The Basic Skills Learning System is a modularized network of computer assisted tutorials, drills, tests, printed materials, and videotaped presentations directed at improving the basic reading, math, and language skills of adults who have mastered these skills at a level above third grade but below the eighth. (Author)

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…

Project CREATES stands for Combined Resources for Editing Automated Teaching to Enlighten Students, the Harvard University Computer-Aided Instruction Laboratory's part of "A Multi-Agency Developmental Adult Basic Education Program." The major emphases of Project CREATES have been in the area of program and procedure development for…

Explains how using computers allows adults to learn basic skills in new ways and to avoid reliving experiences with frustration, failure, and humiliation that they may have endured as children in school. Includes advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of computers in instruction. (JOW)

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…

Designed for use with the Computer Assisted Literacy in Libraries (CALL) program (a tutoring program for adult literacy), this curriculum guide suggests resources to use with lessons in the "Laubach Way to Reading" series, a format advocated by the CALL program. After an introduction and a section of definitions and suggestions for using…

A literature review identified strengths and weaknesses of the Principle of the Alphabet Literacy System, a computerized adult literacy program, concluding that it showed no consistent achievement effects. Far less expensive technologies that could achieve the same goals with greater flexibility are available. (SK)

College-adult reading research trends are discussed. The reading process; the influence of vision, perception, and personality; and program outcomes are noted as major trends of past studies, and a list of mistaken assumptions in these earlier studies is given. Present research shifts to the study of the role of both teacher and student…

Presents the instructional rationale used in design of the Basic Skills Learning System, a modularized network of computer assisted tutorials, drills, tests, printed materials, and videotaped presentations directed at improving basic reading, math, and language skills of adults below eighth-grade level. Teaching strategies that impact reading…

Cost effectiveness analysis in terms of personnel, facilities, equipment, materials, and overhead was made of two adult basic reading programs: Technology for Literacy Center's tutor-based program and Principle of the Alphabet Literacy System (PALS), computer-assisted instruction. Costs per unit of gain in reading skills clearly favored the PALS…

It was hypothesized that a study skills package, based on active information strategies and incorporating test taking techniques, could be very beneficial to students enrolled in one of the four technical specialties courses in the Air Force Instructional System, a computer managed instructional system. The study skills materials consisted of…

Courseware for teaching survival sight vocabulary and reading skills by computer to nonreading adults was developed using principles of adult learning. Non-English speaking immigrants in Western Australia used the modules cooperatively and were interviewed to determine their reactions to the approach. (SK)

Presents an overview of the PLATO Corrections Project (PCP) in Illinois and Minnesota, and describes recent curriculum development efforts in adult reading comprehension and vocabulary development. Data collected on student/instructor usage, attitudes, and achievement demonstrate that the PCP system is feasible, attractive, and effective in…

Discusses the use of interactive multimedia as an effective learning environment for adults with poor reading skills. Guidelines for designing basic skills and technical training multimedia programs are suggested, including simple computer navigation, the careful use of text, and appropriate audio and visual aids. (LRW)

A diverse group of 27 adults completed 100 hours of computer-assisted reading instruction. Reading gains ranged from 0.4-7.5 grade levels and were greatest for subjects with a minimum pretest second grade reading level. Participants indicated the importance of skilled and empathic support from staff. (SV)