Adult Literacy Education Software Recommendations
Updated May 1, 2009
This list of recommended software for use in adult literacy education
(including ABE, ASE, English language, and transition to higher education)
programs is based on my direct experience with the software or on the experience
of colleagues. The list includes
generic software which every computer lab should have, commercial software,
and free (mostly web-based) instruction software.
Although you will find sections here on professional development in
using technology, project-based learning, and other sources for adult literacy
education software reviews, this is primarily an annotated list of instruction
software (including tutorials and simulations, as well as skills practice.)
David J. Rosen, Ed.D.
Newsome Associates
E-mail: djrosen&newsomeassociates.com
(substitute @ for &, leaving no spaces)
Generic Software
An adult education computer lab should consider having the
following kinds of (commercial or free) generic software
1)
_____A word-processing program
with a spelling checker
2)
_____An Internet browser, such
as Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer (free, but the use of these may need to
be regulated through a programÕs Acceptable Use Policy)
3)
_____Free e-mail accounts (such as Yahoo or Google) and free Instant Messenger software which allows
for real-time discussion (the use of these may also need to be regulated through
an Acceptable Use Policy)
4)
_____CD-ROM references, including encyclopedias and dictionaries
(a Web page which has a lot of free references is http://www.refdesk.com/
5)
_____A basic typing program (e.g. Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, Typing Tutor)
6)
_____A simple graphics program
7)
_____A hypermedia authoring program tool such as Storyspaceª, HyperStudioª, or
HyperCardª,
8)
_____A free text reader such as Readplease (Windows only): http://readplease.com/ or commercial text reader
such as the Kurzweil 3000: http://www.kurzweiledu.com/products_k3000win.asp
9)
_____Word prediction software such as the free WordCue http://elr.com.au/wordcue/
. Also see:
http://e-bility.com/articles/literacy.shtml
10)
_____Productivity tools online training such as the free one at:
http://www.baycongroup.com/wlesson0.htm
11)
_____Computer new user free tutorials such
as those found at:
http://northville.lib.mi.us/tech/tutor/welcome.htm , The Learning Ladder, or http://www.jegsworks.com/Lessons/ or the computers and technology section at http://firstfind.org
12)
_____Virus Protection Software such as Norton
AntiVirus http://www.symantec.com/nav/ Or free antivirus software (for Windows), http://www.free-av.com/
13)
_____Internet new user free tutorials such
as those found at:
http://learningladder.org/basics/index.htm
14)
_____An online references Web page such as
The Educator's Reference Desk http://www.eduref.org/
15)
_____Guidelines for Web content evaluation
for low-literacy adults,
for example: The
ChildrenÕs PartnershipÕs free
Guidelines for Content
Creation and Evaluation and other free
guidelines at http://www.contentbank.org/addition_tools.asp
Adult Literacy
Education Software Review Sites
In addition to the recommendations you will
find on this list you may wish to look at other adult education teachers'
(and learners') reviews. Here
are some places where you will find these:
Adult Education Software List
A detailed list of adult educational software programs for use in adult literacy,
Pre- GED, GED, and workplace education classes. Updated 10/24/04
Adult Education Software Reviews on
the Web
Evaluating and Choosing Software for
your Adult Literacy or ESOL Program
CALL @ Chorus" (a database of Computer-assisted
language learning software reviews)
Last updated February 26, 2005
á http://www-writing.berkeley.edu/chorus/call/index.html
Last updated December 9, 2005
Northwest Region Literacy Resource Center
2001-2002 Software Reviews and Supplement
Project Read (Redwood City Public Library)
Computer Lab Software Reviews
Project Software Evaluations
Reviews by Virginia adult education teachers and students of literacy, pre-GED
and GED software, Integrated Learning System software, and others. The reviews
are all online, and detailed. Last updated in 1999.
