The Role of Business Applications in Literacy Programs

Although many literacy practitioners see the value in teaching basic computer skills, I suspect that there are many different opinions about what constitutes basic computer skills. In my experience, the amount of computer skills I teach increases along with the reading and writing ability of my students. Is there a point where the skills are too advanced/specific to warrant taking time away from other more general reading and writing activities? Should we teach literacy students how to use spreadsheet and database programs? If they are not likely to need these skills for a job, is it important that they have these skills so that they could prepare a personal budget or an address book on a computer?

In this issue we’ve tried to provide examples of how literacy students could be exposed to spreadsheet and database programs such as Microsoft Excel and Access while still maintaining a strong focus on reading and writing. We’ve also included information about how spreadsheet and database programs such as FileMaker Pro can be used as instructional and administrative tools.

Diane McCargar, Editor

An Automated System, cont'd from Page 1

Inputting mandatory data for Ministry reporting purposes is a feature only available in this database. From the beginning, the project Advisory Committee conducted research to determine what additional tools would be useful to managing LBS programs. Agencies can enter contact information which can quickly be found, attach specific notes in certain areas of the program, enter additional information in learner files and define fields to meet the agency’s needs.

Since this database was introduced, users have certainly increased their computer skills. Not only did users learn a lot about databases, but the training itself was actually delivered virtually online. The certainly Centra software made synchronous distance training in a web-enabled real-time classroom possible and helped users acquire new skills and knowledge. This method of using new technology and innovative training methods, was well received by the participants. Everything was achieved remotely: installing Centra on the computer, creating the system’s individual profile and participating in training sessions. This innovative and advanced technology gave us an overview of what can be accomplished with a computer and Internet access.

AlphaPlus Centre will continue managing this project and is committed to supporting users of the Information Management System by providing technical assistance via telephone or the AlphaCom discussion group. Online training is still available to new users as well as online notification of all changes made to the system.

Michelle Meilleur works at the AlphaPlus Centre as a Field Consultant to the Francophone Community.

Word of the Day

Flat-file database - a simple database system that contains only 1 table per database.

Relational database - a more complex database system where databases contains multiple tables that are related by specific fields (i.e. a student info. table and a class table related by class #.)