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Bilingual VS Spanish only computer classes
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Bilingual VS Spanish only computer classes
6:11 PM EDT 4/9/08
Hi, We are in the beginning planning stages of some computer classes. We now offer classes for adults, it is in English. We were thinking about holding a separate class on the same day just in the afternoon and that class would be bilingual. Can anyone give me some pointers or past experience, when it comes to offering the classes, would it be better to do a Spanish only? or Bilingual. Our population is still small but growing in numbers. The school district is reporting a large number of parents where English is the second language. Any input would be helpful!

Thanks so much,
Patti Weiss
Western Pocono Community Library
Re: Bilingual VS Spanish only computer classes
12:24 PM EDT 4/10/08 as a reply to Patti Weiss.
Hi Patti,

You raise a very good question. I would be inclined to publicize the class as being taught in Spanish and produce your flyers in Spanish.

Some of your participants will very likely be fluent in both English and Spanish. But I am guessing that some participants will have limited English. Having the class in Spanish should work for both segments.

I am also afraid that if your instructor was trying to cover everything in both English and Spanish that would be really difficult!

Please let us know how the class goes. These resources may be helpful as you prepare for your class:http://webjunction.org/do/Navigation?category=7843
Re: Bilingual VS Spanish only computer classes
1:12 PM EDT 4/10/08 as a reply to Laura Staley.
HI, Thanks so much for your tips -- it is going to take some work but I will let ya know how things go...
Re: Bilingual VS Spanish only computer classes
6:43 PM EDT 4/21/08 as a reply to Patti Weiss.
You know I am planning on having bi-lingual computer classes. My plan is to have a teacher who teaches in English and a translator that translates in Spanish.

That is because most computer teachers do not speak Spanish, though I am not sure why.

I already have lesson plans written in English and Spanish. They are very simple lessons that take about 15-30 minutes in English. With Spanish added that should take about an hour. Perfect for everyone. Or so I hope.

My problem is childcare. There needs to be enough childcare at the library. The Children's Dept will need to coordinate with the computer lab teacher. If I can coordinate all of this then the program should do well.

Administration is thinking about getting a computer lab put into the main branch. Yea!!

So I say that yes you should combine them. At my library, we have bi-lingual story time and English children come to learn Spanish!
Re: Bilingual VS Spanish only computer classes
3:47 PM EDT 4/23/08 as a reply to Devery Johnson.
Devery - Please keep us posted and let us know how the bi-lingual model works. I hope the childcare situation works out - it is a challenge to offer it but I think it will have a really positive impact on your program.

Laura
Re: Bilingual VS Spanish only computer classes
7:40 PM EDT 4/23/08 as a reply to Devery Johnson.
Hi, I wanted to write to let you know we are attempting the bilingual classes this May. We are having a teacher teach in English and a staff member translate. Our hope is that our staff member who is translating will feel confident enough in her computer ability after a few classes to take in on herself. We are also providing hand-outs in both English and Spanish. We have had great communication with our community's Latino Alliance office and they are helping us out a great deal -- from what I understand there is a Latino Festival up here @ East Stroudsburg University in the fall. They are going to be sending me the information soon. That would be a great place for libraries to get their advertising out to the community!
Keep me posted on how your classes work out -- I will do the same.
We haven't had any complaints yet about child care but our problem is finding the right time -- we chose mid morning...