Virtual adult literacy learning reaches Tobago

Virtual adult literacy learning is now available in Tobago, through the Adult Literacy Tutors Association (Alta).

Even in crisis there is opportunity. In spite of the hardships caused by the pandemic, it has hastened the move toward virtual learning in TT. For Alta, this move has also removed some logistical barriers, making it feasible for Tobago to access Alta’s literacy programme on the internet through Alta-V.

Alta was driven to rapidly shape a new way to continue helping our students attain their literacy goals, which led to the development of Alta-V. Alta-V makes it possible for adults who have a smartphone or computer with internet access to participate in Alta’s free literacy classes.

Alta-V will be delivered by a team of two trained volunteer tutors to groups of 10-12 students using the Zoom platform. As in the physical Alta classroom, we are committed to providing individual attention and this will be maintained by using Zoom’s breakout room feature.

Alta welcomes this opportunity to expand its reach to students from Tobago. With the help of technology, we are now positioned to effectively deal with adult literacy on a national level.

Alta has partnered with AJ’s Accessories and General Store on Castries Street in downtown Scarborough (620 9742) to provide Alta student workbooks, phonics and sight word cards as well as the Alta Spelling Dictionary. These will be available for registered Alta-V students from Tuesday, October 13 at the usual subsidised cost of TT$20.

Tutor Margaret Chow spoke of her early experience with Alta-V, describing the successful transition which is now able to widen the reach of literacy instruction.

She said, “Our students adapted quickly and were able to join the class literally from anywhere. The level of commitment was exemplary and thus pushed us to do more.”

Alta-V has been tried and tested and is now ready to invite students from Tobago to take up this unique opportunity for the academic year 2020-2021. Registration for Tobago students will be from October 1-12.

If you are 16 or over and have a computer or smartphone with internet, call any Alta number or message our social media pages to choose from the range of days and times to access Alta.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a tutor, joining a class, or becoming a sponsor, call 624-2582 or email altapos.tt@gmail.com.

Keep up to date with Alta on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: Alta TT.