Return-Path: <nifl-povracelit@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id g2D1iIu01090; Tue, 12 Mar 2002 20:44:18 -0500 (EST) Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002 20:44:18 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <00fa01c1ca30$5e8ca0c0$b8233a41@oemcomputer> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-povracelit@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-povracelit@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-povracelit@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "Mary Ann Corley" <macorley1@earthlink.net> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-povracelit@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-POVRACELIT:758] Guest Speaker on NIFL-Technology Discussion List X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 5.50.4807.1700 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; Status: O Content-Length: 4117 Lines: 87 You are invited to join a special discussion on the NIFL-technology discussion list and to explore an interactive web site that teaches basic skills in a simulated office setting. Emily Hacker, moderator of the NIFL-technology discussion list, has invited the web site's developer, Michael Hillinger, to join the technology list next week (March 18 - 22) to discuss the site. If you are NOT subscribed to the NIFL-technology discussion list and would like to join in next week's discussion, please go to http://www.nifl.gov/lincs/discussions/discussions.html Click on Subscribe and join the technology discussion list. **************************************************************************** Here is a schedule for this discussion: From 3/12-3/17, explore "The Office" (details are in Michael's intro below). As you explore, jot down questions, comments, ideas, etc. From 3/18-3/22, discuss your questions and ideas on the list with Michael. ************************************************************************** MICHAEL'S INTRO - PLEASE READ: hello to all, Over the last two years I have been working on a particularly interesting project funded by OVAE/DoEd. Our goal was to look at ways to train basic skills, in particular the SCANS skills, using technology. The result is a site called "The Office" http://www.workingsimulations.com/theOffice.html. The goal is to create instruction that melds basic skill instruction and the context in which those skills are used. The Office is a highly interactive simulation of an office workday--you answer the phone, read and respond to memos and email, set priorities, etc. But the underlying goal is to practice the basic skills that comprise these tasks. Reading, math, problem solving, social skills all come into play. The audience for this material is likely varied. Certainly students in vocational education, adult basic ed, and workplace (re)training. But existing on the web also allows it to reach other audiences who find value in the approach and topics. This program is still a prototype. The number of skills is fairly limited and there are some areas that need improvement. Still, it is a significant piece of work with more depth and interactivity than you will find almost anywhere else on the web. If you have the time, please stop by and give the program a try. Let me know what you think, good and bad during our discussion next week. I'd be particularly interested in other tasks you think might fit this context. For example, we already have been working on an addition to the program on "phone skills", answering, social skills, problem solving--around the use of the phone. You may also have some ideas for how it could be used in your particular context. Finally, if you want to read more about the programs approach and philosophy, I have a paper published at http://www.readingonline.org/electronic/elec_index.asp?HREF=hillinger that provides some background. To use this program. The version now on the web http://www.workingsimulations.com/theOffice.html is free of charge and may be used by anyone with a web connection. If you don't already have it, you will need to download the free shockwave plugin for your browser. There is a link on the site that will help you with that. Your computer should also have sound capability. Once you successfully download the program enter your name and proceed to the opening screen. The "welcome" button takes you on a tour of the program. I suggest you start in to the program immediately by clicking the "settings" button and, on the next screen, clicking the "start" button. This will set you up with a basic lesson that includes a couple of skill strands. The first task will start about a minute after you begin the program. ===== Michael Hillinger LexIcon Systems Beaver Meadow Rd Sharon VT 05065 802.763.7599 (office) 802.384.7599 (cell) email: mlh@lexiconsys.com http://www.lexiconsys.com/ ******************************************************************** Emily Hacker Moderator, NIFL Technology Director of Learning Technologies F.E.G.S (212) 366-8122 ehacker@fegs.org
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