Return-Path: <nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id gBDNnPX08059; Fri, 13 Dec 2002 18:49:25 -0500 (EST) Date: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 18:49:25 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <OGEFIEBEJOPELLGJIJHJIEOOCGAA.eloebl@visionliteracy.org> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "Ellen Loebl" <eloebl@visionliteracy.org> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-HEALTH:3835] Re: using computers for adult literacy education X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook IMO, Build 9.0.2416 (9.0.2911.0) Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; Status: O Content-Length: 4631 Lines: 111 In Santa Clara County, we have a unique partnership. The county hospital has partnered with the county library's adult literacy program and a health library to offer a center inside the hospital where patrons can find health information in three languages (English, Spanish, and Vietnamese). Patrons can research their health using print, audio, and video materials, as well as the Internet. Many items in the collection are marked with a special sticker that identifies them as low level health literacy materials. Vision Literacy's adult learners can drop in to the center to use basic literacy phonics software or to use the Internet. We have bookmarked health literacy websites and literacy websites. Staff members at the Community Learning Center are there to offer assistance to any learners or patrons who need help using the computers. This Center opened in May 2001. In April 2002 we opened the second center in the rural southern part of Santa Clara County. We also offer a drop-in basic literacy class at PlaneTree Health Library's main site, mostly for learners in substance abuse treatment programs who are referred by counselors, probation officers, and judges. We have seen dramatic results from this weekly class with people who are captivated by learning how to use computers and to conduct research on the Internet. Most of them have never used computers before conducting research on what happens with amphetamine use or on how to prevent HIV. One learner had trouble following the steps listed to search on the Internet, so he drew pictures of all the icons on each screen that he needed to click on. He is very confident now in his ability to navigate on the Internet. For more information about the three partners, please see www.visionliteracy.org, www.planetreesanjose.org, and www.scvmed.org. Ellen Loebl Assoc. Manager of Curriculum and Instruction Vision Literacy (formerly the Reading Program) 40 N. Milpitas Blvd. Milpitas, CA 95035 408.293.2326 x 3070 408.322.7956 (numeric pager) 4087987201.1123873@pagenet.net (text pager) www.visionliteracy.org -----Original Message----- From: nifl-health@nifl.gov [mailto:nifl-health@nifl.gov]On Behalf Of David J. Rosen Sent: Friday, December 13, 2002 1:42 PM To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: [NIFL-HEALTH:3832] Re: using computers for adult literacy education Hello Cynthia, Computers are used as part of adult literacy education programs in many places across the U.S., including some workplace literacy/workplace education programs. There are many different ways in which they can be used with success, However, they should be integrated into an education program with face-to-face instruction. Computers can be used to supplement instruction, they can be used as tools as part of learning projects, and they can be used in "mixed-model" or "supported" distance learning programs. But in all cases an essential ingredient is including good face-to-face teaching. Here's one example. In Massachusetts we have several early childhood education programs where teachers want to improve their reading and writing skills -- and their computer literacy, too. We provide face-to-face instruction at the worksite and also access to a Web-based, contextualized reading and writing skills curriculum. The content is early childhood education and family literacy. The goals are to help teachers improve their reading and writing skills so they can succeed in entering and completing community college courses. We have many other examples of this kind of "supported distance learning" or "anywhere/anytime ABE learning" in Massachusetts. If you want I can suggest how to follow up on these other models. And there are some examples of workplace education programs in healthcare facilities where computers are an important part of the model. For example, St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Boston has had a basic skills program for its employees for many years that includes a computer lab for those with limited English proficiency and/or who want to improve their basic skills. It's called "Computers as Tutors" and is under their Workforce Education program. The contact is the Manager of Education and Training, Priscilla Sullivan. All the best, David David J. Rosen Baur, Cynthia wrote: >Hi, > >I made a presentation to a science educators' group at NIH this morning, and >someone asked me if there are organizations using computers to teach adult >literacy. This is not computer or technical literacy but adult literacy >education via computers. I would appreciate any information I can pass on. >Thanks. > >Cynthia Baur >HHS > >
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