Software Reviews by Greater Los Angeles Literacy Practitioners
The Best Websites
COMMERCIAL
Software / Courseware |
ABE |
GED |
ESL/ESOL |
Workplace Basic Skills |
|
Reading/Language
Arts |
PLATO* |
PLATO*
|
ELLIS* |
WES |
|
|
Language
Tune-Up Kit |
MHC
GED Interactive* |
|
|
|
|
Reading
with Phonics |
GED
Online |
|
Basic
Life Skills at Work |
| My Reading Coach | ||||
|
|
Lexia
Reading SOS |
|
|
|
|
|
Reading
Horizons (HEC) |
|
|
|
|
|
Academy
of Reading |
|
|
|
Writing |
PLATO* |
PLATO* |
ELLIS* |
WES |
|
|
|
MHC
GED Interactive* |
|
|
|
|
|
GED
Online |
|
|
|
|
Inspiration |
Inspiration |
Inspiration |
|
|
|
WriterÕs
Blocks |
WriterÕs
Blocks |
|
|
Math |
PLATO* |
PLATO* |
WES |
|
|
|
|
GED
Interactive* |
|
Basic
Life Skills at Work |
|
|
|
GED
Online |
|
|
Science |
PLATO* |
PLATO* |
||
|
|
|
MHC
GED Interactive* |
|
|
|
|
|
GED
Online |
|
|
|
|
BrainPop |
BrainPop |
|
|
|
|
Froguts |
Froguts |
|
|
Social Studies |
PLATO* |
PLATO* |
|
|
|
|
|
MHC
GED Interactive* |
|
|
|
|
|
GED
Online |
|
|
|
Listening (ESL) |
|
|
Rosetta
Stone |
|
|
|
|
|
ELLIS* |
|
|
Speaking (ESL) |
|
|
Rosetta
Stone |
|
|
|
|
|
ELLIS* |
|
* Indicates large, integrated
learning systems
FREE Web Based |
ABE |
GED |
ESL |
Workplace Basic Skills |
|
Reading/Language
Arts |
CA
Distance Learning (CDLP) |
GED
Practice |
English
For All/USA Learns* |
The
Office |
|
|
City
Family |
GED
practice tests |
|
|
|
|
CNN
Learning Resources |
GED
2002 Lesson Bank |
|
|
|
|
The
Key New Readers Newspaper |
|
|
|
|
|
The
Learning Edge |
|
|
|
Writing |
|
GED
Practice |
English
For All |
The
Office |
|
|
Funbrain
Spelling |
5
Paragraph Essay Wizard |
Funbrain
Spelling |
|
|
|
Spelling,
a Key to Good Communication |
GED
Practice tests |
Spelling,
a Key to Good Commun- ication |
Workforce
Education LAB,
|
|
|
|
GED
2002 Lesson Bank |
Word
Plus for ESOL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Harnessing
Technology Grammar page |
Harnessing
Technology Grammar page |
|
|
|
|
LEO |
LEO |
|
|
|
|
Wisconsin
Online |
Wisconsin
Online |
|
|
|
|
Writing
Argumentative Essays |
Writing
Argumentative Essays |
|
|
Math |
A+
Math |
GED
Practice |
|
The
Office |
|
|
Funbrain
math |
GED
Practice tests |
|
|
|
|
Soccer
Shootout |
|
|
|
|
|
Schoolwork
UGH! |
GED
2002 Lesson Bank |
|
|
|
|
Powers
of Ten |
|
|
|
|
|
GED
Math Formulas |
GED
Math Formulas |
|
|
|
|
Mrs.
GlosserÕs Math Goodies |
Guide
to Problem Solving |
|
|
|
|
Learning
about Charts and Graphs |
Learning
about Charts and Graphs |
|
|
|
|
Visual
Fractions |
|
|
|
|
|
Math
Forum at Drexel |
Math
Forum at Drexel |
|
|
|
|
Wisconsin
Online |
Wisconsin
Online |
|
|
Social Studies |
|
GED
Practice |
|
|
|
|
|
GED
Practice tests |
|
|
|
|
|
GED
2002 Lesson Bank |
|
|
|
|
|
Beyond
the GED |
|
|
|
|
How
Stuff Works |
How
Stuff Works |
|
|
|
|
American
Social History |
American
Social History |
|
|
|
|
|
Country
Reports |
|
|
|
|
Fabric
of History |
Fabric
of History |
|
|
|
|
Immigration |
Immigration |
Immigration |
|
|
|
Justice
Learning |
Justice
Learning |
|
|
|
|
Making
Sense of Maps |
Making
Sense of Maps |
|
|
|
|
OdinÕs
Castle |
OdinÕs
Castle |
|
|
|
|
Picturing
Modern America |
Picturing
Modern America |
|
|
|
|
|
The
History Buff |
|
|
|
|
|
The
History Net |
|
|
|
|
Xpeditions |
Xpeditions |
|
|
Science |
|
GED
Practice |
|
|
|
|
|
GED
Practice tests |
|
|
|
|
|
GED
2002 Lesson Bank |
|
|
|
|
|
Online
Units for GED Science |
|
|
|
|
Science
is Fun |
Science
is Fun |
|
|
|
|
|
A
Science Odyssey |
|
|
|
|
How
Stuff Works |
How
Stuff Works |
|
|
|
|
Rainforest
Curriculum |
Rainforest
Curriculum |
|
|
|
|
Shape
of Life |
Shape
of Life |
|
|
|
|
The
Bee Hive |
The
Bee Hive |
|
|
Mouse Skills |
Practice
Your Mouse Skills |
Practice
Your Mouse Skills |
Practice
Your Mouse Skills |
Practice
Your Mouse Skills |
|
|
Mouse
Skills |
Mouse
Skills |
Mouse
Skills |
Mouse
Skills |
* Indicates large, integrated learning systems
A Science Odyssey
A history of science and biographies of scientists. the people and
discoveries. The databank is well-organized and searchable.
