The problem addressed in this study was approximately 50% of adult learners enrolled in adult basic education (ABE) classes do not have an educational learning gain in mathematics and numeracy from ABE coursework (National Reporting System, 2022) and were often not promoted to the next level (Smith, 2022). The purpose of this quantitative ex post…

Interviews and observations of four adult literacy students elicited their experiences with computers and effects of computer use on learning. They found computer-assisted learning challenging and motivating; it enabled them to control their learning experience. However, they may not have access outside the classroom that would enable future…

Reviews studies from 1979 to 1994 that examined adult reading achievement by comparing the efficacy of computer-assisted instruction with traditional methods. Finds that, despite considerable variability in design sophistication, 10 of the 21 studies found no statistically significant differences, 5 failed to indicate significance, 2 showed mixed…

Prison inmates (n=71) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (computer-assisted and traditional instruction) or control group (traditional only). The study attempted to avoid flaws of similar research by using the same traditional instructors, same length of instruction, and posttest administration after 4 weeks. No differences in reading…

Review of 23 studies on the effectiveness of computers in adult literacy and basic education indicated that just under half found statistically significant improvements in reading scores. Many studies evidenced design flaws, lacked clear descriptions of the research, or were hampered by classroom-related difficulties. (Contains 31 references.) (SK)

This study of visual discrimination training with 22 adults with mental retardation involved either computer-delivered instruction with a stimulus-fading procedure or teacher-delivered verbal and nonverbal prompts. While the teacher prompts were effective with more subjects, participants learned more discrimination problems with the computer…

Two adults with severe mental retardation and profound hearing loss were given computer-based instruction in spelling. Positive results transferred to a retrieval task in which the participant wrote a list of objects displayed, selected the objects from a shelf, and returned the objects to the table. The role of stimulus class in fostering the…

The effectiveness of using computer courseware developed for adults reading below the fourth-grade level was investigated with inmates at Rockview State Correctional Institution. Data were collected both to establish multiple baseline data and to permit experimental group comparison with a control group. The multiple baselines portion of the study…

A study measured the effectiveness of traditional classroom instruction versus computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in raising the competency levels of adults enrolled in adult basic education (ABE) classes one grade level for each 80 hours of instruction. Classes were conducted in Indianapolis and Richmond, Indiana, from November 1988 to April…

This document contains a project report and tutor manual from a demonstration project conducted by the Fayette County Community Action Agency (FCCAA) of Fayette County, Pennsylvania to evaluate the effectiveness of using computers and selected reading software in conjunction with traditional one-on-one tutoring to teach reading skills to…

Project PROVE was a 1-year research project that determined the effectiveness of specific adult basic education (ABE) instructional techniques compared to those used in traditional ABE programs. The effectiveness of a strong communication linkage between the Jefferson County Probation and Parole Office (JCPPO) and Jefferson County Public Schools…

A series of sequentially replicated case studies examined the use of information technologies in the context of existing adult literacy programs. Literacy programs offered by the following institutions were studied: Watts Adult Learning Center (Los Angeles, California); Creative Academic Achievement Pro-Success Learning Center (McAllen, Texas);…

This report shows how new technological tools or devices are being used in adult education and training; it examines the evidence of their effectiveness and costs; and it suggests prospects for the future use of technologies. Particular attention is given to uses with displaced and employed workers needing basic skills, high school diplomas, and…

During the spring 1992 term, James Monroe High School piloted Learning 100 On-Line, a remedial reading/literacy computer program developed by Educational Developmental Laboratories, Inc. The program, which was developed for junior high and high school students and adults reading at or below grade level, was implemented in two…

An external evaluation of the Family English Literacy, Plus (FEL+) program of the Sweetwater Union High School District (California) is presented. Program objectives included: (1) development and implementation of curriculum and activities integrating technology-assisted instruction into the existing literacy program; (2) increasing parent/child…