[NIFL-FAMILY:3236] RE: Instructional Software

From: Judith Lashof (jlashof@rcsu.org)
Date: Mon Oct 23 2000 - 14:06:21 EDT


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From: "Judith Lashof" <jlashof@rcsu.org>
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Subject: [NIFL-FAMILY:3236] RE: Instructional Software
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I really recommend you look at software that is designed for fun learning in
the elementary grades that is visual and interactive and adjusts to the
learner's ability.  This stuff is much better and cheaper than sequential
GED workbooks set into a computer programmed learning format.  My favorite
quality, cost, and adaptability is Edmark software.  For my small program
with limited budget I picked up some of their CDs designed for home use for
only $10 each on sale at their web site.  They do also sell network and lab
packs for schools.  Their math software is absolutely the best I have seen
anywhere.  I especially like zoo zillions & carnival countdown.  It is far
superior to anything you can find in a workbook, to say the least.
www.edmark.com 1-800-362-2890.

Judith Lashof
Rutland Region Even Start Coordinator
RCSU/257 S. Main St./Rutland, VT 05701
802-775-4342
jlashof@rcsu.org


-----Original Message-----
From: nifl-family@nifl.gov [mailto:nifl-family@nifl.gov]On Behalf Of
mdryden@esconett.org
Sent: Friday, October 20, 2000 4:28 PM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: [NIFL-FAMILY:3229] Instructional Software






I am looking for software for a large program with ABE/GED/ESL students,
and I would appreciate recommendations.

We have English Discoveries at one center; we are exploring using it for
ESL at all 11 learning centers; however, we are a little concerned that it
is not the right program for our students in the Rio Grande Valley--they
are almost 100 per cent hispanic, educationally disadvantaged (75%), and
70% or more are unemployed.

We are going to preview the Oxford Picture Dictionay CD-rom, but we wonder
how useful that will be, since we use the dictionaries throughout the
program.

We have Rosetta Stone for the lowest levels, at one center, and we are
going to look at the programs for higher levels.

For pre-GED/GED, we have Contemporary GED and pre-GED at all sites. We are
looking for something for lower levels--the adult equivalent (?) of grades
1-6.

We have previewed some Steck-Vaughn programs for ABE/GED and reading.  Some
of these are said to be adaptable (?) for ESL students.

My inclination is that the primary software that we purchase for ESL should
be an integrated skills series, but I would like recommendations on what to
look at.  I think that we should also have a reading and perhaps a math
program that would encompass many levels and benefit all our population, to
some extent.



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