Adult Literacy Program in Cabarrus County

1. Adult Literacy Program in Cabarrus County

2. Training for Tutors • Goal: Equip tutors with the tools that they need to teach the students basic computer literacy in the computer lab. Goodwill Community Foundation International http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computerbasics

3. Objectives • Objectives for the training: • The tutor will understand and embrace the importance of integrating basic computer use into the lessons that they share with the adult learner. • The tutor will become familiar with the computer lab and will be able to help the adult student feel comfortable in the lab. • The tutor will utilize the resources available to help the adult learner learn the basic steps in using the computer. • The tutor will conduct a basic computer class with the adult learner.

4. Introduction • Many of our students use technology daily with the use of the mobile phone. Literacy student, Jill uses her phone to play Words with Friends. Her tutor has never played this game, but she encourages Jill to do so. Jill is increasing her spelling skills, learning new vocabulary and having fun! John texts his tutor on his phone to tell her that he is just arriving at the library. Is she upstairs or downstairs at the library? John is communicating using writing in a way that has become natural to him even though he does not consider himself a good writer.

5. Students desire to learn to use the computer • When a student is assessed at intake, he/she is asked if they own a computer or know how to use one. 85% of the incoming students do not own a computer but would love to learn how to use one. With the appropriate tools, tutors can introduce their student to the world of computers.

6. Literacy student and tutor working in the Computer Lab at Concord First Assembly

7. Take 20 minutes to look at the materials • As a tutor, you will have a choice to use a textbook or an online class with your student. Goodwill Community Foundation International How does my student learn best. Will a book or an online class with videos work best? Out and About in the World of Computers http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computerbasics

8. Explore the resources • Look at the lessons • Watch the first video • Ask yourself, which will work best with your student?

9. Comfort Level • As a tutor you may feel comfortable in front of a computer, just as you feel confident reading a book aloud to your child. • Your student may feel intimidated in front of the computer, take note of his/her body language. Try to express to him/her that you are learning together. • What will you say to your student to make him/her feel at ease in the lab?

10. Plan the first lesson • Partner with a tutor and plan the first lesson. • Role play teaching the class to your student

11. Students will be here for the second hour of the training • Welcome your student to the computer lab • Go over use of ear buds during the videos • Remind the student that we are learning together about using the computer

12. Assessment of first lesson at the Computer Lab • Did your student begin to feel comfortable in the computer lab? • Did the first lesson that you planned using the text book or online classes help the student? • What would you change? • When will you meet your student again at the computer lab? • Please record your hours at the Literacy website.