Distance Education
Supplemental Distance Learning (SDL)
Adult Education programs across Pennsylvania have access to a range of approved online and print curricula, as well as stand-alone lesson plans, to support supplemental distance learning opportunities for students. Use the links below to learn more about the state’s distance learning policy, explore approved resources, and find guidance on submitting new curricula or lessons to share for state-wide supplemental distance learning use at different programs.
- Pennsylvania Department of Education Administrative Documents Website: This page hosts Policy D.130, Distance Learning, which contains information about Pennsylvania’s distance learning policy and approved supplemental distance learning resources. This policy may be updated throughout the program year, so be sure to periodically check it for updates.
- Lesson Bank: The collection of teacher-created lessons, including distance learning lessons, that can be assigned to students and completed asynchronously. Teachers can verify completion of approved lessons and count distance learning instructional time in eData as specified on the lesson plans. To find these lessons in the Lesson Bank, locate “Select a Class Type,” and then select “Asynchronous.”
- Supplemental Distance Lesson Review Form: The form to request approval of teacher-created lessons for distance learning.
The catalog with detailed summaries of all approved online and print curricula for supplemental distance learning.
The form to request approval of an online or print resource or curriculum for supplemental distance learning.
Distance Learning Models
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has approved several online learning models for instruction. View the Adult Education and Family Literacy Guidelines on the administrative documents page of the PDE website to learn more.
- Pennsylvania Department of Education Administrative Documents Website: This page hosts the Adult Education and Family Literacy Guidelines, which contains information about the various distance learning models including blended, hybrid, HyFlex, and fully remote.
- Introduction to Distance Learning Module: This module presents the options for how distance education can be offered to adult basic education students in PA and how to identify students who are likely to be successful in this type of learning program. Participants will learn the benefits and strategies for using supplemental distance learning to support instruction in all approved distance learning models, with a particular focus on blended learning.
- Guide for Design and Implementation of Hybrid-Flexible (HyFlex) Models in Adult Education: A free eBook to aid adult education practitioners in implementing a HyFlex instructional model.
- HyFlex in Adult Education YouTube Playlist: A playlist of sample videos from a real-world HyFlex classroom.
- Google Classroom and Canvas: Popular free Learning Management Systems (LMS) that can support online learning by providing a digital space where programs can share resources with students, set up classes, and share/review assignments. An LMS helps adult education programs manage online learning, regardless of their chosen distance learning model.
General Resources
Included below are additional general resources to support distance education. All resources in this section, unless otherwise noted, are free.
Lesson Planning and Teaching
- Online Tools for Teaching and Learning: An eBook with descriptions of and suggestions for using a variety of online learning tools.
- World Education’s Remote Instruction Observation Tool: A resource for observing or self-assessing remote instructional practice and developing goals for improvement.
- Zoom YouTube Channel: Videos to help users get started with Zoom and use its tools to make classes more engaging.
- Google Workspace Learning Center: Resources for using Google Workspace apps like Gmail, Docs, and Drive.
- OER Commons: A collection of open resources on a variety of educational topics.
Resources for Learners
- Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment Website: Resources from Literacy Minnesota for assessing and instructing digital literacy skills.
- Online Learning Questionnaire: A six-question survey to help program staff determine student readiness for participation in any of the distance learning models.
- Sample Distance Learning Contract (Word): A sample, editable contract that adult education program staff can use to help students set distance learning goals and track their fully remote, hybrid, or Hyflex class schedules.
Distance and Digital Education Planning
- AI Integration Framework: A guide from World Education that “outlines critical considerations across six dimensions to ensure the use of AI aligns with educational goals, upholds ethics and privacy, and more.”
- IDEAL Distance Education Handbook, 10th Edition: An eBook with guidance for developing distance education in an adult education context.
- Technology Planning Tool: An assessment tool that helps programs to determine needs and set goals in distance education.