Adult learners with low literacy skills compose a highly heterogeneous population in terms of demographic variables, educational backgrounds, knowledge and skills in reading, self-efficacy, motivation etc. They also face various difficulties in consistently attending offline literacy programs, such as unstable worktime, transportation…

The dilemma of promoting young adult literacy gripped the authors' seventh-grade class last year as never before. In an attempt to obliterate the students' reluctance to reading, the authors looked to technology to help motivate the students and break down their resistance to reading. This article describes the authors' successful integration of…

Dedicated computers are designed to perform a specific function (such as check-out computers in supermarkets). Because software for these computers is either built in or housed in separate plug-in program modules, programming knowledge is not necessary. The use of these computers to help individuals master basic academic subjects is discussed.…

Discussion of adult literacy and the role of public libraries focuses on the development of Adult Learning Centers based on experiences at the Hempstead Public Library (New York). The use of self-guided computer-assisted instruction is explained, and benefits are described. (LRW)

A project was conducted to see if computer-assisted instruction could be used successfully with the low-level, non-reading adult. The experimental classroom group consisted of mentally handicapped and other educationally handicapped adults in adult basic education (ABE) programs. (Long-range implementation is aimed at ABE students who have a…

Discusses the library's responsibility to society to confront adult illiteracy and suggests that libraries should provide computers and special software to support adult basic education programs. Available educational systems and software are described, and sources to aid in selection are identified. (10 references) (CLB)

Describes the development and pilot testing of an interactive software lesson series designed to increase reading and writing abilities of illiterate adults and adolescents. Results of pilot studies of the High Quality Educational Program indicate the microcomputer approach to instruction combined with appropriate software offers a promising tool…

Discusses the use of HyperCard to create programs for teaching English language and literacy. Describes the use of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) with hospital cleaners and catering staff. Explains CALL's role in facilitating cultural change and peer tutoring. (SK)

Many adult basic education and literacy programs are reaping the benefits of educational technology for their students, instructors, and administrators. In this context, most often the term refers to computer-assisted instruction that supplements regular classroom instruction. In St. Paul, Minnesota, the Technology for Literacy Center uses…

A project in Iberia Parish, Louisiana, investigated whether the use of computers along with Laubach literacy materials could significantly raise the reading level of adults presently reading at the 0-4 grade levels. Adults in a control and an experimental group (15 in each) worked one-on-one with volunteer tutors using the "Laubach Way to…

Materials from a conference on computer use in adult literacy programs are provided. Introductory materials include a history of the conference and the agenda. A summary of the keynote address, "Impact of New Information Technologies on Literacy" (Linda Roberts), is followed by a brief overview of the conference opening. Descriptions are provided…

The basis for all computer-assisted instruction at the Continuing Education Learning Center at Jackson State University is the instructional techniques necessary for the success of at-risk adult learners who find traditional methods inadequate. Each learner is pretested for reading level for placement, and skill assessments are made to diagnose…

This document chronicles some of the innovative uses of technology in the adult basic education and literacy field and the creative and cooperative efforts of local service providers to increase the instructional resources for learners. In 1-2 page profiles, it provides information about how the 50 states and the District of Columbia are using…

The Tombigbee Regional Library in West Point, Mississippi, conducted a literacy program from October 1, 1988 to September 30, 1989. During the period, the program recruited 166 students and 64 new tutors, provided funding for 110 students not eligible for Job Training Partnership Act funding, solicited and used community resources and funds, and…

As part of an effort to combat the persistent problem of adult illiteracy, the Center for Advancing Technology was initiated at Piedmont Community College (PCC) in North Carolina and charged with the design of an effective model of rural, adult education for use throughout the state. The first step in the development of the center's literacy…