USA Learns has recently rolled out an updated platform designed to improve the online English learning experience for both educators and students. This guide highlights the key differences between the new and previous versions, focusing on features that streamline teaching and enhance student engagement. Whether you’re a teacher managing classes or a student independently learning English, understanding these changes will help you navigate the updated USA Learns environment effectively.
Key Updates for Teachers on USA Learns
The new USA Learns platform introduces several significant improvements for teachers, making class management and student monitoring more efficient.
Streamlined Class Enrollment with Class Keys
Gone are the days of class passwords. The updated system now utilizes automatically generated class keys. Teachers can easily distribute these keys to enroll students, simplifying the initial setup process. It’s important to discontinue the use of old class passwords and switch to this more secure and straightforward method. Distributing these keys is made easy with multiple options available directly from your teacher homepage.
Enhanced Account Security and Communication Through Email Confirmation
To bolster security and facilitate better communication, the new USA Learns requires teachers to use a valid email address for account confirmation. This step ensures that teachers can receive important updates and support. New teacher accounts will need to be confirmed via a link sent to their provided email address before they can fully access the site’s features.
Real-Time Grade Data Access
Teachers no longer need to wait for downloadable gradebooks. The new platform provides immediate access to grade data, which can be easily copied and pasted into any software program. This real-time access allows for quicker assessment and feedback processes.
Improved Class Management Control
Student management is now more controlled with the update. Students can no longer remove themselves from a class. This function is now exclusively managed by the teacher, preventing accidental or unintended removals and maintaining class roster integrity.
Clear Notifications for Grading Needs
Staying on top of writing assignments is easier than ever. The teacher homepage now features prominent notifications indicating when writing assignments are ready for grading, ensuring timely feedback and efficient workload management.
Time Tracking for Activity Monitoring
The new USA Learns includes a time tracking feature that provides an approximate duration of student engagement with each activity. While time tracking in online environments is not perfectly precise, this feature offers valuable insights into student participation and time allocation within the platform.
Important Updates for Students Using USA Learns English
For students learning English through USA Learns, the update brings a more unified and straightforward experience.
Single Access Point for All Learners
Whether learning independently or as part of a class, all students now access USA Learns through a single website: usalearns.org. The previous system with separate sites is consolidated, simplifying access. Students will be automatically redirected to this new URL, ensuring a seamless transition. All previous lesson progress and scores have been migrated to this new unified platform.
Clear Course Enrollment Structure
Students can now enroll in only one instance of each USA Learns course at a time, preventing confusion and ensuring focused learning. This means a student can be enrolled in a course with a teacher or study independently, but not both simultaneously for the same course.
Optional Email Confirmation for Student Accounts
Upon registration, students will receive an email confirmation. While optional, completing the confirmation process is encouraged to ensure account security and access to potential future communication features.
In conclusion, the updated USA Learns platform represents a significant step forward in providing a more user-friendly and efficient online English learning environment. These changes are designed to enhance the experience for both teachers and students, making USA Learns an even more effective tool for English language education.
