Online Courses

Taking an online course is a great way to begin or further your work in adult education. We offer three online courses a semester. The eight-week courses are designed for adult education and ESOL practitioners and are conducted through the Blackboard platform.

Experienced facilitators lead the classes, and you learn at your own pace in the comfort and convenience of your home or office. Participants are encouraged to take one course at a time and should be able to spend at least four hours per week for eight weeks. Other course requirements include access to an internet-ready computer, basic computer skills, and periodic access to an adult education classroom.

There are no fees for the courses, and a certificate will be mailed to you upon course completion. For more information or to register, please contact Lauren Ellington at (804) 828-6158 or (800) 237-0178.

Adults as Learners: An Orientation

Formerly known as The Adult Learner, this course helps new practitioners learn the keys to success in working with adults by introducing instructional strategies, classroom management techniques, and assessment approaches to measure learning gains.

“The course caused me to focus on my teaching and to consider how I can do it better, and it provided a multitude of wonderful resources to use.”

Catherine Krebs, Instructor

Registration has closed for this course. If you would like to know when it is being offered again, we recommend subscribing to our VAELN listserv.

ESOL Basics

This course explains how to identify characteristics of adult ESOL learners, introduces effective methods of teaching languages, and addresses the four language skills and how adults learn another language.

“I am really benefiting from the course. I am in the middle of conducting training workshops for our ESOL program volunteers. The resources at the VALRC and this course have been a God-send to me.”

Mary Hall, ESOL Program Director

Registration has closed for this course. If you would like to know when it is being offered again, we recommend subscribing to our VAELN listserv.

Using Technology to Enhance GED Instruction

Are you a GED teacher who wants to enhance lessons through technology but aren't sure where to start? If you are, then this course will help you in those first steps towards joining the digital community.

“I was a bit reluctant to delve into an online course because I was so busy. However, it turned out to be a blessing... Your course was just what I needed at just the right time.”

Rich Emery

Registration has closed for this course. If you would like to know when it is being offered again, we recommend subscribing to our VAELN listserv.

TABE Certification Training Online

Are you new to adult education? Or are you a person who has worked with adults in an educational capacity for some time? Either way, the TABE Online Certification Training will provide you with the skills, knowledge, and ability to place adults into the appropriate instructional level. This training covers both Forms 7 & 8 as well as Forms 9 & 10. If your program is currently using Forms 7 & 8, you may certify for those forms and then revisit the course when your program switches to Forms 9 & 10. This course is self-paced and designed to be completed in approximately three hours.

Registration for this self-directed course is ongoing - you may register for this course at any time.