|  | | | Getting Started | |
How do I
get started using technology with my adult
learners?
Here are some things to
consider:
What types of educational
technology will you use with your
learners?
The key to making
technology an effective educational tool is planning, evaluation and
on-going training. Never lose sight of your key goal, which is to meet
the learners’ needs. Assess learners' educational goals and
build from there. Use the technology planning form below at your next
program meeting to begin developing your own educational technology
plan.
Click here to download the
Technology Planning
Form.
How do I begin
planning?
Take
stock of your existing resources. Do your textbooks already
have audio-cassettes or CDs that can extend learning
exercises? Are there videotapes available in your resource
room or at the local video store that will expand and illustrate
lessons in your curriculum? What software or Internet
resources are easily accessible and can supplement topics you plan to
teach? Who has used these materials at your program and can
be a mentoring resource for other
educators?
After checking your
existing inventory, make a list of additional materials you may want to
acquire. What language and/or life skills practice or particular topic
areas do you want these materials to supplement? What budget
do you have set aside for these items, to pay for initial evaluation,
acquisition and on-going
training?
Evaluate materials before
you invest. Try out software, read reviews and talk to other ABE
programs where these materials have been used. Learn as much
as you can about the effectiveness of any technology before you
buy. Wherever possible, learners, teachers, tutors and
coordinators should be engaged in the evaluation process. Access and then modify established evaluation guidelines to suit your
own program needs.
Once you have the
materials you need, remember to access initial and supportive on-going
training to assist you in understanding the most effective way of
integrating these materials to enhance your overall
curriculum.
If you and your teachers
are unsure about what training they might need, try the free
self-assessment tool available from Adult Ed Online. |
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