Citizenship on the Go (COG)
Hartford Public Library, Conn.
Innovation Synopsis
A unique Web-based, self-paced, online course developed by Hartford Public Library and funded, in part, by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration to prepare immigrants for their naturalization interview and civics test. The course supports their civic and history knowledge while strengthening their English language development and computer skills.
Challenge/Opportunity
Citizenship on the Go (COG) offers a unique opportunity for many adult immigrants unable to attend a fixed class schedule due to myriad barriers such as transportation, childcare, and work schedules. Most of our immigrant students 2 or 3 jobs with frequent shifts in in their schedule. COG offers an alternative learning modality when classes are enrolled to capacity.
Key Elements of Innovation
The course includes advanced curriculum functionalities that encourage student engagement and improved learning gains. Advanced interactive Web functionalities facilitate online self-paced instruction and administrative tracking. This course resides on a Moodle course-management system that learners can access with a Web browser. Progress may be monitored through criterion-referenced assessments embedded in the curriculum.
The Course is divided into three sections:
Chapter 1: Guide to Naturalization does not require a password, allowing the user to self-assess if they are qualified to apply.
It is divided into three sections:
- Section 1: Are You Ready to Apply? covers the following topics: Naturalization, Eligibility Worksheet, Do You Need to Register with Selective Service? Can You Apply for the Fee Waiver? Certification for Disability, Exceptions Document Checklist, Tax Records, Current Naturalization Fees, Legal Advice
- Section 2: Overview of the Naturalization Process streams the USCIS video, An Overview of the Naturalization Process ; and
- Section 3: provides an overview of the N400 Application.
Chapter 2: Studying for the Citizenship Test offers an in-depth video narration of the Civics questions. It is designed to provide a more contextualized approach to the 100 civics questions and includes quizzes, and resources for further study. This chapter is password protected to allow Library staff to effectively orient the student to the course. It also allows the learner to build a relationship with staff which puts them at ease.
Chapter 3: covers topics pertaining to the Naturalization Interview and also does not require a password. The course creatively incorporates authoritative and public domain educational material produced by USCIS.
Achieved Outcomes
The course has been an invaluable resource for many aspiring citizens. The key lesson learned to share with other is the following: It is next to impossible to find one provider/vendor/consultant capable of delivering all components necessary for creating a quality online course – technology know-how; subject area expertise, and a proven background working with the targeted learner population. we went back and forth with the offsite vendor and soon found ourselves at loggerheads over course content and structure. As a result, the Library picked up the development of the product. We looked to in-house experts to complete the product successfully. Libraies may be amazed with the talents that reside within their own walls.