This Brief first summarizes research findings regarding computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and its effectiveness in adult literacy education programs. The following findings are given: CAI is effective for a significant number of adult learners; CAI is effective because it provides the adult learner with flexibility, control, individualization,…

A description is given of a computer assisted instruction program used to teach basic mathematics skills to students in a Comprehensive Employment and Training Act program. (MP)

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 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…

Computer-assisted learning (CAL) can be used for adults functioning at any academic or grade level. In adult basic education (ABE), CAL can promote greater learning effectiveness and faster progress, concurrent learning and experience with computer literacy skills, privacy, and motivation. Adults who face barriers (financial, geographic, personal,…

This document provides advance information on the symposia, workshops, and presentations of a conference the purpose of which was to teach about new techniques and methodologies for applying technology as a solution to adult illiteracy. Brief summaries are provided of the content of the symposia, workshops, and presentations. Representative topics…

This brief lists computer-based adult literacy training materials. The listings are divided into three sections: work force/workplace literacy curricula; general curriculum/program development; and guides and research reports. The first section contains nine programs or sets of program materials (including computerized and print materials): Basic…

The Technology for Literacy Center (TLC) was designed to find a new and better way to teach literacy skills to adults by using computers and other forms of technology. It served 1,300 illiterate adults in the St. Paul, Minnesota, area of Ramsey, Washington, and Dakota counties. The project had four major components: direct services, training,…

A study evaluated the IBM Principles of Adult Literacy (PALS) program in 1988-89. Three adult education centers in Georgia (two with PALS and one without) were studied to determine whether, for adult nonreaders, the PALS program produced gains in reading equal to or greater than those produced by a traditional noncomputerized program. In addition…

These proceedings contain the summaries of 60 presentations. Among those included are: "Desk Top Publishing & Experiential Literacy Material" (Arnold); "A Description of the U.S. Experience in Providing Vocational Skills to Individuals with Low Literacy Skills" (Barbee); "Audio-Disk Technology" (Bixler, MacClay); "Technology for Teachers: A Group…

Baseline information about numeracy education provision in the United States was collected in a questionnaire completed by 350 (57.9%) of 650 adult education programs surveyed. The usable responses yielded data about numeracy education provided to 774,955 students in 15 states. Among the study's main findings were the following: more than 80% of…

The Granite School District (Utah) conducted a project to implement competency-based/technology-assisted instruction in all of its adult high schools. The district adopted the state's core curriculum in order to establish clearly defined instructional goals and objectives; revised and added to the instructional units; made the curriculum uniform…

This guide is designed to assist volunteer tutors participating in an adult literacy program. Discussed in the first chapter are the meaning of the term functional literacy, the way in which we get meaning from print, and word identification skills. The next two sections deal with the history of literacy education in industrialized countries and…

This book is a systematic exploration of literacy programs for adults with developmental disabilities. The following are among the topics discussed: issues in adult literacy (multicultural issues, combining literacy instruction with transition, and assessment of adult literacy); the developmental basis for adult literacy education (postformal…