American Social History Project
Includes an online component:
History
Matters
http://historymatters.gmu.edu/
"A gateway to Web resources and offers useful materials for
teaching U.S. history"
http://www.ashp.cuny.edu/index.html
A+ Math
An interactive Math Website for students. It includes games, flashcards, puzzles and worksheets.
Beyond the GED: Making Conscious Choices About the GED and Your
Future (PDF document)
"This
guide is meant for GED instructors to use in GED classrooms. In addition to
providing learners with the opportunity to practice using graphs, reading
charts, and writing, learners will analyze research findings on the economic
impact of the GED. It serves the dual role of providing a lesson plan on the
topic while serving as professional development for the instructor."
http://gseweb.harvard.edu/~ncsall/teach.html
California Distance Learning Project (CDLP) Adult Learning Activities
Although
designed for use in California this Web site offers excellent resources for
high-beginner, low-intermediate adult new readers and students learning English.
Topics
include:
Working
Law
and Government
Family
School
Health
and Safety
Housing
Money
Science
and Technology
Services
Going
Places
Nature
Each
topic has stories with a basic version
and a full version (which can be read out loud) and learning activities
designed around the stories. Some
stories are accompanied by videos. Macromedia Flash Player and RealPlayer
(free download links to these are provided) must be installed to fully use
the site. The site is Windows and Macintosh compatible.
CNN Learning Resources
Recent CNN articles on current events and an extensive archive of
articles on compelling contemporary topics (such as abortion, gun control,
euthanasia) in a full version and an edited, easier-to-read version.
Contemporary Online Learning Center
Contemporary, a publisher of adult education books, has a free set of Web pages which may be used independently or with Contemporary text books.
They have online GED instruction, chapter outlines, chapter reviews, GED questions, and GED Practice Tests.
Students can study independently at home, work or in the classroom using the
Student and Instructor Centers.
No password or e-mail address is needed.
http://www.gedsocialstudies.com
Country
Reports
One-stop basic research on nearly every country in the world is made
easy through this site which is based on information from: The CIA World Factbook:
Web 2001 Edition (public domain), Library of Congress- Country Studies, 1999,
USA , the United States Constitution, and the National Archives & Records
Administration
http://www.countryreports.org/
http://www.myefa.org/login.cfm?fuseaction=learnmore2
Fabric of History Curriculum
This American history curriculum, designed for young adults who don't
particularly care about history, introduces American history through the theme of clothes.
http://sabes.org/boston/pubs/fabricofhistory/fabricstart.htm
Funbrain Math Games
Basic number skills practice in online game format
http://www.funbrain.com/numbers.html
Funbrain Spelling
"gives students 24 screens with 4 words each, and asks them
to identify the word that is misspelled. It provides feedback immediately,
telling the student if the answer is correct or not. If the student was wrong,
it enables him/her to try again. There are two levels -- easy and hard
-- which makes it good for students of different ages at different levels
of ESL."
GED Math Formulas
http://www.citelearning.com/GED/math.html
GED practice
A free service provided by Steck-Vaughn to familiarize teachers and students with the types of items on the actual GED test
GED Prep at Free-Ed.Net
Free, online real-time or asynchronous GED preparation lessons and sample exam questions. A complete 74-unit GED Prep curriculum. Choose GED Prep, under "Most Popular Destinations" from menu on left.
