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)

http://newsomeassociates.com

 

 

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

Cutting Edge CALL Demos"
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 Instructional Software

 

COMMERCIAL

Software / Courseware

ABE/Basic Literacy

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 Instructional Software

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

 

Free Products (on line)

 

A Science Odyssey

A history of science and biographies of scientists. the people and discoveries. The databank is well-organized and searchable.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/

 

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.

http://www.aplusmath.com/

 

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.

http://www.cdlponline.org/

 

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.

http://literacynet.org/cnnsf/

 

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.gedwriting.com

http://www.gedsocialstudies.com

http://www.gedscience.com

http://www.gedreading.com

http://www.gedmath.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/

 

English For All

A free Web-based multimedia system for adults learning ESL/ESOL. It incorporates California standards for High-Beginning ESL and the Skill Modules of the Latino Adult Education Skills Project (LAES). EFA materials include: an interactive Web site that is the core of the program, 5 stand-alone video tapes, each containing four 15-minute programs, 5 CD-ROMs designed to work with the EFA Web site, and printable materials for students and teacher that are available as PDF or in Rich Text Format (compatible with most Word Processors) Note: a free, improved version is available as of September, 2008. It is called USA Learns (see below)

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."

http://www.funbrain.com/spell/index.html

 

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

http://www.gedpractice.com

 

         GED Prep at Free-Ed.Net

http://www.free-ed.net/free-ed/

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.

http://www.howstuffworks.com

 

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.

http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/

 

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

http://www.mathgoodies.com

 

Odin's Castle

Includes links to most eras of US and world history. Set up in a castle theme with historical 'rooms'.

http://www.odinscastle.org/

 

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.gedwriting.com

http://www.gedsocialstudies.com

http://www.gedscience.com

http://www.gedreading.com

http://www.gedmath.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.

http://www.edc.org/CCT/PMA/

 

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

 

Practice Your Mouse Skills

http://www.mouseprogram.com/ or

Mouserobics

http://www.ckls.org/%7Ecrippel/computerlab/tutorials/mouse/page1.html

 

Pumarosa

http://www.pumarosa.com

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.

http://scifun.chem.wisc.edu/

 

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)

http://thebeehive.org/money/

 

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

http://history.about.com/

 

The Key New Readers Newspaper

http://www.keynews.org/

 

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

www.thewclc.ca/edge

 

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

A free web site for adults who want to learn English, and/or improve basic reading, writing, speaking or life skills.

http://usalearns.org/

 

Visual Fractions

An interactive Website that helps a learner to identify, add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions using number lines and pie charts.

http://www.visualfractions.com/

 

Wisconsin Online Resource Center

This site includes GED writing (Choose ABE/ESL, then English) The lessons (called "objects") each cost $15.00.Also you have to have an ID and password (free).

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)

http://www.wisc-online.com/

 

Workforce education LAB

http://slincs.coe.utk.edu/gtelab/find.html

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/


Commercial Products

 

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.

http://www.autoskill.com/

 

ELLIS English Training Software & ESL Curriculum

3520 N. University Avenue, Suite 275

Provo, UT 84604

866-211-0721; 801-374-3424

Fax: 801-374-3495

Email: info@ellis.com

Web: http://www.ellis.com

ELLIS Software for Adults

http://ellis.com/products/academic/

 

McGraw Hill ContemporaryÕs MHC Interactive: GED Site License

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/

 

My Reading Coach

A structured, integrated approach to teach phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary and text comprehension.
http://www.myreadingcoach.com/

PLATO Learning Inc. Adult education Software (PLATO)
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.

http://www.brainpop.com

 

Froguts

Frog dissection site with free demos.

http://www.froguts.com

 

GED On Line

http://www.gedonline.org/

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

 

Individual Large or Small Pieces of Software

 

Inspiration

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.

 

Language Tuneup Kit

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

http://www.jwor.com/

 

Lexia's  Reading SOS

A complete low level phonics software package designed for adults.

http://www.lexialearning.com

 

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. 

http://www.readinghorizons.com/

 

Reading With Phonics

CD ROM Product produced by Arrow  Educational Products, Inc  - Pembroke, NC phone- (910) 521-0840.

http://www.arrowinc.com/reading_with_phonics/index.htm

 

Rosetta Stone (for ESL)

http://www.rosettastone.com/home

 

WriterÕs Blocks

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.

 

Professional Development in Using Technology

 

Evaluating Software

Evaluating and Choosing Software for your adult literacy and ESOL program

http://www.lacnyc.org/resources/IT/evalsoftware.htm

 

Learning Disabilities

 

Discalculia

Useful resources and information about mathematical and other learning disabilities

http://www.dyscalculia.org/

 

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

http://www.hellofriend.org/

 

LD Online

Articles on adult issues in the field of learning disabilities

http://www.ldonline.org/ld_indepth/adult/index.html

 

LD Resources
http://www.ldresources.com/

 

National Institute for Literacy LINCS Literacy and Learning Disabilities Special Collection

http://ldlink.coe.utk.edu/

 

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

 

 

Project-Based Learning and Technology

 

Knowledge in Action: The Promise of Project-Based Learning http://www.gse.harvard.edu/~ncsall/fob/1998/wrigley.htm

 
Project Based Learning and Technology Supports
http://www.ed.gov/pubs/SER/Technology/ch8.html
 
Less Teaching, More Learning
http://www.gse.harvard.edu/~ncsall/fob/1998/gaer.htm
 
Principles and Opportunities for Project Based Learning in Computer Assisted Language Learning
http://www.cyberstep.org/
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