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<p class=MsoNormal>Good morning,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>My name is Kelly Potter and I work for a free, online
training website, GCFLearnFree.org. We are a free program b/c we are funded by
Goodwill Industries of Eastern NC. Our goal is to provide learning
opportunities for people so they can acquire the skills they need to be
succeed. I’ve been reading this discussion list for about a year now, but
have never posted before. I’m excited that now I have some worth posting
about! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Since 1999 GCFLearnFree.org has offered free computer
training online. This training includes topics such as Open Office, Computer
Basics, Internet Basics, and Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Publisher.
We’re currently in the process of revitalizing our computer training curriculum
to include video lessons along with our text-based lessons.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Just this week we launched a new project, which we call Everyday
Life. It is geared toward adult basic education, ESL students, and learners
that need to acquire functional literacy skills. Some of our initial lessons
include how to use an ATM, complete a bank deposit slip, use bus maps, and
complete a job application. Our interactive lessons are not intended to
teach vocabulary and reading skills, but rather to provide learners with a safe
environment where they can practice new skills without real-world consequences and
the fear of failure. Our goal with these lessons was to create a realistic
environment that learners would relate to. Some of the lessons are intentionally
easy, and we will be adding lessons in the future to increase the difficulty
level. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>So far, we’ve used local literacy centers as a
resource and as a source of user testing. If you have a moment, please take a
look at our Everyday Life curriculum and let me know what you think. You do
have to create an account on our website to view the lessons; however, it is
free and the only personal information we ask is your email address. We don’t
share your information with others and we’ll only send you information
about the site if you opt-in for the newsletter. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Please post your thoughts to the list, or you can email me
directly at <a href="mailto:kelly@gcflearnfree.org">kelly@gcflearnfree.org</a>.
I’m interested in any feedback you have about our Everyday Life project
and hope that it will be a resource you can use with your learners.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Thank you,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Kelly Potter<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.GCFLearnFree.org">www.GCFLearnFree.org</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#666666'>The freedom to
learn what you want, when you want, absolutely free!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#666666'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#666666'>321 W. Hargett
Street<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#666666'>Raleigh, NC
27601<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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