Community Education program brochures Metro North ABE - Consortium newsletter, Jan. 2015 | Page 6
Technology in ABE
The year—1977. Early PCs like the Apple II, the Commodore
PET, and Radio Shack’s TRS-80 were newly on the market.
The cost of these technological dandies was $1,200$3,000, but they went on to sell millions. The Apple II was
the only one with a full-color graphics-capable display, and
eventually became the best-seller among the trinity, with
more than 4 million units sold.
Today’s Adult Basic Education classroom is a far cry from those early
days. The use of modern technology
as a tool for learning enhances the education of adult learners, opens up
new methods of teaching, and extends
alternative learning opportunities to
new groups of students. The thoughtful integration of technology into the
traditional classroom is necessary to
ensure students have the necessary
tools needed to thrive in a complex
and rapidly changing technological society. Since the new GED© 2014 is a
computerized test, adult learners must
be proficient in word processing and
using techniques like a drop down
menu or drag-and-drop test items.
“Digital technologies for learning,
such as self-paced learning modules,
multimedia case studies, simulations,
video tutorials, and communications
and assessment tools, can increase the
array of learning opportunities for
adult students and their teachers” (US
Dept of Ed, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education).
The Minnesota Literacy Council offers
a wide variety of free technology
training and distance learning opportunities for staff, volunteers, and learners. The Northstar Digital Literacy
Assessment is a tool ABE teachers use
to help assess the technology needs of
students.
Metro North ABE teachers strive to
engage all learners in the use of technology. Computer labs at all sites are
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Metro North Consortium
available for students to access to
learn basic digital literacy skills or to
apply for jobs and create resumes.
Some sites offer specific classes in the
computer labs, while others offer individualized instruction during independent study. Distance learning
programs like P lato, Skills Tutor,
Mindquest, I-Pathways, and USA
Learns are platforms that teachers use
to encourage learners to continue their
studies in the classroom or from the
privacy of their homes. Some Metro
North ABE sites like Blaine and Elk
River will also be implementing the
use of Google Chromebooks in the
classroom as soon as they can be purchased and properly established.
Register for a wide
variety of free technology
training courses on the
MN Literacy Council’s
website at:
http://online.themlc.org.
In the spring of 2014, the Metro North
ABE site at Columbia Heights/Fridley
received funding from the AmeriCorps
Community Technology Empowerment Project (CTEP) for a volunteer to
serve in their Adult Education Center.
AmeriCorps CTEP bridges the digital
divide for new immigrants and low-income communities in Minneapolis and
St. Paul. AmeriCorps CTEP members
make the Information Age accessible
to all. CTEP partner organizations include: St. Paul Neighborhood Network
(SPNN), the Community Computer
Access Network (CCAN), the City of
Minneapolis, and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR).
Josh Katzenmeyer officially began his
role as the CTEP volunteer working at
CHF site on September 4, 2014, and
will serve Metro North until September 2015. Josh is currently providing
technology training for interested ABE
learners that include basic computer
skills, introduction to e-mailing, and
an introduction to the Internet.
For further information about CTEP
volunteering or class offerings, please
contact the Columbia Heights/Fridley
ABE Supervisor Kathleen Moriarty
[email protected],
or CTEP volunteer Josh Katzenmeyer
[email protected].
Metro North Adult Basic Education | Ph: 763-783-4870 | www.MetroNorthABE.org