Caribou Adult Ed Corner

by Staff Aroostook Republican
16 years ago
By Erica Gove-Raymond
Community Awareness Coordinator
Election Day

    With Election Day quickly approaching, we want to remind all citizens age 18 and older to vote. If you have not registered, have questions about registering, or need help with the registration card, please stop by the Caribou Adult Education office and we will help you in your area of need. Remember to vote on November 4th!

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Enrichment
  Adult Education is based on community needs and desires. Our enrichment classes in both Caribou and Limestone are planning for new and exciting enrichment classes at both locations. We are exploring the possibility of classes in tennis, golf, and volleyball, Arts and Crafts of all kinds, photography, politics, line dancing, ballroom dancing, and many more. We want your input! Whether you are interested in instructing a class or have a suggestion for a class that you would like to see available, please call us at 493.4272 or e-mail Adult Education Director Dan MacDonald at dmacdonald@mail.caribouschools.org.
Maine Guide Training Program
    The Maine Guide Training Program starts in January 2009 and is a 184 hour course including hands on field trips. The course is designed to prepare students for the state exams. CPR, trapping, hunter safety, ATV safety and snowmobile safety training and certification are included in this course. Additional sections of the course include map and compass, ice fishing, outdoor cooking, winter sports, survival skills, guide conduct, trip planning, mammal anatomy and identification, tools of the trade, watercraft safety, open water fishing and identification, knot tying, lost person scenario, canoe instruction, weather, waterfowl identification, recreational guiding, test preparations and field exercises.

    This course is designed to teach the Maine guide ethics and responsibilities and to prepare each student in becoming a successful Maine Guide. The cost of the course is $350. The tests are a separate cost and are scheduled through Augusta at $103.00 per classification. Classifications include hunting, fishing, recreation, sea kayaking, and tidewater fishing. The license after passing the test is $81 for three years. This fee of $81 is the total cost for one or all classifications. One does not need to take all five tests if planning on specializing in individual guiding services.

Learning with PLATO
    PLATO, an acronym for Program Logic for Automated Teaching Operations, is a web based learning tool to develop required learning standards in each content area. PLATO is used in conjunction with classroom instruction, but provides the opportunity for self paced learning. Caribou Adult Education has been using PLATO software for two years and has found it very beneficial to the student.

    PLATO learning labs have four basic goals: skill development, review and reinforcement of previous knowledge, enrichment and exploration, and problem solving skills. PLATO software provides the opportunity for development, remediation and enhancement of basic skills. Reinforcement of previously taught skills provides a learning safety net allowing learners to feel successful immediately. The third goal of PLATO administrators is to provide additional knowledge and skills to the adult learner. Motivated learners are able at this point to advance beyond other learners in an independent study manner. The fourth goal and central strand of the curriculum is problem solving. The ultimate focus in completion of any one of the core curriculums is authentic applied learning and an emphasis on high order thinking skills.
    Adult education is currently using PLATO software for ESL, basic literacy skills, high school completion, GED preparation, and college preparation. Recently, Adult Education staff from all over Aroostook County traveled to Caribou for a day long PLATO training presented by Stephen Kimner, educational consultant for PLATO of New Hampshire.