[NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:500] Technology and Adult Learning Public Policy

From: David J Rosen (DJRosen@world.std.com)
Date: Thu Dec 31 1998 - 10:39:37 EST


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From: David J Rosen <DJRosen@world.std.com>
To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov>
Subject: [NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:500] Technology and Adult Learning Public Policy 
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NIFL-Technology Colleagues,

There is a discussion on adult literacy and technology public policy now
taking place on the NLA electronic list.  To participate, join the NLA
list by sending an email message to:

	majordomo@@world.std.com

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David Rosen

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: David J Rosen <DJRosen@world.std.com>
To: nla@world.std.com
Subject: NLA Discussion: Technology and Adult Learning Public Policy


NLA Colleagues,

As you may know, on January 12th Vice President Gore is 
hosting a national conference on lifelong learning and adult 
literacy called "21st Century Skills for 21st Century Jobs." It 
will be broadcast live by satellite to downlink sites across the 
country from 1:30 - 3:00 PM EST.  See [http://vpskillsummit.org/] 
for more information.

I have been asked to lead a morning technology breakout 
session at the conference which will be attended by adult 
learners, practitioners, administrators of community 
organizations, administration officials, business and labor 
leaders and others.  Its purpose will be to make specific 
recommendations concerning technology and new learning 
systems, identifying the most important challenges and 
possible solutions to these.

I would be interested, in preparation for this meeting, to know 
what you think.  This is an ideal opportunity to look at adult 
education and technology policy here on the NLA list. I will try 
to introduce as much of your thinking as possible into the 
discussion on the 12th.  

Here are some questions to begin the discussion.  Please post 
your own questions and offer some answers from your experience, 
your reading and reflection or research.

1.  What should be the role(s) of technology in adult literacy 
education?  In lifelong learning?

2.  What are some of the most promising applications for adult 
literacy education?  

	Broadcast television (also available on videocassette?)  

	Computer-assisted instruction/Computer assisted 
	Language Learning/Integrated Learning Systems?  

	Web-based learning?  

	Using computers as tools for word processing, organizing
	information, or communications (such as this electronic 
	list) ?  

	Using computers in project-based learning?

	Multimedia interactive instruction which includes 
	independent instruction and face-to-face on-line or in-
	person group instruction or tutorials?  

	High school diploma or GED programs delivered through 
	such a multimedia environment?   

	Others?

3.  What role(s) should the federal government play in 
supporting, encouraging, or jump-starting the use of technology 
in adult literacy education and lifelong learning?

4.  What role(s) should state and local governments play?

5.  What role(s) should private-sector businesses and charitable 
foundations play? 

6.  Should adult literacy education be actively involved in 
helping adult learners get access to computers and the 
Internet?  At learning centers only, or also helping low-income 
students purchase computers for use at home?  

7.  What role(s) could technology play in helping adult 
educators reach a greater number of students through 
"anytime, anywhere" learning (sometimes called distance 
education" or "distributed education.")

8.  What are the problems or risks in using technology that 
we should be aware of -- and avoid?

9.  What are the opportunities which technology affords for 
family literacy?  Workplace education?  For adult learners who 
may be homeless or incarcerated?  For adult learners with 
learning disabilities?  For learners in parts of the country 
where no services exist or where there are long waiting lists?

Let's hear what you think!

David J. Rosen
<DJRosen@world.std.com>



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