Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Technology Institute Training Attended By Program Director

Southwest Arkansas Development Council, literacy program outreach worker, Teri Hughes, attended a three-day, intense Technology Institute training. The Technology Institute was sponsored by the Arkansas Adult Education Section Division of Vocational Tehnical Education, Southeast Arkansas Education Section Division of Vocational-Technical Education, Southeast Arkansas Education Service Cooperative, Arkansas Adult Learning Resource Center and the Office of Adult Learning Technology. University of Central Arkansas at Conway hosted the Institute.

By the end of the Technology Institute, participants were able to demonstrate expanded knowledge of educational technology as it relates to the field of adult education and litearacy. For example:

• Identify/recognize terminology and componets of an IBM or compatible computer system.
• Be cognizant of desirable features to consider when purchasing a computer system.
• Use extended keyboard, including function and other special keys, to input information.
• Be cognizant of the benefits of using the Internet.
• Demonstrate the use of the Internet for gathering and distributing educatioanl resources for adult education and literacy classrooms.
• Use the World Wide Web.

Participants, like Hughes, were also trained to demonstrate the basics of Windows as determined by the instructor, prepare a presentation using Powerpoint and demonstrate the basics of creating a multimedia presentation.

Distance learning VIA compressed video was introduced and by the end of the Technology Institute participants were able to demonstrate a knowledge of compressed video systems, be cognizant of CV systems in Arkansas; plus recognize the potential of use in teaching and staff development for adult education and literacy.

Other areas covered included: teaching and learning styles and television technology.

Hughes said she agreed with Dr. William Rodgers of Virginia State University, who said, #"The impact of an adult unable to read and the one who dies not understanding current technology is the same in our developing society." Hughes added, #"SWADC, Literacy Program hopes to use this new knowledge to plan for the future of literacy training for adults enrolled in the program.

Nevada County Literacy Program recently purchasaed a 486 multimedia computer system for use in the tutoring/office using funds contributed from industry, business and individuals who also realize the importance of technology training for adults.

Hughes said, #"The advisory committee will hear an updated proposal to purchase software for the continued technological growth of the Literacy Program during the June meeting.

Anyone can join the advisory and planning committees to help design the future of adult literacy in Nevada County. Tax-deductible contributions are accepted to purchase technology and supplies not already funded through educational grants to keep pace with the urgent need to be technology literate, too.

SWADC, Literacy program is a non-profit community service available for lower reading level adults. All tutoring and basic skills materials are free to students and tutors. Call 887-5536 for details.