This study sought to create profiles of adult literacy and basic education (ALBE) instructors and their use of the Internet in their classrooms. I used Rogers' diffusion of innovations framework and results of a previous study to develop a 56-item survey. Twelve hundred surveys were distributed in 24 states; 219 were returned for a response rate…

We conducted a pilot study to see how the GED Mathematics Test could be administered on computer with embedded accessibility tools. We examined test scores and test-taker experience. Nineteen GED test centers across five states and 216 randomly assigned GED Tests candidates participated in the project. GED candidates completed two GED mathematics…

This chapter focuses on the role of online educators as mentors and addresses the potential impact of a mentoring relationship on the development and persistence of adult learners in the online medium.

The issue of integrating technology into adult literacy programs would benefit from the implementation of a curriculum deliberation process that includes perspectives of practitioners, learners, subject matter experts, and milieus. This would ensure the development of coherent curricula, with the key consideration being the efficacy of computers…

Discusses (1) literacy and the related concepts of functional literacy and illiteracy; (2) what is meant by computer technology for literacy instruction; (3) advantages and disadvantages of computer-based literacy instruction; and (4) today's efforts and tomorrow's expectations. (RS)

The purpose of this study was to use a component of Everett Rogers' theory of diffusion of innovations to understand adult literacy instructors' perceptions of the consequences of adopting the Internet into their classrooms. This study provides information about the types of consequences they saw and their perceptions about the desirability,…

The author discusses current uses of computers in adult basic skills instruction. Compares three primary systems available for purchase in adult literacy instruction: (1) Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations (PLATO), (2) Computer Curriculum Corporation (CCC), and (3) Principle of the Alphabet Literacy System (PALS). Presents…

The purpose of this study was to better understand what optimal computer technology integration looks like in adult basic skills education (ABSE). One question guided the research: How is computer technology integration best conceptualized and measured? The study used the Delphi method to map the construct of computer technology integration and…

A federal initiative to expand learning services to adult basic learners via distance learning is proposed. The California experience can prove useful to states and programs wishing to adopt distance learning interventions. This article describes how California adult schools' serve adult learners via distance learning. Over 38,000 unduplicated…

Describes a computer program for arithmetic in which the use of the operationalized cognitive apprenticeship methods was studied together with effects of modelling and coaching on student performance. Results showed that adult basic education students make little use of optional materials in a computer program. (Author/JKP)

Adult literacy (AL) programs in Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, North Carolina, Illinois, and California were surveyed in Spring 1994 to identify the extent and scope of computer technology use in AL programs. Of the 515 responding programs, 82% used computers for administrative activities, 66% for instructional activities, 31% for student…

This descriptive research study examined the extent of technology integration in instruction by adult basic education teachers. Teachers are in the earlier stages of integrating technology and are more active in the area of exploration. However, they are not experimenting with the use of technology at the same level and have not been innovative in…

SHELCOM, an adult education project in homeless shelters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, investigated the effects of using computer technology on participants' writing and communication skills. The project consisted of 2-hour workshops, twice weekly, complemented by online support and instruction. Learners paired across the city worked on creating…

Promotes the development of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) programs as a way of educating illiterate parents and nonreading adults in general. Notes several programs of this nature already in operation around the nation. Describes some nonthreatening courseware that is being used to recruit more adults into such programs. (TW)

As part of the Victorian Certificate of General Education for Adults (CGEA) in Australia, a project involves students in writing, editing, and distributing The World Times, a student newspaper. Due to a lack of funds, the Internet has become an alternative means of publication, and the@LBE-ELECTRONIC (@LBE-E) World Wide Web site has become a new…