An Evaluation of the Use of Technology in Support of Adult Basic Education in Massachusetts.

An evaluation (involving questionnaires, telephone interviews, focus groups, site visits, e-mail questions, and lab observation) assessed the success in implementing a statewide technology plan for adult literacy programs in Massachusetts that grew out of a set of recommendations developed by the Massachusetts Adult Literacy Technology Team (MALTT), an ad hoc group of practitioners. The evaluation generated lessons about use of technology in adult literacy programs. Findings indicated: a well-developed technology infrastructure throughout the adult basic education (ABE) system; a significant level of access to and use of computer technology and a wide variety of related software by adult learners and program staff; a significant level of Internet access among ABE programs; a great deal of interest among staff and learners to expand their use of technology; two significant barriers (time and cost) to effective use of technology for learners, teachers, and administrative staff; a need for best practice models and technical assistance; a significant level of training and staff development among adult literacy staff; development, refinement, and implementation of SMARTT, a statewide student data and outcome tracking system; and a need to explore opportunities for technology-related funding. Among recommendations were: less focus on hardware acquisition and more of a strategic approach to training, curriculum integration, and maximizing use of existing infrastructure. (YLB)