Harnessing Technology to Serve Adult Literacy

Integrating Technology in Adult Literacy Education

Horses pulling fire engine

, Ed.D
Newsome Associates
Boston, MA

Updated September 21, 2005

The Harnessing Technology Web pages help adult literacy education (ABE/GED/ESL/ESOL) teachers and learners to use computers, television, audio and video cassettes, and other electronic technology to help solve learning and instructional problems.   The Web pages grow and improve as practitioners and learners describe problems and contribute good solutions which use technology.  Problems and solutions which are unattributed are those of  David J. Rosen.

Table of Contents

LESSON PLANS

READING/WRITING/SPELLING

ESOL/ESL

 FAMILY LITERACY

 FINANCIAL LITERACY

GED

GRAMMAR

MATH

 SCIENCE

 HEALTH

HOME REPAIR

HOUSING

EMPLOYMENT

CITIZENSHIP, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND VOTING

CORRECTIONS EDUCATION

 ADMINISTRATIVE PURPOSES

SOFTWARE REVIEWS ONLINE

INFORMATION SEARCHING

 COLLEGIAL SHARING AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT

LEARNING DISABILITIES / PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

WEB-BASED TEACHING TOOLS

MOUSE PRACTICE SKILLS

List of Problems
LESSON PLANS READING/WRITING/SPELLING ESOL/ESL FAMILY LITERACY FINANCIAL LITERACY

GED

GRAMMAR

MATH
  • Math problem solving
  • Using computers and the Web to solve common, real-life math tasks
  • Teaching graphs to a multi-level education group
    • SCIENCE
  • Learning about the human body
  • Hands-on science experiments without a laboratory
    • HEALTH
  • Health information
  • Health lesson plans
    • HOME REPAIR TOOLS HOUSING EMPLOYMENT CITIZENSHIP, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND VOTING CORRECTIONS EDUCATION ADMINISTRATIVE PURPOSES
  • Management Information System software
    • SOFTWARE REVIEWS
  • Adult education software reviews online
    • INFORMATION SEARCHING
  • Help for students searching for information
  • How to find useful sites on the Web without spending hours surfing
    • COLLEGIAL SHARING AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT
  • How part-time teachers who can't meet informally in the halls can get together
  • Web resources with information for new or prospective volunteer tutors
  • How to use the Internet for collaboration
  • Where to find good adult education courses
    • LEARNING DISABILITIES/PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
  • Information about electronic tools, software and hardware, that can help dyslexic adults to read and write.
    • WEB-BASED TEACHING TOOLS



    Problems and Solutions

    LESSON PLANS

    Problem: Where to find online lesson plans for adult basic education, adult secondary education  and ESL/ESOL

    Solution 1:  Web pages
    http://www.az-aall.org/AALL/Pages/AALLInternetLessonLinks.htm

    Solution 2:  Web pages
    Link to Learn  http://pd.l2l.org/success/index.htm
    and http://pd.l2l.org/success/lessons/Lesson2/Lesson2c/IMAa3_L.HTM

    Solution 3:  Web pages
    http://www.alri.org/litlist/lessons.html

    Solution 4: Web Pages
    Literacy Assistance Center, New York City. Miscellaneous Lesson plans:  Black History, Women's History, Workforce Preparation (Researching companies online), ESOL Lesson (Superlatives, American Popular Culture) including World Wide Web Institute Lesson Plans Gallery, 24 Web-based lesson plans designed by adult education teachers in New York City and New England.
    http://www.lacnyc.org/resources/curricula.htm

    Solution 5: Web Pages
    The Gateway to Educational Materials
    Intended for a K-12 audience, "The Gateway provides the key to one-stop, any-stop access to high quality Internet lesson plans, curriculum units and other education resources."  It is very comprehensive, and some of its lesson plans are suitable for adults.
    http://www.thegateway.org/

    Solution 6: Web Pages
    "The following are lesson plans created by our Master Trainers.  They
    could be used for Literacy, ABE, or GED training. "
    http://www.lhup.edu/ablenet/profdev/lessons/lessonplans.htm
     

    Solution 7: Web Pages
    The El Paso Collaborative Health Literacy Curriculum
    http://www.worlded.org/us/health/docs/elpaso/


    Solutions 1 and 2 contributed by:
    Maureen Hoyt
    Arizona Association for Lifelong Learning

