Empowering A Community Through Digital Learning: A Library-Ed Tech Partnership
The Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) has been on an exciting journey to expand access to education and literacy resources for a diverse community. Over the last decade, they’ve partnered with Cell-Ed, to bring mobile-based English language learning to adult learners across Los Angeles.
This partnership has allowed the library to reach beyond the physical library walls and provide flexible learning opportunities to those who face barriers to traditional in-person programs. Here’s how this partnership is making a difference:
Bridging the Gap for Adult Learners
Many adult learners in the community face challenges that prevent them from participating in time-intensive or location-specific services. The partnership with Cell-Ed addresses these barriers by offering:
- Mobile-based lessons accessible from anywhere, even on basic phones
- Self-paced learning that fits busy schedules
- Entry-level English courses for those not yet ready for conversation-based tutoring
Expanding Reach
By integrating Cell-Ed into the librarys’ adult literacy programs, they have been able to:
- Serve more learners while managing limited tutor resources
- Provide a stepping stone for learners waiting to be matched with in-person tutors
- Offer learning options for those who can’t regularly visit a physical library location
Adapting to Community Needs
Over the years, the LAPL and Cell-Ed have worked to refine the program:
- Creating custom courses to meet patron needs
- Developing multilingual promotional materials
- Creating a dedicated landing page with easy enrollment information
Unexpected Benefits
This partnership has yielded some surprising outcomes:
- Increased digital literacy skills as learners navigate the mobile app
- A new way to capture data on adult learning in our community
- Insights into different learning preferences and needs among our patrons
Looking to the Future
As the LAPL celebrates 40 years of adult literacy services, they continue expanding their digital learning offerings working with Cell-Ed. This collaboration between the LAPL and Cell-Ed demonstrates the power of partnerships between libraries and mobile first education technology companies. By combining our strengths, we’re able to offer innovative, accessible learning solutions that empower all members of our community – from aspiring entrepreneurs to low-resourced residents – with the skills they need to thrive in today’s digital world.
See what community members are saying about Cell-Ed:
“My dream is that one day I can speak English fluently with the persons that take care of my child, doctors, nurses, the personnel that helps me everyday. And Cell-Ed is helping me get closer to that dream.”
Imelda Magana
“Practicing the conversations has opened a whole new world for me. For the first time I feel confident and excited that I am making progress learning English. With Cell-Ed I feel better when I can engage in small talk with other people in the street. By simply being able to say, Have a nice day, or Me Too! I am no longer invisible.”
Josefina Palacios
As we celebrate the success of the partnership between LAPL and Cell-Ed, we see great potential for more collaborations between private organizations and libraries. Together, we can bridge the digital divide, ensuring that everyone has the skills and resources needed to thrive in today’s digital world.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can enrich your community by partnering
with Cell-Ed, click below to get started.
Similar Blog Posts
