Digital Learning Solutions for Improving Adults' Basic Skills

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Digital Learning Solutions for Improving Adults' Basic Skills
Language: English
Authors: Robert Murphy, Shuai Wang (ORCID 0000-0002-4983-9558), Marie Bienkowski, Ruchi Bhanot
Source: Interactive Learning Environments. 2024 32(10):6173-6186.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 14
Publication Date: 2024
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Basic Education
Adult Education
Elementary Education
Descriptors: Electronic Learning, Technology Uses in Education, Adult Basic Education, Basic Skills, Educational Technology, Adult Students, Adult Literacy, Numeracy, Achievement Gains, Skill Development, Instructional Effectiveness, Literacy Education, Online Courses, Blended Learning, Direct Instruction
DOI: 10.1080/10494820.2023.2253860
ISSN: 1049-4820
1744-5191
Abstract: One of the primary goals of adult basic education programs is to help individuals develop the reading, writing, and math skills necessary to access stable employment opportunities. In the US, this need has been largely overlooked by the burgeoning educational technology sector. To understand how learning technologies might support these learners and what challenges program providers might face as they implement technology platforms, we conducted a study of 5 learning technology products across 11 states in the US. The study involved the participation of 14 program sites, 105 instructors, and 1596 adult learners. We documented the intended use of each product, ensured that educators got the appropriate training on the products, and collected pre- and post-scores on literacy and numeracy assessments. Overall, the effects on learning estimated for math were slightly larger than for reading. Moderate to large statistically reliable positive impacts were found for one product within one program site, and a moderate to large statistically significant negative effect was found for another product also within a single site. We offer recommendations for future research on the use of technology to support teaching and learning in this important area of education.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1455783
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:One of the primary goals of adult basic education programs is to help individuals develop the reading, writing, and math skills necessary to access stable employment opportunities. In the US, this need has been largely overlooked by the burgeoning educational technology sector. To understand how learning technologies might support these learners and what challenges program providers might face as they implement technology platforms, we conducted a study of 5 learning technology products across 11 states in the US. The study involved the participation of 14 program sites, 105 instructors, and 1596 adult learners. We documented the intended use of each product, ensured that educators got the appropriate training on the products, and collected pre- and post-scores on literacy and numeracy assessments. Overall, the effects on learning estimated for math were slightly larger than for reading. Moderate to large statistically reliable positive impacts were found for one product within one program site, and a moderate to large statistically significant negative effect was found for another product also within a single site. We offer recommendations for future research on the use of technology to support teaching and learning in this important area of education.
ISSN:1049-4820
1744-5191
DOI:10.1080/10494820.2023.2253860