Adult learners with low literacy skills compose a highly heterogeneous population in terms of demographic variables, educational backgrounds, knowledge and skills in reading, self-efficacy, motivation etc. They also face various difficulties in consistently attending offline literacy programs, such as unstable worktime, transportation…

This article provides an argument for the recognition of complementary alternative literacy learning spaces (CALLS) as a strategy for operationalising the notion of multi-literacies in classroom practice. The paper draws empirical evidence from a small-case project to support the claim that scratch, functioning as a CALLS is a viable tool for…

Based on research gathered from literacy projects that utilize computers, recommends that computers be used in adult literacy programs. Points out that computers provide privacy, feedback, individualization, a feeling of control, and flexibility. (ARH)

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,…

Presents an overview of the problem of adult illiteracy and discusses what it means to be literate. Offers considerations pertaining to the teaching of literacy and of how technology might be used to facilitate this teaching. Concludes with recommendations about how to exploit the possibilities of technology in literacy education. (FL)

Tape recorders and computers can be useful in literacy tutoring in three situations. The situations are (1) as an aid in regular tutoring sessions, (2) as a supplement to provide drill and practice, and (3) as a management tool. Samples of these uses include tape recordings of reading assignments for students to take home and study; a computer…

This annotated bibliography contains 36 references on teaching methods and instructional strategies in the field of adult literacy found in the ERIC database. It contains citations from the period between 1987 and 1989 and is divided into two sections. The first section lists sources for instruction and training, while the second section contains…

Mexican immigrants working at a wholesale nursery were involved in developing user instructions for a computer-based instruction system. Sixty-one Latinos with 0 to 16 years of education completed user instructions delivered on the computer, and all but 3 completed training content about the nursery. Based on objective criteria, program use was…

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,…

Current efforts to improve literacy teaching and learning are directed at replacing task-oriented approaches to teaching isolated skills with an integrated language arts curriculum, focusing on the cognitive and social processes the learner engages in to write. This new approach requires fundamental changes in the classroom, and computer-based…

This report describes how the Center for Literacy (CFL) developed a staff orientation manual for new educators (teachers and coordinators of volunteers) who work in adult basic and literacy education (ABLE) programs. Orientation needs were assessed through two questionnaires--one for educators and another for administrators at CFL and 13 literacy…

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…

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,…

The 1988-89 Highlands Educational Literacy Project (HELP) in southwest Virginia was initially designed to provide local volunteer tutors with intensive training in the Laubach one-to-one method of teaching reading. HELP was a cooperative effort of community service agencies, church and civic groups, and interested individuals to provide free…

Following an introductory section that provides a rationale for using computers in workplace literacy classes, this guide reviews six computer programs and provides activities that teachers can use with the programs in teaching workplace literacy classes. The six computer programs reviewed are as follows: "Grammar Games,""Spell It 3,""The Way…