There are many readability tools that instructors can use to help adult learners select reading materials. We describe and compare different types of readability tools: formulas calculated by hand, tools found on the Web, tools embedded in a word processing program, and readability tools found in a commercial software program. Practitioners do not…

This article is a report on research conducted to support the development of a multilingual literacy learning software programme for adult learners in rural Limpopo Province, South Africa. The topic of inquiry for the research was literacy learning in a multilingual environment, with special attention paid to attitudinal and metacognitive aspects.…

Originally written for adult new readers involved in literacy programs, this book is also helpful to those individuals who want a basic book about computers. It uses the carefully controlled vocabulary with which adult new readers are familiar. Chapter 1 addresses the widespread use of computers. Chapter 2 discusses what a computer is and…

The following steps will integrate computers into a volunteer literacy program: (1) decide how the computers will be used, depending on the program's needs (typically, computers are used to help with management chores and to motivate students and help them attain their academic and career goals); (2) investigate software and hardware, including…

Although information and communication technologies have become an integral part of life in the United States, they have not yet been adequately integrated into adult language and literacy programs. This raises concerns because of the potential value of technology for enhancing learning and because of the vital role of technological proficiency as…

Following an introductory section that provides a rationale for using computers in workplace literacy classes, this guide reviews six computer programs and provides activities that teachers can use with the programs in teaching workplace literacy classes. The six computer programs reviewed are as follows: "Grammar Games,""Spell It 3,""The Way…

This technology glossary was developed to aid new users of technology as well as those beginning to become familiar with computers. It contains 230 definitions written in concise lay terms intended to help words become meaningful and alive for the user. The glossary defines terms as appropriate to IBM-type and Macintosh computer programs. A…

This document describes the use of educational technology (including radio, television, computers, telephones, satellites, and optical laser discs) in adult literacy programs in Australia. Chapter 1 describes the scope of the study that resulted in the document and defines both literacy and educational technology. Chapter 2 contains a generalized…

A study was conducted to identify the types and uses of computer hardware and software in adult and community education programs in Florida. Information was gathered through a survey instrument developed for the study and mailed to 100 adult and community education directors and adult literacy center coordinators (92 surveys were returned). The…

Describes the Adult Basic Word List, a resource that can be used by illiterate adult learners for a quick spelling reference as well as by teachers and other curriculum developers for lesson and material design. (HOD)

Although recent technological developments in both computing hardware and software present dramatic opportunities for adult literacy organizations, planning and preparation are required to capitalize on those opportunities. The process of technology planning described in this guide can focus organizational attention on the appropriate priorities…

A project was conducted to offer customized software to adult basic education (ABE) programs in Pennsylvania and to train the program participants on software customization principles. The project produced an updated list of software publishers and products that can be customized for adult education students. Workshops were presented on…

Technology is changing the way literacy is being taught to adults, and it is also bringing new sets of problems and challenges for adult basic education programs. Some of the problems associated with the new technology include rapid changes in computers, leading to indecision in purchasing and uncertainty in use, and lack of appropriate software…

This publication is an annotated guide to software for teaching adult literacy recommended by the Adult Basic Skills Technology (ABST) Project. The ABST Project was initiated in 1982 as the Region X Adult Education Software Project, an effort by the State Adult Basic Education Departments of Washington, Oregon, and Alaska to provide adult basic…

A demonstration project explored the use of speech synthesis and speech recognition in writing-based classes held by two Philadelphia literacy providers. The project examined the use of high quality speech synthesis (the computer reads words from the screen in an understandable voice) and speech recognition (the computer responds to verbal…