Computers at Work Series

The Computers at Work Series by Attainment provides lower level readers with the opportunity to practise basic job related computer tasks. The series is made up of three programs: Data Entry, Order Processing and Cash Register. Unlike most educational software, these programs don’t attempt to instruct students. They are simulations of computer programs used in workplace situations. Students are given computer tasks that require attention to detailed written information.

The Order Processing programs gives students practice editing and entering billing, order and inventory information. The software contains three different levels: Easy, Medium and Hard. In the easy level, students must find a customer order and then check the inventory to see if the order should be backordered. Lower level students can get assistance with reading the names of the office supplies in each order. When you click on an item its picture appears on the screen. The medium level requires students to find an order, proof the billing and order information and check the inventory. When “Hard” is chosen as the level, students must enter the billing and order information themselves and then check the inventory. Students proof and enter information using a data card on the screen or a card from a card box that comes with the software. Teachers can disable the data card on the screen and have students use only the paper cards in order to make the task more realistic. The Data Entry program allows students to practice entering and checking customer names and addresses. Because the addresses are all American and the common task is verifying the zip code, this program isn’t appropriate. The Cash Register program isn’t currently available because it is still in development.

All of the programs come with a simple System Management tool to check students’ accuracy and speed. You must register a student in order for their results to be recorded.

The repetitive nature of this software may quickly lose the attention of some students, but it is exactly this feature of the program that makes it an accurate simulation of real-life job related computer tasks.

Issues in English

As I mentioned in the last issue of CONNECT, ESL websites and software are sometimes a good alternative to less commonly available adult literacy resources. Issues in English is one such software program. This program is organized by themes that include Smoking, Discrimination, Euthanasia, Gambling and the Environment. The choice of somewhat controversial topics could be a turn off to some, but the fact that the topics are geared to adults is a refreshing change.

The program starts with a video on each theme along with corresponding text. The software is Australian as you will soon realize from the accents of the speakers. The software does contain some uniquely Australian references and vocabulary but not enough to significantly limit the usefulness of the software.

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