    Solution 6 contributed on 7/14/01 by
    Becky Cordeiro
    Bridgewater, MA

    Solution 7 contributed on 11/18/02 by David J. Rosen
     



    FAMILY LITERACY
    Problem:   How to acquire more information about starting a family literacy program or adding family literacy to my current program

    Solution 1:  Family Literacy Resource Notebook Web Pages
    The Family Literacy Resource Notebook serves a broad spectrum of users.  You can learn what family literacy is all about or you can obtain information to expand or enrich an existing program.  This notebook can be downloaded at http://literacy.kent.edu/Oasis/famlitnotebook

    Solution 2:   Family Literacy Special Collections Web Pages
    The LINCS Family Literacy Special Collections provides individuals working with families a means to access a variety of resources electronically.  At this site you can explore parenting issues, children's activities, and classroom materials.  You will also discover professional development topics and current event information.  Whether you want to browse the site for developing curriculum or to download classroom activities, the Family Literacy Special Collections is one-stop shopping.  This comprehensive source of literacy information can be accessed at http://literacy.kent.edu/Midwest/FamilyLit.

    Problem and solutions contributed 8/11/99 by:
    Judy Franks, Literacy Projects Coordinator
    Ohio Literacy Resource Center
    Kent State University
    Kent, Ohio


    FINANCIAL LITERACY

    Problem: Financial Literacy Curriculum

    "Where can I find free financial literacy lessons for my students?"

    Solution: Web Sites

    1. Building Your Money Skills Taking Charge of Your Future
    http://www.youthbuild.org/members/login/nefe.html

    This seven-week, hands-on YouthBuild financial education program is designed for young adults, ages 16 to 24. The program introduces participants to basic financial planning concepts such as goal setting, making a spending plan, building an emergency fund, and the wise use of credit. In addition, each participant receives a 68-page youth guide. The chapters in the youth guide correspond to the seven units in the program.

    Problem and solution 1contributed on September 5, 2005 by David J. Rosen

    2. Making Money Work
    http://www.womenwork.org/mmw/index.html

    A six-session, hands-on financial education program for women who are "struggling to gain a foothold in a world where stability and financial security seem like distant dreams. The goal of the Making Money Work! financial education program is to help participants achieve financial stability and effectively manage a limited earned income by providing subject matter information, motivational participatory learning activities, and access to resources. The program introduces participants to basic financial concepts, such as goal setting, determining needs versus wants, developing a spending plan, managing a checking account, and the wise use of credit".

    In the fall of 2005, Women Work!, the sponsor of this curriculum, will conduct a course by teleconference to programs across the country that are seeking to or are currently implementing the Making Money Work! curriculum. It is called Demystifying Banks. Course topics will include how to implement a financial literacy program, how to create effective partnerships, and what employment opportunities are available in banking and
    financial institutions. For more information, visit http://www.womenwork.org/projects/training.htm, or contact Erin Currier at 202-467-6346 or ecurrier@womenwork.org.

    Solution 2 is from a message posted to the NIFL-Womenlit electronic discussion list on September 8, 2005 by Daphne Greenberg.

     

     


    MATH

    Problem 1:  Math problem solving

    "Our students have difficulty with math problem solving.  What software and web sites will help? "

    Solution:  Web pages and software
    Here's what I found to help our students with math problem solving.
    On the Web:  A site developed specifically for adult students.

    http://www.mwcc.mass.edu/HTML/DEVENSLEARNINGCENTER/problems.html

    This site explains and demonstrates several ways to solve word problems.

    We also use an inexpensive software program from Merit Audio/Visual.  For Windows or  DOS, Word Problem Work-Up is self-directing and self-correcting.  It gives step by step help in solving word problems.  Math levels are 4-9, with three sets:

    1. Whole numbers
    2. Decimals, Fractions and Percents
    3. Mixed Practice and Multi-Operations

    Problem and solutions contributed on 7/21/99 by:
    Carolyn Werner
    Center for Adult Education & Literacy
    Lincoln Land Community College

    (Link updated 11/18/02 by David J. Rosen)

    Problem 2: What are some Math activities that students can do on the computer?

