Computer Training at GCF Global Learning
http://www.goodwilltraining.org

Goodwill has developed a computer training website, http://www.goodwilltraining.org/Main/student_cntr/student_center.asp, that may be of interest to both practitioners and students wanting to upgrade their computer skills. This website provides both self-paced and instructor-led computer classes. These online classes are free but you must register to receive full access. The Instructor-Led Classes provide students with feedback on assignments and technical support. The Self-Paced Classes are more extensive and cover topics such as Introduction to Computers, Introduction to the Internet, Word 97, Access 97 and Excel 97. There is also an Applied Skills class that covers resume writing.

The site has been professionally designed and is very easy to use. The classes include lots of graphics, simple exercises in a “Try It” section and a “Check Yourself” quiz. The classes have clearly stated objectives and are divided into small manageable steps.

The only disadvantages to the classes are inherent in this type of delivery model. Not everyone will find it easy to independently wade through the information and instructions. The site has addressed this by including a section on How to be a Distance Learner. This section includes lots of study tips and a quiz to help students determine if online classes are appropriate for them. Another hurdle that learners must tackle is that in order to practice what they have learned, they must have access to the software and be proficient at switching back and forth between the website and the software. Alternatively, learners may want to print the class material in order to more easily refer to it when completing the suggested “Try It” activity.

If you are a beginner computer user and you have access to the Internet, this website is a good, free alternative to going out and purchasing your standard computer guide.

Online Basic Math Practice at http://www.aaamath.com

AAA Math is a website that provides students with tons of practice in basic math concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, fractions and percent. It also contains information about practical topics such as measurement, interest and taxes. The material is organized by both subject and grade, and includes material up to grade 8.

Students can read a brief introduction of each topic by clicking on Learn at the top of the screen. The information contained here is not ideal for literacy students. What is useful is the Practice section that follows this information. By clicking on Practice students can try interactive math questions created using Javascript. They are provided with a seemingly endless number of questions. They are given immediate feedback and at the bottom of the screen there is a running total of the number of correct answers. This lets teachers easily see how students are doing. Although not all of the information contained on this site is clearly presented, the sheer quantity of practice questions and the immediate feedback that comes with them makes this site definitely worthwhile.

Thanks to Norbert Molzan and Larry Iveson for bringing this website to our attention.