff with digital troubleshooting. PD events, workshops and meetings include content on technology relevant to the classroom and on communication within the program. In-person instructors are expected to include a digital component in every class and reserve Fridays as purely digital days. In-person and blended instructors are urged to conduct learner assessments online. Staff are asked to check their email twice each day to keep abreast of day-to-day communications from Coordinators, Leads, and other staff members. Some Program Support Leads also use Teams as a tool for daily check-ins when their instructors are working remotely. • In addition, a number of relevant technology resources are available to instructors: In-person and blended instructors’ classrooms are equipped with necessary technology for teaching (i.e., desktops, desktop cameras, media carts, SMARTBoards, etc.). At sites where the space is for community use, instructors are given laptops, as are online instructors working remotely. In-person and blended instructors are given sets of Chromebooks for learner use onsite. In-house PD sessions for all staff are arranged several times a year, and smaller group or site PD workshops may take place between full staff sessions. As well, staff members with tech requests, troubleshooting needs, or learners needing further digital support, can ask Learning Support to arrange a visit to the site or classroom. Whenever possible, staff PD sessions, workshops, and meetings take place during regular work hours; anyone meeting outside of their scheduled work hours is compensated for this. 45
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