    Solutions: Math Activities:

    "1.  Checking bills for accuracy.   Student discussion around cost of living, bills, and expenses.  Students are asked to go through their bills and check the figures, added costs, penalties, dates, times and amounts of last payment and check for discrepancies.  Pointing out the conflict and resolution skills they have learned in their parenting class, they are asked to call the billing department and ask questions of any part of a bill they don't understand negotiate with the billing department.

    2.  Using online math quizzes.  I have several math quizzes posted online at http://www.funbrain.com. Students can access several math quizzes that I have posted online after they log on and create a password.  The online site grades and emails their scores to me.  The students often exceed my quizzes and then search the Internet to find more math quizzing sites and services.

    3.  Students search and evaluate web sites in math.  They have an evaluation form they fill out, choose their best math sites, write the
    evaluation using a word processing program,  including links.  They should then mail these to the instructor and the other students.  The
    instructor will compile the list and email it back to the student, who must download it, possibly convert versions, and store it in his or her file
    on the hard drive. The students can then choose from these and access their website of choice during computer time.  These compilations
    of math links will be uploaded to the student resources area Website.

    4.  Word problems II: The student will generate his or her own word problems, present them to the other students and grade the other students answers.  Students get an ABE Online Penpal and send each other questions and answers using the internet and attaching files to email. The students may wish to center the word problem around some activity geographic locality pertinent to where they live, their family, or
    work.

    5.  Planning a vacation using the Internet. Students will plan a family vacation using the Internet to determine place, distance, mode of travel, cost-analysis, expenses, accommodations,  and currency exchange.  Students can search and find web sites to most major cities or tourist activities and  plan a realistic but virtual vacation.    http://www.mapquest.com

    6.  Internet searching:  One of my first assignments on the computer is to have students search and evaluate Internet math sites using different search engines.  Even students who have never used a computer or typewriter can pick this up easily.  Students learn the how to search the Internet, and  how to evaluate web sites for content. Students often find sites that help them learn math.  Internet research is not only apersonal/fun activity but also a job skill.  Evaluating the source and content of websites is important in many ways, including for parents who want to keep some control over what their children are doing on the web.

    7.  Budgeting:  I have students keep track of their expenses for a month and use Excel to graph their expenses.  In this way they really see
    where their money is going every month, learn about graphs(making and interpreting), and learn more about what a computer can do. "
     

    Problem 2 and solutions 1-7 provided  January 1, 2002 by:
    Jeffery Parham, ABE/GED Instructor
    Pre-College Studies and Academic Support Program
    Highline Community College
    2400 S. 240th St. P.O. Box 98000  MS 19-1
    Des Moines, WA 98198-9800

    Problem 3: How can I teach graphs to a multi-level Basic Education group?

    Solution 1: Web-based Lesson Plan

    Check out the new graph lesson on AALL- read the teacher's lesson plan, then bookmark your computers to the student lesson.
    http://www.az-aall.org/AALL/Pages/Lessons/Graph%20Lesson/graph%20teacher.htm

    Problem and solution contributed November 18, 2002 by:

    Maureen Hoyt
    Phoenix, AZ

    Problem 4: Does anyone know of a good program (games, computer programs, web sites etc.)to help students learn the steps for division?

    Solution 1: Web-sites

    AAA Math is a website devoted to teaching division at grade levels 1-8
    http://www.aaamath.com/B/div.htm

    Math.com is a great all around math website. The division may be a little advanced, but worth checking out.
    http://www.math.com/index.aspx

    Web Math used to be at Discovery.com but now has its own site at
    http://www.webmath.com/

    Visual Fractions is one of my favorites for getting a visual idea of what fractions and division are about.
    http://www.visualfractions.com/

    Problem contributed on the NIFL-AALPD list on October 14th by:

    Lisa Snyder, Adult education Teacher
    Bastrop TWC

    Solution contributed on the NIFL-AALPD list on October 15th by:

    Robbie James
    Ohio University
    338 McCracken Hall,
    Athens, OH 45701

     



    SCIENCE
    Problem 1: Learning about the human body

    "My ABE/GED students need to learn about the human body. Are there pictures of the human body available  on computer CD's or the Internet? "

    Solution 1: A.D.A.M.  The Inside Story CD-ROM
    There are excellent CD-ROMS on the human body, for example the inexpensive A.D.A.M. The Inside Story  available for Windows and Macintosh.

