Adaptive Technology - A Tool from the Literacy Toolbox

BY JENNIFER HUNT

Years ago, I was introduced to the world of adaptive technology and was convinced that it would become an excellent tool that students with learning difficulties could use to break down walls and overcome barriers. Just like other accommodations that students with disabilities maintain, I quickly learned that an environment that encourages the use of adaptive technology creates an opportunity for students with learning difficulties to compete on an equal basis with their non-disabled peers. Ultimately, adaptive technology is responsible for two paramount outcomes; it encourages independence and enhances self-confidence.

I am an Adaptive Technology Project Co-ordinator for a Literacy Centre called Action Read in Guelph, Ontario. I run a program that has been generously funded by the National Literacy Secretariat and the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities called the Adaptive Technology Project Phase Two: Technology and Expressive Writing. The goal of the project is to research, field test, evaluate and promote a selection of technologies that will assist adult learners with expressive writing whether that be for writing a memo for their workplace, an e-mail to a friend or a cover letter. There are 15 participants in the project and they were selected from our current population of learners. The criteria from which these participants were selected included learners who may have dysgraphia (average reader, poor writing abilities), individuals who have had little success with basic remediation techniques, and individuals who may have a learning disability, cognitive delay or physical impairment. We were particularly interested in selecting learners who have been limited from having success with expressive writing in the past.

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Sharing Online with eLit.ca

BY DIANE MCCARGAR

eLit.ca is the latest metamorphosis of eNorthwest and the Alberta Association for Adult Literacy (AAAL) Conferencing Services. eLit.ca provides a location online for discussion and sharing of information related to literacy. This service is being funded and managed by literacy coalitions in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. It continues to maintain links with similar services in British Columbia (The Hub); and the Northwest Territories and Nunavut (North of 60). There are also links to conferences outside of Canada including a series of listservs maintained by the American National Institute for Literacy (NIFL). NIFL–Technology is one such conference that we have recommended to our readers in the past.

This online community is organized by province and includes a Literacy Cafe for all members. Much of the communication centres around literacy organizations but there are also dicussions on specific topics such as literacy resources. They have recently begun to introduce places for learners to participate. The majority of the conferences are open to all members but there are facilities for private online conferences or chats. eLit.ca can be viewed using an Internet browser such as Netscape or special software called FirstClass. Over 500 people currently access this service. To receive full access you must “join” and receive a User ID and password. Membership is currently free to members of literacy coalitions in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. For more information about membership visit their website at http://www.elit.ca. While you’re there, you can browse through many of the conferences and see what this service has to offer the literacy community.

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