The many advantages claimed for using the computer in adult literacy instruction--privacy, immediate feedback, individualization, control, and flexibility--have also been observed in the practice of dedicated teachers, without the help of computers. Fortunately, many scholars still emphasize the need for teacher sensitivity and teacher-student…

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…

Effective technology empowers learners and helps them assume responsibility for their own learning. Characteristics of effective instructional technology should guide the development of computer software and other types of technology. Software should provide for interaction since adults learn through active engagement. Feedback should be…

A Merrimack Education Center (MEC) project was developed to provide technology consultation, expertise, and advice for capacity building and networking of adult center staff in regional locations in Massachusetts. Two pilot sites were installed to demonstrate the computer/skills center approach of teaching basic skills to adult learners. Six…

This report describes the Adult Literacy Software Working Conference, which was attended by 52 adult literacy practitioners, software developers, hardware vendors, other educational technology specialists, policymakers, and researchers. The conference participants identified market, program and staff, and design and quality issues related to adult…

A project developed a planned course of study using laser disc software to enhance social studies, science, and literature and the arts in Adult Basic Education (ABE)/General Educational Development (GED) reading classes. During the first part of the project, laser disc software was reviewed to ascertain what material was compatible with the…

A study was initiated to investigate the current status of technology initiatives in terms of their impact on six adult education centers in Massachusetts. It was designed to provide new insights into the educational effects of computer instruction upon adult basic education students. A second effort focused on the presentation of a model of…

The New Technologies for ABE/GED (Adult Basic Education/General Educational Development) Classrooms project was conducted to determine the extent to which computer-related technologies are being used in ABE/GED classrooms throughout Pennsylvania and to develop and test methods/materials for integrating technology-based instruction into…

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…

These four issues comprise Volume 4 of the "Adult Literacy & Technology (AL&T) Newsletter." Issue 1 contains the following articles: "Preparing Our Children for Their Future, Not Our Past" (David Thornburg); "The Video Project" (Michael Hanish); "Images of the Future" (Terilyn Turner); "Hyperapplications: Implications for Reading and Writing" (Jay…

This second issue of an annotated listing of educational software suitable for use with adult basic education (ABE) students was compiled through reviews of software by ABE teachers and their students for its effectiveness and appropriateness to adult literacy instruction. The featured programs include drill and practice, simulations, educational…

The feasibility of using technology as an instructional strategy to help adult students make the transition from volunteer literacy programs to adult basic education classes was assessed. The following benefits of technology as an instructional strategy were examined: privacy, individualization, achievement gains, cost-effectiveness, control of…

This curriculum offers an eclectic, multisensorial, holistic, and flexible approach to reading. Sections I and II are an introduction and information on using the curriculum. Section III offers strategies for working with adults. Section IV describes means of formal and informal assessment of the learner. Section V presents an overview of ways…

This monograph presents the state of the art of computer-assisted instruction for students in adult basic education (ABE), developmental education, and rehabilitation programs. The 12 articles are written by practitioners for practitioners and describe programs being provided by public schools, community colleges, libraries, volunteer agencies,…

This resource booklet was prepared to assist literacy projects and community adult education programs in determining the technology they need to serve more older persons. Section 1 contains the following reprinted articles: "The Human Touch in the Computer Age: Seniors Learn Computer Skills from Schoolkids" (Suzanne Kashuba);…