    Solutions 2-5: Web pages
    The following Web pages offer views of the inside of the human body and its various systems:

    Problem 2:  How do I find hands-on science experiments that I can
    do without a laboratory?"

    Solution : Web Page

  •  http://www.iit.edu/~smile/cheminde.html


    • "I'm planning to do a lot of science for at least part of this year, and you
    can bet I'll be using some of this!"

    Problem and solution contributed 8/19/00 by:
    Wendy Quinones, adult education teacher
    Eastern Massachusetts


    Also see  Additional science-related Web sites in the NIFL LINCS Science and Numeracy Special Collection.


    HOUSING
     
    Problem 1:  Learning about Housing Laws

    "My Level One students need to be familiar with basic U.S. housing laws and how these laws protect them in their daily lives. How can I put such critical but complicated legal concepts in their reach ?"

    Solution : Rebecca's EZ Page Web Pages
    Rebecca's EZ Page includes Web lessons on Lead Poisoning, and Housing --What Should the Landlord Do? These housing lessons aim to teach the crux of those laws using carefully chosen vocabulary and pictures to illustrate the words.

    Problem and Solution contributed on November 12, 1999 by:
    Rebecca Pomerantz
    Jamaica Plain Community Centers Adult Learning Program
    Boston, MA

    Problem 2:  Homebuying readiness materials for beginning English speakers

    My ESOL students are interested in learning about the home buying process (such as how to begin a credit history, how to find bankers and brokers who they can trust, how to begin looking for a home that they can afford, etc.) but none of the commercial home buying material on the web is aimed at immigrants and/or beginning English speakers.

    Solution:  Home Buying Readiness Web Pages
    The Adult Literacy Resource Institute's 1999 Eastern Massachusetts Homebuying Readiness Project produced an on-line home buying readiness student manual for adult basic ed/ESOL students.  Go to  http://www.alri.org. (First click on Special Projects, then choose 1999 Homebuying Readiness Project, then click on Computers, then Computer Lessons, and then finally choose Student Manual) or just go to  http://www.alri.org/fannie/fnma3/FM99a/QuestionPanel.html  The home buying questions within the manual were generated by Boston area adult ESOL and ABE students and the answers to the questions provide links to linguistic and culturally appropriate Web pages. In fact, most of the Web pages were created by ESOL and ABE teachers and students.

    Problem and Solution contributed on May 26, 2000 by
    Deborah Schwartz
    Adult Literacy Resource Institute
    Boston, Massachusetts



    EMPLOYMENT
    Problem:  Learning about Worker Rights

    "My Level One students need to be familiar with basic U.S. employment laws and how these laws protect them in their daily lives. How can I put such critical but complicated legal concepts in their reach ?"

    Solution : Rebecca's EZPage Web Pages
    Rebecca's EZ Page   includes a Web lesson on Workers' Rights.  It aims to teach the crux of those laws using carefully chosen vocabulary and pictures to illustrate the words.

    Problem and Solution contributed on November 12, 1999 by:
    Rebecca Pomerantz
    Jamaica Plain Community Centers Adult Learning Program
    Boston, MA



    CITIZENSHIP, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND VOTING
    Problem 1 :  Getting students interested in the political process and the
    upcoming elections.

    Solution 1: World's Smallest Political Quiz Web Page
    http://www.self-gov.org/quiz.html

    "This site is fun; it allows students to take a quick quiz (providing a lot
    of opportunity for discussion on these concepts and issues right there) and
    then submit their answers.  Then it gets even more interesting, the site
    analyzes the results and then locates the respondents on the political map
    and gives you a personal self-government score as well as an economic
    self-government score.

    I can imagine students taking this quiz individually (they don't have to
    tell the truth), and then comparing their scores, followed by discussions as
    to why particular opinions are reflective of various ideologies.

    The site then links to another page that presents the libertarian view on
    immigration ("let peaceful people cross borders freely").  There's another
    month's worth of lesson plans right there !

    Since I am not teaching these days, I'd love to hear from others on how they
    might use this site"

    Problem and Solution contributed on March 13, 2000 by:
    Heide Wrigley
    Aguirre International

    Solution 2: Easy Voter Guide Web Page 
    http://www.easyvoter.org/california/resources/1.html
    These Web pages were designed by and for adult new readers in California.  They are written clearly and directly, and most of the pages have sound files which allow the user to hear the page read out loud. 

