MN ABE Connect Archive

Recent Newsletter Articles

Don’t Throw Away Your Old Laptops! ChromeOS Flex Can Breathe New Life into Failing Devices

Don’t Throw Away Your Old Laptops! ChromeOS Flex Can Breathe New Life into Failing Devices

In 2022 Google released ChromeOS Flex, a light operating system free to install on older devices (PCs or Macs). Laptops that are extremely slow or too old to update can be converted to ChromeOS Flex to help them run smoothly again – an excellent way to create a no-cost loaner device for students while also creatively upcycling old devices. Read More

Congrats to these ACES/TIF Foundation Course Completers!

Congrats to these ACES/TIF Foundation Course Completers!

The ACES/TIF Foundations course is designed to provide a thorough introduction on how to integrate academic, career, and employability skills (ACES) into your instructional context through the use of the Transitions Integration Framework (TIF). Seven Minnesota educators have completed the course in Canvas this school year and earned 6 CEUs – give them a round of applause, and consider joining them! Read More

Digital Equity Act Update: What Does It Mean for MN Adult Education?

Digital Equity Act Update: What Does It Mean for MN Adult Education?

$12 million in Digital Equity Act funds will be coming to Minnesota starting in 2025. Is your adult education program ready to apply and make use of these funds? Read More

Overcoming Tech Barriers in Volunteer Training: A Creative Solution

Overcoming Tech Barriers in Volunteer Training: A Creative Solution

Are technology requirements creating obstacles for some volunteers in your program? Valerie Britt, Volunteer Coordinator at Hawthorne Education Center in Rochester, found a solution: group asynchronous training! Read More

Breaking Barriers: The Unexpected Benefits of a Discussion-Based ESL Class

Breaking Barriers: The Unexpected Benefits of a Discussion-Based ESL Class

An Advanced ESL discussion class at Metro North in Blaine began as a way to help adult learners strengthen their academic English skills but evolved into something much more meaningful. The experience fostered empathy, challenged stereotypes, and demonstrated the power of conversation in bringing people together. Read More

Transitions 101 in 90 Minutes or Less

Transitions 101 in 90 Minutes or Less

Are you short on time but want to learn the basics of Transitions in Adult Education? This webinar recording is for you! Read More

Snowplows for Digital Literacy!

Snowplows for Digital Literacy!

If you could use a good laugh right about now, check out MnDOT's Name a Snowplow Contest through this Friday, February 7. Even better, use this website as a fun opportunity to practice digital literacy skills with learners! Read More

Principles of Universal Design For Learning

Principles of Universal Design For Learning

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an approach that minimizes barriers and maximizes learning for all students. Based on scientific insights into how humans learn, UDL can help refine why you teach, what you teach, and how you teach. Read More

It Begins With Us Conference

It Begins With Us Conference

Come join us for our annual "It Begins with Us" Conference on February 10-11! Day 1 will be an immersive and interactive Virtual Dementia Tour facilitated by a representative from Minnesota River Agency on Aging. Day 2 will be filled with speakers, panels, and our keynote speaker, Dr. Anton Treuer. Read More

Teachers Don’t Pay Teachers – Digital Learning Resources for You!

Teachers Don’t Pay Teachers – Digital Learning Resources for You!

Check out some fantastic resources created by participants in the Best Practices in Digital Education cohort! Resources include a Distance Learning Resource Guide, a Technology Checkout form, a Chromebook Request form, a Google Meet Guide for Learners, and many others. Read More