GED Prep at LiteracyLink
Free, on-line GED preparation curriculum designed to accompany the
KET (Kentucky Educational TV) 2002 GED Preparation broadcast (39 half-hour
lessons broadcast on PBS TV stations in many states.) From this page, click
on Begin, then
register (it's free.) Once registered, go to your home space and choose Workplace Essential Skills
and GED Connection. Then, under GED Connection choose one of the five GED test areas: Language
Arts/Writing; Language Arts/Reading; Social Studies; Science; or Math. Then
choose Learning Modules, Internet Activities or Practice tests. This curriculum is richer and deeper if
used in concert with the TV Broadcasts (or videotapes of these.) States can
purchase a license that allows teachers to copy these. In any case students
can view (and/or copy) them for personal use at home. The Teacher section
has staff development resources for teachers.
http://www.pbs.org/literacy/index.html
GED 2002 Teachers' Lesson Bank
Over 200 GED lesson plans in the five test areas, in PDF format
http://www.floridatechnet.org/GED/LessonPlans/Lessons.htm
Harnessing Technology Grammar Web page
Includes a wide range
of grammar instruction Web sites from fairly basic to advanced levels. They
are: free, not too commercial, fairly easy to use; they do not require a lot
of personal information and do not require downloading anything. They could
be useful either to a teacher or a student.
http://www.alri.org/harness/harnessgrammar.html
How Stuff Works
A wide range of information and animations about how everyday things
work including science and social studies topics. Some of the topics Ð how
lock picking works, for example --may be objectionable.
Immigration
Lessons, photos, and vocabulary activities for learning about immigration
and migration, oral histories. Information is provided about immigrants from
Africa, Germany, Ireland, Scandinavia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, China, Puerto
Rica & Cuba, & Poland
& Russia. (LOC)
http://memory.loc.gov/learn/features/immig/immigration_set1.html
Justice Learning
Engages students in informed political discussion based on issues which are important to them. "The Web site uses audio from the Justice Talking radio show and articles from The New York Times to teach students about reasoned debate and the often-conflicting values inherent in our democracy. The web site includes articles, editorials and oral debate from the nation's finest journalists and advocates. All of the material is supported by age-appropriate summaries and additional links. In addition, for each covered issue, the site includes curricular material from The New York Times Learning Network for high school teachers and detailed information about how each of the institutions of democracy (the courts, the Congress, the presidency, the press and the schools) affect the issue. Much of the traditional civics curricula begin with an historical perspective and move forward. The lessons start from a point distant from students' lives. Justice Learning reverses traditional methods by starting with current issues that directly affect their lives. The curricula engage them early with a multimedia set of online materials and then relate it to the historical context that generated it. In doing so, the project incorporates into its methodology the new reality of where students turn for information and how they learn."
http://www.justicelearning.org/
Learning about Charts and Graphs
http://www.fodoweb.ca/education/readtext.asp?txtfile=communications/charts.toc
LEO: Literacy Education Online
Common problems in writing
are listed with resources to help with each problem.
Making Sense of Maps
"Making Sense of Maps offers a place for students and teachers
to begin working with maps as historical evidence. Written by David Stephens,
[a professor of geography at Youngstown State University], this guide offers
an overview of the history of maps and how historians use them, a breakdown
of the elements of a map, tips on what questions to ask when analyzing maps,
an annotated bibliography, and a guide to finding and using maps online."
http://historymatters.gmu.edu/mse/maps/
Mouse Skills
A collection of free mouse skills Web pages for those who are new to computers, and need to practice how to use a mouse
http://www.alri.org/harness.html#MOUSE
Mrs. Glosser's Math Goodies
Free lessons on understanding percents, number theory, circumference and area of circles, perimeter and area of Polygons and more
Odin's Castle
Includes links to most
eras of US and world history. Set up in a castle theme with historical 'rooms'.