    Solution 2 provided on March 13, 2000  by David J. Rosen.

    Problem 2: Finding videos and films on peace and social justice issues

    Solution: Web page

    http://www.afsc.org/resources/video-film.htm

    The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Video and Film Library provides audio-visual programs on the issues of our times. They have a large collection of films, videos, and slide shows.
    They may be the largest lending library of programs on peace and social justice issues in the country.

    Problem and solution provided on October 9, 2000 by:
    Diana Satin, ESOL Teacher
    Jamaica Plain Community Centers
    Jamaica Plain, MA



    CORRECTIONS EDUCATION
    Problem:  Good materials for Teaching Incarcerated Students
    Where can I find materials for corrections education which  integrate regular ABE/GED with "cognitive skills" and that create new mental models for inmates so they do not return to crime and incarceration?

    Solution:  Web pages
    http://www.doe.state.la.us/slrc/proj_meta/index.html
    This is a "stand-alone" program of at least 50 hours of reading, writing, and critical thinking instruction that also integrates commercially available materials covering relationships, parenting, employment, and basic vocational skills.

    Problem and solution contributed June 10, 2000 by:
    Pam Wall
    Baton Rouge, LA

    Updated link provided June 28, 2004 by
    Linda Swanson
    PC Support/Trainer
    Outreach & Technical Assistance Network



    ADMINISTRATIVE PURPOSES
    Problem: Management Information System software

    "I am looking for a...commercially produced MIS program...one that is simple and user friendly is a plus. My plans are to put this program on our LAN..... "

    Problem on the NIFL-Technology E-list Tue, 19 Jan 1999
    Gene Gramarossa
    Hampden County Correctional Center
    Ludlow, MA

    Solution : Database software
    "LiteracyPro Systems, Inc., of California, is the leading developer of software database management systems for non-profits, literacy programs, and vocational tech schools. We are even the sole providers of databases for the Correctional Ed sites in VA and PA.  The LitPro Web site is www.literacypro.com."

    Solution on the NIFL-Technology E-list Tue, 19 Jan 1999
    Catherine Fetterman
    San Jose, California

    [NOTE: There is more information and discussion about this software which took place in January, 1999 on the NIFL-Technology electronic list, archived at  http://www.nifl.gov/nifl-technology/ ]


    SOFTWARE REVIEWS
    Problem: Adult education software reviews online

    "Is there someplace on the Web where I can read other adult educator  -- or adult  learner -- reviews of software programs?"

    Solution 1: Software Review Databases Web pages (on the Literacy List)
    Here's a convenient list of Web sites where you can find reviews of software by adult educators :
    http://alri.org/litlist/software.html



    INFORMATION SEARCHING
    Problem 1: Help for students searching for information

    I want students to be able to find information that answers their questions and and meets their needs, including searching the Internet.  Is there a student-friendly Web search engine that is relatively easy to understand and use?

    Solution 1: Web Search Engine
    At www.askjeeves.com the students can ask questions in full sentences which gives them the opportunity to practice writing skills and basic question and sentence structure.  After the students type in their question they are given a choice of related questions and answers to choose from.  Ask Jeeves also searches several other search engines and gives 8-10 different links for each in a pull down button format.  There are always some sites that have nothing to do with the question but for the most part it gives the students many solid leads and it is easy to maneuver among all the choices. Another interesting element of the site is a box in which they show the types of questions that other people are asking.  Students can look at the answers that others have received for questions that intrigue them.  You can also use this as a model for question structure.

    Problem and Solution provided 7/26/99 by
    Jonathan Chapman
    GED Teacher
    Crittenton Hastings House
    Boston, Massachusetts
     

    Solution 2: Web Search Engine
    http://www.highway61.com

    This is one of the best search engines I have found in my last position as a researcher for the State of  Texas.  It is also supplies a "notable quote" to read while it is searching.

