Transportation limitations, childcare issues, work schedules, and waiting lists are just a few of the reasons that adults give when they explain why they are not able to attend classes on a regular basis. In the year 2000, approximately 25,000 students will attend ABE classes. Thus, the ABE system currently reaches less than six percent of the 475,000 adults whose skills deficits could be addressed through ABE classes. With these glaring statistics, it is safe for us to conclude that, in addition to needing increased funding for ABE services in the state of Massachusetts, we also need to create alternative programs for adults who cannot attend traditional ABE classes. Distance learning is an ideal alternative for those adults who want to learn, but can't find a program to accommodate them.
Distance learning lessens the barriers mentioned above by offering more flexibility.
Students can study anywhere, anytime, and at any pace they want. The Distance Learning Program at ILI gives ample flexibility to students by allowing them to create their own study schedule outside the school and within the operational hours of the program. Participants can study English with software in our computer lab up to five days a week, and they can borrow an educational video series to study outside of the school. They meet with the instructor weekly in person or by phone for 30 minutes, so that they can review homework and ask questions. Of course, this type of program puts a great amount of responsibility in the learners' hands.