Information and communication technologies aid marginalized groups in seeking social support, building proximate networks, and improving employment opportunities. However, one key factor that is understudied in the literature is the impact of open education resources (OER) on the employability of marginalized groups. This study focuses on open and…

This study investigated the comparability of paper and computer versions of a functional writing assessment administered to adults 16 and older. Three writing tasks were administered in both paper and computer modes to volunteers in the field test of an assessment of adult literacy in 2008. One set of analyses examined mode effects on scoring by…

Upper-elementary students encounter a sometimes dizzying array of traditional and nontraditional texts both in and outside of the classroom. This practical handbook helps teachers in grades 4-6 harness the instructional potential of fiction, poetry, and plays; informational texts; graphic novels; digital storytelling; Web-based and multimodal…

Despite the benefits of literacy for individuals, communities, and nations, a vast number of people remain illiterate. This publication will enable readers to understand the current literacy challenge and the United Nations Literacy Decade Plan of Action, to learn about the potential of using ICT as an effective literacy tools, and to appreciate…

Explores the role of computer-assisted activities in functional language learning. Suggests that computers appear to be a valuable tool for facilitating language use within the classroom. When used appropriately, computers can provide a genuine, real-world context for children's explorations through their journey to becoming competent literacy…

The Job Skills Education Program (JSEP) is a computer-based, functional basic skills curriculum and instructional delivery system originally designed for the U.S. Department of the Army. The U.S. Department of Labor funded an exploration of the feasibility of increasing the use of JSEP as a workplace literacy tool for employers. It was found that…

Even the youngest readers and writers in today's classrooms can benefit enormously from engagement with a wide range of traditional and nontraditional texts. This teacher-friendly handbook is packed with creative strategies for introducing K-3 students to fiction, poetry, and plays; informational texts; graphic novels; digital storytelling;…

A study evaluated the effectiveness of the Templates for Literacy manual, which is designed to help the adult beginning reader integrate computer and literacy learning. The manual contains guidelines and strategies for incorporating word processing, spreadsheet, database, and graphics software into literacy curricula. The draft manual was…

This publication provides abstracts of the 11 grants awarded to demonstrate model functional literacy programs for incarcerated adults. These programs, to the extent possible, make use of advanced technologies, such as interactive video- and computer-based adult literacy learning. Information provided in each abstract includes the following:…

A mother of an adolescent daughter with blindness and learning disabilities focuses on how she helped her daughter improve reading and writing skills by finding a meaningful purpose for those skills in daily life. This article discusses early signs of learning problems, the learning environment, talking books, books in braille, technology,…

The 7000l Training and Employment Institute offers self-paced instruction through the use of computers and audiovisual materials to young people to improve opportunities for success in the work force. In 1988, four sites were equipped with Apple stand-alone software in an integrated learning system that included courses in reading and math, test…

The UNESCO Courier's estimate of 700 million totally illiterate persons world wide and estimate of 10 million functionally illiterate persons in the United States are cited. Advantages to being literate are discussed which pertain to the welfare of the individual himself and society in general. The 16 trends in the development of literacy programs…

A mail survey of the directors of Texas adult education cooperatives conducted in 1989 was intended to describe adult education programs in the state to aid in the planning and development of teacher training materials. Forty-two of the 63 directors completed all or part of the survey questionnaire. Among the results were the following: (1) 70…

This document describes the use of educational technology (including radio, television, computers, telephones, satellites, and optical laser discs) in adult literacy programs in Australia. Chapter 1 describes the scope of the study that resulted in the document and defines both literacy and educational technology. Chapter 2 contains a generalized…

The National Adult Literacy Project's research and development agenda, developed through a literature survey and consultation with practitioners and scholars, is elaborated in this paper. Each of the seven topic areas begins with a rationale for its importance and a brief review of relevant research. Proposals for research studies and/or…