Ways to Teach I-DEA

I-DEA is a rigorous, pre-packaged set of 31 modules that teach students English-language, college and job skills at the same time. Originally developed for English Language Learners who place at the Educational Functioning Levels 1-3, Project I-DEA serves as an “on-ramp” to prepare students for entry into career and college pathways programs like I-BEST, HS+, High School Completion, and High School Equivalency.

For those new to I-DEA, we encourage you to raise the bar for your students — you will be amazed at what they are capable of! Each model is designed 18 hours of instruction in one week.

Full I-DEA

  • Students engage in 14 to 18 hours or more of instruction per week.
  • Eight+ I-DEA modules are used each quarter
  • At least 50 percent of the instruction is online
  • Instruction is completed as pre-work using I-DEA instructional modules housed in Canvas
  • Providers ensure that 80 percent or more of a participant’s instruction is delivered through the use of I-DEA modules

Tailored I-DEA

  • Students engage in 10 hours or more of instruction per week
  • Four to five I-DEA modules are used each quarter
  • At least 50 percent of the instruction is online
  • Instruction is completed as pre-work using I-DEA instructional modules housed in Canvas
  • Providers ensure that 80 percent or more of a participant’s instruction is delivered through the use of I-DEA modules

See a side-by-side comparison of Full and Tailored I-DEA.

Module Structure

The instructional materials are arranged for a course that is taught five days a week (four two-hour days and one one-hour day). However, they can be easily rearranged to suit your program’s needs.

Delivery Modes (Web-Enhanced, Flipped)

In the I-DEA pilot, all instruction was delivered using the Flipped Classroom Model with 18 hours a week of instruction.

Currently, in Washington state, Full and Tailored I-DEA are delivered using one the following instructional modes:

Flipped Classroom Model (Hybrid Instruction)

Students learn concepts and content online at home (we use the term "pre-work"). Then, they come to class to practice and apply the concepts with fellow classmates and the help of an instructor. Instructors should consistently encourage and remind students of the importance of this pre-work as it greatly impacts their success.

Web-Enhanced Instruction

A more traditional class structure, where students learn in-class and simply use web tools as part of their studies. In the case of I-DEA, the flipped classroom model is simulated within the web-enhanced class structure.

Technology Considerations

I-DEA introduces students to Microsoft Office and Google applications over the course of a quarter. Many classrooms and workplaces use Microsoft Office, while Google applications are free and may be used when the student is no longer enrolled.

We found that starting with Google applications (like Google Docs and Google Slides) was a better experience for students since these automatically save and may be accessed on any computer. Many campus and classroom computers require extra steps to save and find files, which can prevent the student from accessing the files from home.