Report from Learners
Learner: Dan Haley writes...
You ask what role technology can play in promoting and developing literacy in Canada ? Technology plays a big part in my life. My name is Dan Haley and I have a reading and writing problem but with technology I've gone back to school.
I've been a student in the Trend Valley Literacy Association one-to-one program for nine years. Technology makes it possible to succeed in my literacy program. Recently I finished college and my computer with all the special programs made it possible. My computer is voice activated. I talk to it and it talks to me.
I'm currently taking a criminal justice course at Queens University. I've come a long way in the last nine years. Technology has opened up a new world for me.
Dan Haley Dan Haley is a Member of the Board for the Ontario Literacy Coalition and the Movement for Canadian Literacy as a learner.
Learner: Roger LaMothe writes ...
I came to The Learning Centre to learn how to read and write. When I came I was a little shy but I got use to it and I saw people there that had the same problems as me.
We learn on computers. I didn't know how to work on a computer before. At first I found them hard but I got use to it. I like reading and writing on the computer. I like using Rosetta Stone because it helps me with words. It repeats and repeats and then I spell it out. It helps me.
Managing Computers in a Multi-level class continued from page 11
need to monitor learner progress. For example, if the learner can't grasp the concept of rounding, they can't go forward in the program. The instructor may have to intercede and offer supplemental teaching in this area to allow the learner to go forward.
If you had the money, how would you expand computer services?
More software covering a broader range of skill development.
What value does the use of computers have for learners in your program?
There is such a diverse range of levels and needs among the learners, and
such a scarcity of time and energy for the instructor to address those needs.
Computers become an extra tool, a way to help learners be more independent in
their learning, and free up the teacher to do the kind of work that a computer
can't do.
Computer programs also offer a variety of learning materials and an opportunity for change from more conventional, textbook approaches.
Based on an interview with the instructor,
Eileen Callaghan