Operation Bootstrap to offer ESL online

LYNN-With one program already in place offering English as a second language (ESL) classes through the Comcast On Demand cable service, Operation Bootstrap has announced another option for busy immigrants looking to improve their knowledge of English.Through a grant from Verizon, Operation Bootstrap is offering another pilot program that offers ESL Distance Learning Courses to students outside of the classroom, in an effort to reduce the size of its waiting list.The latest idea allows qualified participants on a waiting list or who may not have time to commute to and from weekly classroom courses, to take the courses online.Operation Bootstrap Director Donald Edwards said the program is underway, but they are still working out a few bugs.”We have to make sure that we get all of the bugs out, but once we do that we are hoping it will become another option to try and reduce the amount of people on that waiting list,” he said. “We actually got a grant from Verizon a few months back. It wasn’t a lot, but it allowed us to set up this program. We have to make sure that we check out the computer skills, and make sure we check the modems and things like that. Once we get all of the bugs out, this pilot will be a good option.”The students will use the English For All online computer course, available by visiting www.myefa.org. Bootstrap recommends that users have at least one intermediate English class under their belts before taking the online course, which is not for beginners.Participants will study independently 4-6 hours per week working through a series of 20 episodes that include video, listening and writing exercises.The lessons provide meaningful real-life context in areas such as professional employment and career advancement, managing family life, civic participation and community issues. A teacher monitors student progress in the online lessons and keeps a record of all student work.The free online course works in cooperation with the On Demand cable lessons, which feature the same content available by accessing Comcast On Demand channel 1.In order to gain access to the online course, students must come to the Operation Bootstrap office and apply for eligibility by attending an intake interview and filling out an application form.The main purpose of the application is so that Bootstrap workers can make sure that students have the proper computer skills and equipment to use the program,Edwards said the public is welcome to begin applying for the course immediately.Comcast and Operation Bootstrap announced a separate partnership at City Hall in September of last year, debuting the On Demand program. The cable company’s pilot program was the first of its kind, and due to its success Comcast is considering expanding the program beyond Massachusetts.”That program has been real successful, they have expanded it to other parts of the state,” said Edwards. “I have had calls from other parts of the state asking me about it, so it is working out real well.”Both the Comcast and Verizon courses are designed to reduce the massive waiting list at Operation Bootstrap or immigrants looking to take ESL courses. Edwards is hoping that both cable and Internet course options will help many of those individuals perfect their use of the language sooner rather than later,For more information on the online ESL course, call Richard Deshaies at 781-599-8543.