In the case of younger students, I'm sure this is true. And of course the
goal is to integrate technology into the curriculum as soon as possible. But
for older students from another country who has never used a computer, and
who struggles with issues around print literacy, it can be very
intimidating. For those students, it's important to address basic concepts
of computer use separately, and gradually incorporate other subjects into
it.

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Sylvan Rainwater  mailto:sylvan at cccchs.org
Program Manager Family Literacy
Clackamas Co. Children's Commission /  Head Start
Oregon City, OR  USA
 

-----Original Message-----
From: nifl-pli-bounces at nifl.gov [mailto:nifl-pli-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf
Of O'Connor, Susan
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2004 12:19 PM
 
 Good Afternoon:  At the Brooklyn Public Library Literacy Program we have
been using technology with ABE students (non-readers up to a fifth grade
level) for 12 years.  What is important is how technology is used, thus
technology is integrated into the educational experience.  Students use
email, search the net, etc.  There is not a separate "technology" curriculum
or component.  We have met with much success.
      Today's younger generation uses technology very naturally.  There will
be no need for a curriculum or charted set of lessons to be imposed on them.
Technology is a tool.  If we separate it out, we take away its power and
deny how much it has been intertwined with our lives.
Susan O'Connor