Computers

Electronic communication is becoming essential for many workplaces. The definition of workforce literacy is shifting to include much more than reading and writing text.

As the workforce of the 21st century becomes increasingly reliant on electronic communication, it is essential that workforce preparation programs include opportunities for learners to improve their literacy skills for writing in electronic contexts.

The 21st century workforce demands an array of skills which includes the ability to effectively use some form of technology. This may require educators to rethink approaches to literacy instruction in adult literacy programs.

As electronic writing increases in today's society, workforce literacy educators must provide learners with opportunities for communicating within electronic contexts.

This paper describes the assessment of electronic discussion entries produced by 47 workforce literacy learners over 11 writing sessions. The context of the writing sessions is discussed, as well as the development and implementation of the assessments.

One of the challenges in teacher education is to prepare pre-service teachers to integrate computer technology into curriculum. A further challenge is to embed the use of technology within a Bachelor of Education program in order to help teachers develop their creativity, problem-solving skills and innovation.

Deciding whether or not to introduce a computer-based system into an adult literacy program elicits many questions. Does the approach used by the technology support the educational goals and philosophy of the unit? What changes occur in classroom practices? What will be the effects on the learners? Is the expense of setting up a computer-based system worth it? If trouble arises, who is there to help?

One of a series of workbooks put out by the Halifax Immigrant Learning Centre, especially for “English as a Second Language (ESL)” students.

This workbook is a basic introduction to Microsoft Excel 2002 and was developed for ESL students both in a classroom setting with an instructor and as a self-teaching guide. It is important to note that learners need to understand math equations and calculations to use this workbook.

This How to Kit contains instructions on how to make a talking book using Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint.

Talking books are a great literacy activity. They are made on the computer using programs to add text, pictures and sound and can be used with all levels, from children to adult learners. Talking books are effective as an individual or small group activity, as well as a classroom activity or a community workshop.

A case study approach was used to collect data on how Alberta schools were currently using the Internet and how teachers were learning to use it, as well as data on the perceptions of educators and parents of its value as an educational tool.

The goals of this project were:
-To examine the extent to which adult literacy learners in Nova Scotia have access to learning through technology.
-To determine to what extent community-based literacy organizations use learning technologies effectively and with optimal outcome in their operations and service delivery.