Technology offers a promising alternative to the labor-intensive, tutorial-based teaching that makes up the bulk of today's literacy training. This technology, which includes multimedia (speech, video, and graphics), and telecommunications, offers new hope to those who have failed in paper-&-pencil educational activities. The report estimates that at least 35 million adults have difficulties with common literacy skills. Over 80 charts, tables and photos. Glossary.

The Office of Technology Assessment reviewed the nation's literacy problem and the current and potential impact of using technologies in adult literacy programs. Data were collected from 2 workshops, 155 contributors and reviewers, 60 existing literacy programs, and 6 contractor reports. The information is summarized in this eight-chapter report. Chapter 1 is a summary and outline of policy issues and options. Chapter 2 examines the changing nature of literacy, the demographics of adult literacy, and the need for literacy education. The special needs of adult learners and the role of technology in meeting them is discussed in Chapter 3. Chapters 4 and 5 describe the existing system of literacy education and the federal role in it. Promising roles for technology in improving literacy education are outlined in Chapter 6. Chapter 7 deals with access/barriers to technology use in existing literacy programs, and Chapter 8 assesses the future role of technology in literacy education. Appendixes include the following: a list of the report's boxes, figures, and tables; information on major federal adult literacy/basic skills programs and key coordination provisions in literacy legislation; a glossary and list of acronyms; and lists of the study's reviewers and contributors. (MN)

"This book provides a global look at educational technologies for adult learners with content drawing from theory, research, practice, individual experience, and offers insight by leading scholars, theorists, and practitioners worldwide"--Provided by publisher.

People currently live in a digital age in which technology is now a ubiquitous part of society. It has become imperative to develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of emerging innovations and technologies. Information and Technology Literacy: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications is an authoritative reference source for the latest scholarly research on techniques, trends, and opportunities within the areas of digital literacy. Highlighting a wide range of topics and concepts such as social media, professional development, and educational applications, this multi-volume book is ideally designed for academics, technology developers, researchers, students, practitioners, and professionals interested in the importance of understanding technological innovations.

"This book provides a comprehensive framework of trends and issues related to adult learning"--Provided by publisher.

A comprehensive exploration of technology's role in adult learning Technology and Innovation in Adult Learning introduces educators and students to the intersection of adult learning and the growing technological revolution. Written by an internationally recognized expert in the field, this book explores the theory, research, and practice driving innovation in both adult learning and learning technology, and illuminates a powerful approach to recognize and leverage these opportunities. Building on current trends and research in technology and its use, each chapter illustrates the need, opportunities, and examples of current and future technologies that scaffold adult learning, and provides comprehensive coverage of both current and emerging challenges. Many adult learning faculty, practitioners, and students realize that technology presents a growing and ever-present set of issues, yet few feel confident in identifying the opportunities that arise with each step forward. This book clarifies the interplay between adult learning and learning technology, and characterizes the cyclic exchange of information and opportunities that link these fields now and in the future. Understand the critical issues currently affecting adult learning Learn how technology is presenting both opportunities and challenges for the teaching and learning of adults in different contexts Examine recent research on learning technology for adult learners Discover how technological innovation can be applied now and how it will continue to shape the future of learning Adult learning is on the rise, and there is no mistaking technology's role; whether they're learning with or about technology, today's adult learners come with unique sets of needs and skills that demand specialized approaches. Traditional pedagogical techniques don't transfer directly, and learning technology requires its own unique approach to development and use. Technology and Innovation in Adult Learning equips practitioners to further adult learning and shape the future of the field, while providing a rich perspective for classroom inquiry and research.