Hi David and others,
I just looked up Google Image <http://images.google.com/> because I had 
never used it before, and it is amazing!  It would be invaluable in an ESOL 
workplace setting (or any ESOL setting)!  I do see it as innovative, at 
least, if it is new to people. Thanks so much for pointing this up to 
us.  And it makes me wonder how many other great and also utilitarian sites 
are out there that I don't know about.

Donna

Donna JG Brian
Workplace Literacy Discussion List Moderator, and
Coordinator/Developer LINCS Workforce Education Special Collection at 
http://worklink.coe.utk.edu/
Center for Literacy Studies at The University of Tennessee
600 Henley Street, Suite 312
Knoxville, TN 37996-4135

865-974-3420 (desk phone)        FAX 865-974-3857
djgbrian at utk.edu

At 5/27/2004 -040009:27 PM, you wrote:

>NIFL-Workplace Colleagues,

>

>I conducted an informal online survey on the use of technology in 

>workplace education programs  in mid-May, 2004.  20 NIFL-Workplace 

>subscribers, workplace education practitioners from across the country, 

>participated.  Below is a summary of their responses by question.

>

>I wonder what strikes you -- if anything -- as innovative ?  Is there 

>something from this survey that intrigues you, that you would like to 

>explore for your own workplace education program?  If so, what?

>

>I, for one, love the idea of using Google Image to find workplace 

>education images to teach basic work-related vocabulary.  Is this an 

>innovation?

>

>David J. Rosen

>djrosen at comcast.net

>

>

>

>

>1. How do you use technology in your workplace literacy program now?

>

>a. Basic computer literacy, e.g. opening, reading, replying to and writing 

>e-mail messages in Outlook 3, very basic Internet navigation, etc.

>

>b. Helping students learn how to use software tools:

>• Keyboarding, for example, to help students pay attention to letters in a 

>word

>• word processing, for example to type essays or stories

>• spreadsheet skills

>• Powerpoint presentations

>• E-mail: Students e-mail each other, family and friends, and the instructor

>• Web editor software to design one's own Web site

>

>c. Instructional software (see question 2 for specific examples)

>• Individual plans created for each learner in a computer-aided 

>instruction environment at a drop-in learning center in a shopping mall

>• Vocational ESL software

>• Individualized instruction to meet individual needs, in the classroom 

>setting

>• Websites for instruction, e.g. in spelling, vocabulary development, 

>reading. etc,

>• Online courses with Web-based resources, e.g. using the course platform, 

>Blackboard

>

>d. Job skills Training in how to use office software

>• MS Office Certification program

>

>e. Software for reporting program data

>

>f. Hardware

>• A resource center with computers and Internet access for participants

>• Calculators

>• VCR's and videotapes

>• Overhead projector

>• Laptop computers

>

>g. The Worldwide Web

>• Research, e.g. how to look things up on the Web

>• Using "Google image" for pictures of concrete words, for example objects 

>used at work (Try, for example, "safety signs" or "micrometer")

>• Using the Merriam-Webster Web site so learners can hear pronunciations 

>of words they don't know how to read

>

>

>2. What software do you find most worthwhile?

>

>• Skillsbank 4 (Basic Skills Integrated Learning System)

>• Rosetta Stone (Introductory ESOL software)

>• English Mastery (American Language Academy program, for more advanced 

>students)

>• Working Phonics (for literacy students)

>• TOEC American Pronunciation

>• Choices

>• WorkWorld

>• Microsoft programs, e.g. Ms Office Suite, MSWord, MS Excel, Messenger 

>(email software)

>• Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing

>• Focus on Grammar

>• Learn to Speak English

>• Word Attack Plus

>• New Oxford Picture Dictionary

>• Dreamweaver (for web-page design)

>• Photoshop

>• Acrobat Professional

>• Lotus Notes

>• WebCT  and Blackboard (online courseware platforms)

>• Flash

>• Respondus Lite

>• Workplace Essential Skills (an instructional program which has print, 

>online and video components)

>• GED Prep

>• BEST Plus (a new, computer-based ESOL assessment)

>• An interactive Spanish/English dictionary

>• Web browsers such as Internet Explorer and Netscape

>• Antivirus software

>• MOS WORD

>

>3. Are you using distance learning?

>

>Three of twenty respondents said "yes."  One, in Illinois, said DL is used 

>by a few GED learners. Two employees registered for GED Illinois Online 

>www.gedillinois.org.  Another practiioner said they use Blackboard where 

>they design online exercises in which students can post their own 

>comments, papers and find their grades.

>

>4. How do you plan to expand the use of technology in your workplace 

>literacy program?

>

>Many responded with expansion or upgrading of current hardware and 

>software and connectivity.  Some mentioned strategic planning. One 

>respondent mentioned the expansion of a portable lab.  One found free 

>Internet software more valuable than commercial software because students 

>can access the material from home or the library.

>

>5. Has any research or evaluation been done on the outcomes of using 

>technology in your workplace literacy program?

>

>No research.  Some have done evaluation.  Some use pre-post standardized 

>tests.  Some have anecdotal evidence of success.

>

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