    Solution contributed 1/4/00 by:
    Eileen Trainor
    Project Inter-ALT
    Center for Initiatives in Education
    Southwest Texas State University
     

    Problem 2:  How to find useful sites on the Web without spending hours surfing

    Solution 1:  A free weekly electronic newsletter from Blue Web'n,
    which seeks out, describes and rates educational sites, providing subscribers a manageable number to explore each week.   Although its emphasis is K-12, I have found many sites wonderfully useful or adaptable for my GEED class.  It also often has sites that demonstrate or even teach innovative ways of using the internet in the classroom.  I highly recommend it!
    http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/bluewebn/

    Problem and solution provided 8/3/99 by
    Wendy Quinones, adult education teacher
    Eastern Massachusetts
     

    Solution 2: National Institute for Literacy's LINCS Web Pages
    "Check out the National Institute for Literacy's LINCS project, which NIFL bills as the literacy community's gateway to the world of adult education and literacy resources on the Internet.  In particular, the 'Hot Sites' section highlights outstanding adult education and literacy-related sites on the World Wide
    Web.  On this page, you and your learners can even recommend a site you've enjoyed!"
    http://www.nifl.gov/lincs  and
    http://www.nifl.gov/lincs/hotsites/hotsites.html

    Solution provided 8/23/00 by
    Faith Goldstein, Technology Coordinator
    Mayor's Commission on Literacy
    Philadelphia, PA

     



    LEARNING DISABILITIES/PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
    Problem 1 :  Is there information about electronic tools, software and hardware, that can help dyslexic adults to read and write?

    Solution 1: Web pages
    This site includes dyslexia, disability, access, ADD, ADHD, Attention Deficit, SpLD, and Specific Learning Difficulties.  It offers links to information about hardware and software products which may help to address the challenges of dyslexic adults and adults with other learning disabilities.  The Web site "aims at being a comprehensive resource of technology based tools to help dyslexic people make the most of their abilities. It is particularly strong on computers and speech, both dictation systems and speech feedback."
    http://www.dyslexic.com/

    Solution provided on 6/13/00 by
    Ian Litterick <ianl@dyslexic.com>

    Solution 2: Free Software Products
    "Free software that will read text out loud and that new readers can operate...available for download from www.cnet.com.
    In the search box type:  reading software   In the category to search, choose all cnet.  Most programs on cnet are reliable and should be virus free!!!"

    Solution Provided on 8/6/01 by:
    Tom Woods
    Computer Tech Volunteer
    Dogwood Literacy Council
    Siloam Springs, AR

    Solution 3: Free Software products

    The following are freeware (software available at no charge)

    The following are Free Text Readers

    The following programs convert electronic text (E-text) into synthetic speech (audio) and save
    it in MP3 format:

    How to Effectively Scan a Book
    (http://www.esight.org/View.cfm?x=773&ov_id=-1) from Kelly Pierce, Adaptive
    Technology Specialist at eSight Careers Network (http://www.esight.org) offers a
    clear, accurate and easy-to-read recipe for each part of the digitizing
    process. Kelly offers useful and time-saving suggestions for maximizing the
    accuracy and usability of digital text scanned from a print source. She
    separates the procedure into three distinct stages - scanning, processing,
    and correcting - and provides tips & tricks for ensuring success in each
    stage of the procedure.


    Free Images

    Some of the sites listed below also include links to services that offer images at
    a low cost.

    Prices for downloading images vary according to intended use. See the details on each site for up-to-date cost information.

    Shareware

    Shareware text-to-speech programs are available via the Internet from shareware sites such as Tucows. Some examples of shareware and freeware text-to-speech tools are:

    Decompressing (Unzipping) Files

    Use these free tools to unzip or decompress files:

    Solution 3 provided by Dr. Christopher Lee in a posting to the National Institute for Literacy Learning Disabilities (NIFL-LD) Electronic List on September 21, 2005 . The first post in this resource-rich discussion on universal design in learning and assistive technology will be found at http://www.nifl.gov/nifl-ld/2005/0279.html

    Solution 4: Commercial Software Products

    The products below are some of the commercial text reading products.

