I agree with Howard Gloria.  We used the web-based.  The only issue is
cost as is true for all software.  I have many ESL, ABE and GED students
who use it along with other instructional strategies.

 

Have you tried getting your students to figure it out instead of you?
You might have some great computer "geeks" hidden there in the
group....that gives them focus and frees your time.

va

 

________________________________

From: assessment-bounces at nifl.gov [mailto:assessment-bounces at nifl.gov]
On Behalf Of Gloria Fuentes
Sent: Tuesday, August 01, 2006 3:16 PM
To: hdooley at riral.org; The Assessment Discussion List
Subject: [Assessment 439] Re: Skills Bank

 

Hi Howard, 

I didn't know they had a web based program as well. What version are you
using over there? I came into this teaching job not knowing anything
about GED preparation. I am teaching Office Occupations and didn't know
I would also be preparing my students for GED as well. Which I don't
mind even though I am a brand new teacher. 

I took over this classroom where their had been no teacher for 4 months.
The only one that was working with the students was the sweet Case
Technician who knows very little about computers. 

I had never used Skills Bank and no one was there to show me the ropes
on anything, first teaching job and I have been learning everything the
hard way. I finally just figured out how to work the SkillsBank4 version
they have there. I did try to get some support on it but found out they
don't support version 4 anymore since they are now on version 5. SO--I
have been figuring it all out on my own. So far I think its great but I
have come to a problem where one of my students is ready to go on to
Intermediate Math and they say I don't have that,  with our package.

I have been told that when my boss gets back from vacation he has found
some money for some new hardware and software. So since we are working
on ANTIQUE PC's I thought I would put in for some new ones and also have
been checking out some good GED-Prep programs. So far I think SkillsBank
is winning. Plato seems VERY expensive and I am hearing it isn't very
user friendly. 

I have also found working with my students, along with the Skills Bank
program seems to be working BEST! 

Thank you very much for your response,

Gloria



On 8/1/06, Howard L. Dooley, Jr. <hdooley at riral.org> wrote:

We use My Skills Tutor, a web based program, which works very well with
our basic skills and GED or EDP preparation students.  RI purchased a
license as part of Project IDEAL participation, a distance learning
initiative.  At our main learning center, all High ESL, ABE and ASE
students experience the program, and have varying levels of
participation on it.  Several of our teachers have been using the
program with some learners, in preparation for an expanded use this fall
with our general ed, community based programs (which are mostly
part-time evening programs).  We intend to offer learners a blended
model (distance learning/ classroom instruction).  Learners who can't
attend every class or need to stop out will have support in continuing
with My Skills Tutor.  For learners in class, homework assignments will
include using the program, or to add reinforcement and more time on task
for individual needs.  I agree with Virginia: we find most learners can
access and stay with the program long enough to achieve some skill
development.  Very few students can use it as a stand-alone however,
mostly because they lack independent study skills and self-monitoring.
Staff is discussing if and how we can explicitly instruct in these
areas.

Howard D.


Virginia Tardaewether wrote: 

We use skills bank every day here in our basic skills lab.  We use it
for credit as well as non credit students.  We have the students run
their own tracking sheet rather than the tracking portion of the program
(due to our limitations).  In Salem, they have a lab assistant who keeps
track of the students.  This software works great for basic reading,
writing and math.  It also has some science, etc. depending upon what
you purchase.  Students engage with it well and will stick to it long
enough to gain skills using the software.  Haven't worked enough with
PLATO to comment.

Va

 

________________________________

From: assessment-bounces at nifl.gov [ mailto:assessment-bounces at nifl.gov
<mailto:assessment-bounces at nifl.gov> ] On Behalf Of Gloria Fuentes
Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 3:14 PM
To: Assessment at nifl.gov
Subject: [Assessment 430] Re: Skills Bank

 

Is anyone familiar with the SkillsBank software or Plato, if so what do
you think about it for GED preparation? 

-- 
Gloria Fuentes 




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-- 
Gloria Fuentes 

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