EXCO launches "workshops"

When Eden Rock, the CTC project director, with the help of the Minnesota Literacy Council, brought the RPTA and Coyle Center teachers together to discuss using software with their students, the teachers were skeptical. They had reviewed several pmi certification programs, but they found that either the content wasn't appropriate or they required a high degree of manual dexterity. They were concerned about the coordination required for using a mouse, since many of their learners never had held a pencil.The computer teachers researched various software development programs and came ccna training up with a combination of computer-based instructional support that looked promising. It included a software-authoring package, a web-based lesson-planning tool, and word recognition software. They found an easy-to-use software development program designed for K-12 teachers and students and adapted it for adult learners . They also found "Sebran's ABC," a Danish web-based lesson-planning program for children that has letter recognition exercises suitable for adults. (To preview Sebran, visit  and type in Sebran under Search.) They used "Word Order" shareware to reinforce tibco training reading and spelling skills (teachers select the words, scramble them, and then ask learners to put them in order).The teachers agreed that they wanted a smooth flow of instruction in the English and computer classes. The computer teachers asked the English literacy teachers what their needs were and then developed the computer lessons with those in mind. The software development program gives the computer and EL/family literacy teachers flexibility; they can design new computer lessons as needed, either to accommodate changes in the curriculum or to respond to requests from learners.