Online Learning Center (McGraw Hill Contemporary Books)
This can be used by those studying independently,
at home or in the classroom. The chapter outlines include vocabulary and organization
of material to study for the GED. Also included are: chapter review and GED
format questions and online GED practice tests, some PowerPoint tutorials
and links to additional resources. Although a commercial site, the Online
Learning Center is free, and does not require a log in. Although it is designed
to be used with Contemporary's subject textbooks -- chapter review quizzes
direct you to the exact page in the book for the answer to the question when
you choose "need a hint." -- it can be used on its own. (Thanks
to Mary Lou Friedline, Adult Education Instructor, PIC of Westmoreland/Fayette,
Inc. for recommending this site.)
http://www.gedsocialstudies.com
Picturing Modern America, 1880-1920
Interactive exercises designed to:
Ò*Deepen students' understanding of common topics in the study of
modern
America 1880-1920
*Build students' skills in analyzing primary sources, especially
visual sources
*Generate questions that students can pursue by searching in American
Memory
and other sources.Ó
For
example, use the Image Detective to learn to read photos on topics such as:
Immigration, The City, Woman & Suffrage, Industrialization, The West,
ChildrenÕs Lives, Leisure & Amusement, Progressive Reform and World War
I.
Powers of Ten
This site provides a simple way to demonstrate how, beginning with
a common garden scene, by zooming in or out each time with a power of ten
one can see microscopically and macroscopically. It's instructive and fun. It also includes a simple, clear definition
(an example) of the meaning of "powers of ten."
http://microcosm.web.cern.ch/Microcosm/P10/english/P0.html
http://www.mouseprogram.com/
or
Mouserobics
http://www.ckls.org/%7Ecrippel/computerlab/tutorials/mouse/page1.html
Pumarosa
According to its designer, Paul Rogers, this is a Spanish-English
bilingual, interactive site (with audio) for beginning Spanish-speaking adults.
It is a phonetic course, covering basic vocabulary (alphabet, numbers, food,
housing, etc.) with lessons on cognates, verbs, and phrases. It also includes
dialogues and a review of basic English grammar with exercises.
Mona Curtis, an ESL Coordinator at Treasure Valley Community
College in Ontario Oregon, writes about her use of Pumarosa.com : ÒA computer
session is part of almost all of our ESL classes. We have recommended several Internet sites in addition to the
programs already installed on our computers. At times, nearly half the class is using Pumarosa. I asked the students what they liked about
it they said that it was easy to understand and they liked that everything
was explained in Spanish. They also liked hearing the sounds in English.
From an instructor's point of view, I have several comments.
First is that many of our students come to us completely computer illiterate.
To see these students, within a few class sessions, using an Internet site
is very exciting and speaks about the accessibility of the site.
If you are not familiar with Pumarosa, it is an audio/visual English
learning site for Spanish speakers. It starts with very basic concepts such as the alphabet and
the pronunciation of each letter. It
gives the Spanish translation and a phonetic spelling which a Spanish speaker
can understand, "he (ji)" and of course the pronunciation in English,
which is, may I add, very clear and well pronounced. It is very step-by-step, explaining, in
Spanish, concepts like verb conjugation and pronouns and giving lots of examples,
which are pronounced in English and translated to Spanish.Ó
Rainforest teaching curriculum
There are several basic
science experiments here that require only household objects. This may be
useful for teaching science without a science lab
http://www.rainbird.com/rainforest/index.htm
Schoolwork Ugh!
Lots of good math sites, including a ThinkQuest link which provides some interesting ways of learning math skills: The HEX Agency is an espionage game with the flavor of Mission Impossible.
http://www.schoolwork.org/math.html
Science is Fun in the Lab of Shakhashiri
University of Wisconsin-Madison Chemistry Professor, Bassam Z. Shakhashiri's
home science activities, demonstration shows, videos, and books. The Experiments
You Can Do at Home
section http://scifun.chem.wisc.edu/HOMEEXPTS/HOMEEXPTS.html
includes several good experiments, and a list of books of home experiments.
Most of these can be performed without expensive equipment.
Soccer Shootout
Whole number and fraction practice in an online soccer game format, part of the Funbrain Math Games Web pages
http://www.funbrain.com/fractop/index.html
Spelling A Key to Good Communication
Spelling lessons and exercises field-tested with adult learners.
http://literacy.kent.edu/Midwest/Materials/ndakota/spelling/toc.html
The Bee Hive
Plain English information includes: Managing your cash and credit (Checking Account
Basics, ATM Cards Debit cards, Getting a Loan, Credit Cards;) Paying bills
and taxes (Understanding Bill Payment and Late Fees, Paying Taxes, File your
tax return, increase your paycheck;) Saving and investing (Basics of Savings
Accounts, Individual Development Accounts, Basic Investments, Putting more
money in your pocket;) Budget Basics (Controlling Your Spending, Controlling
your debt, Getting Help with Debt, and Your Credit Rating)
The Discovery Channel: History Guide
News articles/press coverage from the 16th to the 20th century
http://dsc.discovery.com/guides/history/history.html
The Five Paragraph Essay Wizard
Everything you need to know plus practice writing prompts
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Atrium/1437/index.html
The GED Connection
Five
free learning modules, 10 practice tests, 30 activities quizzes
http://litlink.ket.org/ http://litlink.ket.org/wesged.aspl
The History Net
Daily features include: today in history, picture of the day and a quiz.
