At Literacy Source, our goal is to increase the basic literacy skills and computer literacy of underserved adult learners in our community so they will have better opportunities for employment, citizenship, and higher education. Without computer skills and access to technology, adults face considerable disadvantages in seeking and obtaining employment and in locating and utilizing community resources. Access to technology is critical for the success of our students, most of whom do not have access to a home computer or the internet. Currently, Literacy Source offers one computer class, Integrated Basic Skills, as well as one-on-one computer tutoring.
All classroom instructors and one-on-one tutors are encouraged to incorporate technology into their lessons. Computer literacy is language literacy. Students improve their basic literacy skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing when they learn to use a computer, and they will develop computer literacy skills when they use computers to learn. Both basic literacy skills and computer literacy are enhanced by integrating the two, and integrating technology instruction with your basic skills teaching gives students more opportunities to learn. Student-centered, project-based learning using the computer allows students to enhance their transferable work skills.
On-site Resources For InstructionKeyboarding Pro & Workbook: An easily accessible program helping students to work on their keyboard skills. This resource can be found on the desktop of all the student computers, and the corresponding workbook is in the library. Just sign on as guest. (How to save your profile). Rosetta Stone: Can be used with students to aid language acquisition or reading skills, and mouse exercises. This software can be found on the student desktops, and supplementary workbooks are in the "Literacy" section of our library. You can also find the Rosetta Stone "User's Guide" online.
Reading Tools for Life Materials: Leveled books and corresponding recorded materials, which are found in the computer lab, can be used for reading practice and very minimal computer skills. Online Resources For InstructionHere are a few links to sites we like. For even more links and descriptions, please see our Online Computer Tutoring Resources document, attached at the bottom of this page.
Jan's Illustrated Computer Literacy 101 - Lessons allow to become more comfortable with using computer technology.
Mouserobics - This website offers mouse exercises for beginning computer users. Free Computer Tutorials - Find a plethora of tutorials for beginners new to computers, Windows, or Microsoft programs. New User Tutorial - Great hands-on and interactive computer tutorial site that is designed for brand new computer users:
BBC Skillwise -- Includes many ESL games that use computer skills. Literacy Volunteers of NJ for more visual vocabulary and skill resources for both you and your student. St. Paul CLC Computer Curriculum -- Basic computer curriculum from the St. Paul Community Literacy Consortium.
Info Mine search engine and the Internet Public Library search site -- Good for students with advanced computer skills who are using computers for academic purposes.
Typing Games Fun ways to practice typing skills. The games automatically start on intermediate level; go through the intro screen slowly so you can help beginners adjust this!
Typing Lessons A nice website offering different levels of typing lessons! Ense~Lang.org Online Free Touch Typing Program |