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From: mdryden@esconett.org
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Subject: [NIFL-WORKPLACE:3837] Re: instructional software
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Kathleen--we are on the border of Mexico; you are in El Paso. How do you
feel about using a bilingual package, such as English Discoveries?
Our learners will probably never leave the valley; where 90% of the
population speaks Spanish.
At present and in the past, they likely choose a job and a GED, rather
than more learning.
They are large level one, with low to mid literacy skills in Spanish. We
have about ten learning centers, largely populated with dislocated workers
and TANF students. Our volunteer learners will not presently use the
software--they are largely in elementary schools and high schools at night,
where the software is not planned to be installed.
KathleenBomba
ch@aol.com To: Multiple recipients of list
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e@nifl.gov Subject: [NIFL-WORKPLACE:3836] Re: instructional software
10/21/00
11:53 AM
Please
respond to
nifl-workplac
e
Here are some to check out. They all are integrated packages covering
multiple levels:
Cali Ellis: features video illustrations of pronunciation.
Plato: Drill based, does not level and place student, weak at the lowest
levels, GED and higher (college) levels better. Student management system
measures time on task and percentage pass rates on sections but does not
identify specific problems.
Invest learning: Lot's of drill, but does level and place student, good
student management system, starts out with visual and auditory
discrimination
exercises so appropriate for zero level up.
Another alternative is to use word processing for writing, Internet-based
reading (although it calls upon different processing than book reading so I
wouldn't leave out book reading) and specific software for math, science,
technology.
Rosetta Stone is popular with students and has lot's of real world photos
and
scenes that adults seem to like.
Avoid children's packages like Math Blaster unless you are working with
children or families.
Before you pick software, you might want to look at why you want software:
1. Additional drill and practice work for students?
2. Integrated into class itself?
3. Bring skills to a certain level for occupational training? (There are
specific packages for specific occupations out there.)
4. In plant instruction during, before, and after work hours? Levi Strauss
experimented with that and the workers liked it for GED but not for ESL and
literacy.
Just some thoughts.
Kathleen Bombach
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