The history archives include:
á
20th Century History
á
African History
á
African American History
á
American History
á
Ancient History
á
British History
á
European History
á
Medieval History
á
Military History
á
Women's History
The Key New Readers Newspaper
The Learning Edge
An interactive, on-line newspaper for adult literacy students produced
by the Wellington County Learning Centre in Arthur Ontario Its interesting,
topical stories are plainly written for a range of learners. Each story is
read out loud slowly by a man with a pleasant voice, and is accompanied by
learning activities such as games, puzzles, interactive quizzes and writing
contests. At least one of the stories, which supports both literacy and numeracy,
deals with the low wages of workers in Indonesia who make expensive shoes
for North Americans. The Learning Edge also has student writings
The Math Forum at Drexel
This includes "Ask Dr. Math."
http://mathforum.org/students/
The Office
A workplace basic skills online simulation. Requires installation of Shockwave, a
free downloadable program.
http://www.lexiconsys.com/theOffice.html
The Shape of Life
A Public Broadcasting Service website that accompanies an eight-part
television series that shows the rise of the animal kingdom through the breakthrough
events of scientific discovery.
http://www.pbs.org/kcet/shapeoflife/
USA Learns
Visual Fractions
Wisconsin Online Resource Center
This site includes GED writing (Choose ABE/ESL, then English)
á
GED Essay Writing -- Formula for
Success
á
Scoring the GED/HSED Essay
á
Writing the GED Essay - Using Transitional
Words
and grammar lessons:
á
Homophones: To, Too, Two
á
Modifiers and Nouns
á
Possessive Practice
á
Possessive Practice: Self-Check
á
Special Nouns
á
ABE/ESL Special Nouns Practice
á
Using Commas in a Series
á
Using Commas in a Series (three
lessons) - Adjectives, nouns and verbs
The
web site also includes over 40 math lessons, many focus specifically on math
and calculator skills needed for the GED (Choose ABE/ESL, then Math) and 11 financial literacy
lessons such as ABE/ESL Best Buy Shopping, Calculating Monthly Expenses, and Learning About Your Earnings
(choose ABE/ESL, then Financial; literacy)
Lesson Categories
Communication
and Problem Solving
Convey
Ideas in Writing
Cooperate
with Others
Decision
Making
Interpersonal
Learn
Through Research
Lifelong
Learning
Listen
Actively
Xpeditions
National Geographic web site with geography standards, atlas and
printable maps of all the world's countries, and lesson plans.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/
Large
Integrated Learning Systems:
Academy of Reading
This software, also known as Autoskill is a basic literacy instructional
program designed to accompany classroom teaching. It has an adult as well as a child interface.
And uses a phonics-based approach. It moves from the most basic levels of decoding and automaticity
to fluency and proficiency.
ELLIS English Training Software & ESL Curriculum
3520 N. University Avenue, Suite 275
Provo, UT 84604
866-211-0721; 801-374-3424
Email: info@ellis.com
Web: http://www.ellis.com
ELLIS Software for Adults
http://ellis.com/products/academic/
The MHC GED Integrated Online Solution is a renewable one-year site license, $62.50
per seat. This provides access to online instruction and assessment software
for individual students, or with a site license, for groups of students. Student
records are stored on a secure Internet site.
More information available at
http://shop.mhcontemporary.com/
http://www.myreadingcoach.com/
http://www.plato.com/adultindex.asp
On line (commercial) software
Brainpop
Witty, engaging videos on your computer with brief, clear explanations
of body parts as well as other health/science-related information. Requires
Java-enabled browser for the videos. Also has quizzes on these topics that
give feedback and reinforce correct answers.
Froguts
Frog dissection site with free demos.
