Section 4.3.5: The Computer

 

The advent of cheaper computer technology offers the opportunity to explore and use a wealth of material that is varied, readily available, generally free of charge, and often interactive. One particularly valuable aspect of using computers is that learners are not as quite as dependent on tutors, and can be somewhat more self-directed in their learning. Although this has long been recognized in adult education as increasing motivation, self-confidence, etc., as with most things, there is a flip side to consider. The nature of computers can lead to learning in isolation and although computers are interactive, they cannot offer the same degree of responsiveness and support that a tutor can. As such, it is recommended that learners not be plunked in front of a computer without benefit of guidance, supervision and assistance. Tutors must be actively involved throughout the learning process.

 

One approach to integrating computers into learning sessions is to begin by helping your student to learn to use the computer. That is, depending on how much experience your learner has, you may need to cover the basics of operating the computer, word processing and using the Internet. Although computers do use a high degree of graphical information, they can be used in moderation with Stage One learners. However, do use caution. While the computer can be very motivating because it uses multimedia to communicate, it can also be overwhelming and we do not want to discourage learners.

 

Once learners feel comfortable and can log on to the Internet and surf to various sites, there are a number of good introductory tutorials.

 

·        Basic Computer Literacy: a ten-week course, which takes learners through the basic uses and features of the computer and keyboarding to the Internet, searching and using email. 

 

·        Learning about Your Computer and Using the Internet: Four lessons that look at knowing and using the computer and the Internet.

 

You can design your own learning plan of course, but it makes sense to use what is already available. Additional resources are provided below.

 

Once the learner is comfortable with the basic functions of the computer, it is time to move to using the computer to learn. The real benefit of using a computer is to use its powerful capabilities such as search engines, interactive activities, and so on can be tapped into. Basically, there are three modes in which the computer can be used in literacy teaching and learning:

 

·        Support mode: the computer is used to support instruction versus deliver it (e.g., assistive technologies which are used to support the learning of students with learning/physical disabilities, course material that is delivered face-to-face or by correspondence, but some or all of the administrative features such as the course outline, assignments, schedule, etc., are posted to a web site, students use word processing and other programs to do assignments, and so on.

 

·        Mixed mode: some of the course material is delivered face-to-face and some via technology (e.g., online discussion, use of a software program)

 

·        Full mode: all of the course material is delivered via technology (e.g., a course delivered completely via the computer, either online or using a software program).

 

While computers are indeed enhancing education in many respects, the benefit of face-to-face support and guidance for learners is immeasurable. Our learners will not fare well if they are left to their own devices. While we want to take advantage of computers, we should not become overly reliant on them in literacy teaching and learning. Adult literacy is above all a human endeavour.

Resources

  Computers and Adult Literacy: Voices of Adult Literacy Students in Ontario - NALD Site

  Introduction to Computers for Adults - Bismark Adult Learning Center

  Bridging the Gap between Literacy and Technology - NALD Site 

  Jan’s Illustrated Computer Literacy 101 - www.jegsworks.com

  CONNECT: National Newsletter for Technology and Adult Literacy - NALD Site

  Using Computers with Adult ESL Learners - ERIC Digest ED343462

  All About Computers, Internet and Web - www.managementhelp.org

  How to Buy a Computer - University of Regina, Dept. of Computer Science

  Integrating Technology into Adult Literacy Education - Boston Adult Literacy Resource Institute

  Teaching and Learning with Internet-based Resources - National Institute for Literacy

  Technology-based Projects and Resources for Adult Basic Education - Focus on Basics, Vol 4, Issue C, Dec 00

 

On to Section 4.4

 

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(Page updated November 13, 2002 )