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, privacy, and immediate feedback; CAI effectiveness depends to a great extent upon the instructional staff; undereducated adults have positive attitudes toward computers and are interested in using them in their educational programs; and CAI effectiveness is limited by the shortage of appropriate software. The Brief then provides guidelines for effective use of CAI in adult literacy instruction. They include familiarizing all instructional staff with the CAI aspects of the literacy program; providing sufficient demonstration time and enough individual personal assistance for students to feel comfortable using computers; providing training and inservice opportunities for instructional staff; using only software appropriate for adult learners; not thinking of the computer only as a tool for individual use; providing for flexible scheduling of microcomputer use; not depending on the computer to be the sole source of instructional support; and providing opportunities for students to develop occupational skills through CAI. Thirteen references are listed. (YLB)