    1.  Cast E-Reader. "For people with learning disabilities, visual disabilities, and reading impairments, print-based text can be completely inaccessible.  [This is] a versatile, advanced literacy program that helps learners of various abilities gain access to electronic text, while supporting and enhancing their literacy development."
    http://www.cast.org/udl/index.cfm?i=211

    2. Universal Reader with Talking Pointer by Premier Asistive Technology. Inexpensive (under $50)software that reads text, including Web pages. The Talking Pointer is designed for sighted readers who want to have some text read out loud. It is very easy to use and requires only pointing, not even highlighting. It is possible, upon request, to get an evaluation copy. http://www.premier-programming.com/

    3. Kurzweil 3000 http://www.kurzweiledu.com/

    4. Read and Write Gold 7.1E http://www.texthelp.com/home.asp?

    5. Text Aloud by Next Up. Around $25. http://www.nextup.com/

    6. WYNN Reader http://www.freedomscientific.com/LSG/index.asp


    Solutions in 4 provided on 8/14/05 by David J. Rosen, Patricia Duffley-Renow and Vivian.

    Kurzweil 3000 and Read and Write Gold 7.1E recommended by Patricia Duffley-Renow
    Assistive Technology Practitioner, in a posting to the NIFL-LD electronic list on August 13, 2005.

    Text Aloud recommended by Vivian in a posting to the NIFL-LD electronic list on August 13, 2005

    Problem 2: I need materials that will help me with basic literacy students who are dyslexic.

    Solution 1: Software products

    1. Language Tune up Kit  http://www.rmlearning.com/dyslexia.htm

    2. LEXIA Reading, Strageties for Older Students http://www.lexialearning.com/products/reading/sos.cfm

    3. Climbing With Phonics (only works on Windows 95) http://www.ab-cdrom.com/

    4. Ultimate Phonics, Spencer Learning http://www.spencerlearning.com/ultimate-phonics.htm

    Solutions 1 and 3 suggested by Vickie Green, NIFL-LD electronic list, 8/13/05. Solution 4 suggested by Sallie Garrett, NIFL-LD electrnic list, August 15, 2005

    WEB-BASED TEACHING TOOLS

    Problem 1: I would like to make Web pages with instruction and quizzes for my students to use online in class or at home.

    Solution: Discovery School Web Pages
    "In addition to many other fine educational aids, content, and resources,
    Discovery School (http://school.discovery.com/) has added some great new teaching tools. Solution provided  8/22/00 by:
    Carole Blair
    Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
    North Adams, Massachusetts

    Problem 2:  I would like to do a project in which my students make Web pages which integrate language skills and computer skills learning.

    Solution: AngelfireWebpage
    Angelfire is a free Web page (with advertisements) which provides teachers and students with the tools to make and post Web pages. (up to 30 megabytes, free.)
    http://angelfire.lycos.com/

    Solution provided  8/31/00 by;
    Diana Satin
    ESOL Teacher
    Jamaica Plain Community Centers
    Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

    MOUSE PRACTICE SKILLS

    Problem: "Occasionally, I will have a student who has never sat before a computer. It
    would be handy to start them out with a game/tutorial that would play them
    through the functions of the mouse and basic mechanisms of moving around the
    computer environment. Has anyone come across such a game format?"

    Nick Griffis
    Adult Education
    Inlet Grove H.S.
    Riviera Beach, FL
    (Question posted to NIFL-Technology 1/25/04)

    Solution 1: Web sites

    Below are links to Web pages that will help adults practice using a mouse. Thanks for identifying these to Massachusetts adult education teachers: Diana Satin, Jamaica Plain Community Centers, Jamaica Plain; John Seay, Dimock Community Health Center, Roxbury; Wendy Quinones, Community Learning Center, Cambridge, and Carole Blair, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams.

    Jig Zone
    http://www.jigzone.com/ms/g.php?dir=gallery%2Fh%2FAN&z=6_piece_classic
    Drag-n-drop pieces to make whole jigsaw puzzles.

    Mouse Master
    http://www.clta.on.ca/EAOnline/MouseMaster/index.html

    Mouse Practice
    http://abeged.com/MousePractice/mpage1.html

    Mouserobics
    http://www.ckls.org/~crippel/computerlab/tutorials/mouse/page1.html

    Practice Your Mouse Skills
    http://www.lawrencegoetz.com/programs/mousepractice/

    Teach-nology
    http://teachers.teach-nology.com/web_tools/mouse/

    The Learning Ladder
    http://learningladder.org/basics/part1.htm


    "...in MS Paint, have [students] write their name or the alphabet. It's hard! But great mouse practice. For the more concrete students, you might have them start with paper, then the black/whiteboard and then finally the computer."
    Wendy Quinones

    This page last updated September 21, 2005 by