Volume #3 Issue #1, APRIL / MAY 1999

Computers and Learning is the Focus of New Online Seminar

Computers and Learning, a new online seminar on the AlphaPlus Website, has been designed to support literacy agencies as they try to meet the challenge of integrating computers with regular class room activities. While the seminar was designed in response to the latest round of funding for computers in Ontario, it should provide valuable insights and discussion for literacy teachers across the country. The philosophy behind the workshop is to encourage programs to share their best practice ideas with each other, allow participants to look at what is happening in other jurisdictions, encourage literacy students to say what has worked for them and to raise important issues such as the hopes and concerns which participants may express. The seminar should also lead to the development of a list of interesting Web sites and resources, as well as software recommendations, as participants make suggestions or ask for advice.

In the words of Mike Kelly, the moderator of this workshop, "The challenge for the literacy community is to discover how computers can be used not to replace human contact but to support it and find ways of using technology in more creative inquiry-based and project-based activities."

There are several "guest speakers" who will participate in the seminars:

• Elaine Murphy and Leslie Greenland will discuss the use of computers and literacy at the Durham School Board;
• Dan Haley, who is with the Movement for Canadian Literacy, will relate his experience with using a scanner and voice recognition software;
• Sheree Wells will talk about her experience with "On the Margins" and Beat the Street in Toronto;
• Anne Moore from Action Read will describe their computer drop-in centre;
• Rob McBride, producer of the software program "Explore Canada" will be a regular contributor;
• Jane Larimer will talk about the AlphaRoute project on online education.

A number of other guest speakers will participate in the seminar, providing valuable insight into the applications of technology in literacy programs across Canada.

continued on page 7

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