This chapter discusses a range of issues that together paint a picture of the impact, potential, and challenges of using digital technologies in adult education.

Adults with learning disabilities (LD) attending adult basic education, GED programs, or community colleges are among the lowest performers on measures of literacy. For example, on multiple measures of reading comprehension, adults with LD had a mean reading score at the third grade level, whereas adults without LD read at the fifth grade level.…

The authors examined the implementation of assistive technology in a community literacy centre's writing program for adult learners. Quantitative and qualitative analyses indicated that (a) software and instructional methods for writing must be selected according to the needs of and in conjunction with adult learners, (b) learners needed…

Effective and collaborative supervision of language teachers involves understanding teacher and learner characteristics and needs, approaching supervision from a developmental rather than an evaluative perspective, and engaging in reflective communication. Teacher observation is an important component of supervision, and there are various ways…

In a most timely volume addressing many of the connections among current fiscal and employment crises to adult education, Learning for Economic Self-Sufficiency highlights the problems and challenges that low-literate adults encounter in various environments. Moreover, this book presents strategies for addressing the chronic illiteracy among…

Author cites bibliographies of materials available for adult education programs and discusses criteria for materials selection. (GB)

The purpose of this study was to better understand what optimal computer technology integration looks like in adult basic skills education (ABSE). One question guided the research: How is computer technology integration best conceptualized and measured? The study used the Delphi method to map the construct of computer technology integration and…

Thirty literacy practitioners participated in a free-ranging discussion of the potential and the issues arising from the rapid introduction of new technologies to literacy education (adult basic education and English language training). After an introduction, the report includes the presentations of various participants, including Peter Goulding,…

The educational applications of technology are many and varied, including use as an educational delivery method and an instructional tool. However, technology is often introduced without much thought, and it changes rapidly. Technology can have the following effects: improve educational attainment and skill development; reduce educational…

This document consists of the four issues of a newsletter published during 1998. Typical articles explore topics in literacy education, media, and technology: "Not a Myth but a New Reality: What IALS [International Adult Literacy Survey]-like Tests Measure" (John Comings); "Who Will Train the Teachers?" (Winston Emery);…

Three types of instruction were used in the Ohio Module Project: traditional classes, programmed learning centers, and home instruction. Four major objectives of the project are: (1) to determine the kind of training program necessary to prepare paraprofessionals to operate an instructional program utilizing programmed materials, (2) to compare…

PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDIES CONSISTENTLY TESTIFY TO THE FACT THAT THE ADULT LEARNER REACTS FAVORABLY TO MATERIAL WHICH ENABLES HIM TO PROGRESS AT HIS OWN SPEED. HE DOES NOT WANT TO REVERT TO THE CHILD-ORIENTED CLASSROOM BECAUSE, FOR MANY, THIS ATMOSPHERE PRODUCED FAILURE. FOR THIS REASON, PROGRAMED LEARNING AND ITS RELATED FIELD OF EDUCATIONAL…

The purpose of this project grant was to develop an innovative system which will recruit, motivate, and retain the undereducated adult in the Western Maryland region of Appalachia. The evaluation of staff changes in attitude toward the device was made with positive results. The evaluation of class interaction between the experimental and the…

Issues related to the use of technology in literacy programs, such as how decision makers can sort through the claims made by hardware and software vendors and how scarce resources can be found to purchase technology, are the focus of this report. The paper also provides a framework for incorporating technology into the curriculum. It gives a…

This guide provides information for those administrators considering the installation of terminals for computer assisted instruction in their schools or districts. Some specific information relating to computer assisted instructional programs provided for the region known as the Gulf Texas Multi-Regional Processing Center is given. Issues…