GED On Line
Available on line and as a CD
Online self-paced instruction for GED students. An initial four-month
tuition and registration fee of $50, then $10/month is charged. The Website
describes these services: "One copy of standard GED Practice Test, Form
AA, U.S. edition online grading of each test in Form AA; unlimited use of
GEDonline chat room and online discussion groups group tutoring, as needed,
through scheduled online group discussions moderated by a GEDonline teacher
one copy of GEDonline software CD to allow viewing of online interactive practice
lessons 4 months to complete your studies unlimited access to online study
aids during membership:
How to write an essay
Practice essay questions
Interactive practice lessons
Knowledge base of answers to questions students have asked in the
past
Teacher assistance via e-mail and GED online chat club"
Multimedia (software, video and print)
Workplace Essential Skills (WES)
Uses multi-media (TV/videos, print, and the Web for brush-up of reading,
writing, math, and job skills. There are 24 half-hour programs (plus one for
Orientation), four workbooks, and 24 FREE online lessons
http://litlink.ket.org/learning_plan.aspl
http://www.inspiration.com/productinfo/inspiration/index.cfm
A
tool to help develop ideas, plan and organize writing. Useful for brainstorming,
outlining, and concept mapping. Students with learning disabilities which affect planning
and organizing may find this especially helpful, but it is designed to be
useful for a wide range of children and adults.
ÒMultimedia
reading software on CD-ROM. Uses the Orton-Gillingham method for children,
teens and adults. Appropriate for those with dyslexia and as an ESL adjunct.Ó
Lexia's Reading SOS
A complete low level phonics software package designed for adults.
Oxford Picture Dictionary CD-ROM (for ESL)
http://www.oup-usa.org/esl/isbn/0194359794.html
Reading Horizons
Ranging from beginning literacy to high adult basic education levels,
this is based on the "Discover Intensive Phonics for Yourself" reading
system. Students learn at their own pace to blend and build from a single
letter to a word, and then learn to read on their own.
Reading With Phonics
CD ROM Product produced by Arrow Educational Products, Inc
- Pembroke, NC phone- (910) 521-0840.
Rosetta Stone (for ESL)
http://www.rosettastone.com/home
http://www.writersblocks.com/wb3general.htm
A
Windows-only writing tool to enable brainstorming and organizing writing,
this is part word processor, part spreadsheet. A
Writer's Block is a container that
holds text. Each block can be used to enter an idea, point, or argument, like
using electronic note cards with easy editing, arranging, re-numbering, and
printing.
Evaluating
and Choosing Software for your adult literacy and ESOL program
Learning
Disabilities
Discalculia
Useful resources and information about mathematical and other learning
disabilities
Ennis' gift, A Film about Learning Differences
"Ennis' Gift, introduced by Ed Bradley of 60 Minutes, is inspired
by the legacy of Ennis William Cosby, a young man who became a passionate
educator dedicated to helping all children find their gifts and learn.
Ennis knew how it felt to have difficulties learning to read and write. He
understood the hurt, frustration and confusion that come from being misunderstood
by teachers and not "fitting in" with peers. It was his dream to
help children find the self-esteem, support and learning techniques that would
open the doors of accomplishment and joy to them. His life was a gift to us;
our understanding of learning differences is our gift to his memory, and to
all those who struggle to learn.
Special appearances by James Earl Jones, Henry Winkler, Charles Schwab,
Danny Glover, Lindsay Wagner, Robert Rauschenberg, Bruce Jenner, Jack Horner
and other guests."
This is a free, QuickTime video, which takes about 10 minutes.
It requires high bandwidth -- Cable Modem or DSL or a T1 or T3 line, for example.
Telephone dial-up access to the Internet will probably not produce satisfactory
results.
http://www.hellofriend.org/store/gift_bb.html
Hello Friend/Ennis William Cosby Foundation
LD
Online
Articles on adult issues in the field of learning disabilities
http://www.ldonline.org/ld_indepth/adult/index.html
LD
Resources
National
Institute for Literacy LINCS Literacy and Learning Disabilities Special Collection
National
Center for Learning Disabilities
LD
at a Glance Ð Fact Sheet
http://www.ld.org/LDInfoZone/InfoZone_FactSheet_LD_QuickLook.cfm
Online Resources for Learning Differences/Learning Disabilities
This is an excellent list of reviewed and annotated resources and
organizations.
http://www.hellofriend.org/resources/resources.html