[NLA] Guest on NIFL Technology List 3/18-3/22

[David J. Rosen]

NLA Colleagues,

Emily Hacker, Moderator of the NIFL Technology List, has asked that I post 
this announcement:

Hello list: We have a special opportunity to explore an interactive web site
that teaches basic skills in a simulated office setting. I've invited the
web site's developer, Michael Hillinger, to join us on the list next week
(3/18 - 3/22) to discuss the site. Michael is very interested in getting
your feedback on the current prototype, answering questions and taking any
suggestions you may have to further develop this resource. 

Here is a schedule for this discussion: From 3/12-3/17, explore "The Office"
(details are in Michael's intro below). As you explore, jot down questions,
comments, ideas, etc. From 3/18-3/22, discuss your questions and ideas on
the list with Michael.
**************************************************************************
MICHAEL'S INTRO - PLEASE READ:

hello to all,

Over the last two years I have been working on a particularly interesting
project funded by OVAE/DoEd. Our goal was to look at ways to train basic
skills, in particular the SCANS skills, using technology. The result is a
site called "The Office" 
http://www.workingsimulations.com/theOffice.html. The goal is to create
instruction that melds basic skill instruction and the context in which
those skills are used.  The Office is a highly interactive simulation of an
office workday--you answer the phone, read and respond to memos and email,
set priorities, etc. But the underlying goal is to practice the basic skills
that comprise these tasks. Reading, math, problem solving, social skills all
come into play. The audience for this material is likely varied. Certainly
students in vocational education, adult basic ed, and workplace
(re)training. But existing on the web also allows it to reach other
audiences who find value in the approach and topics.

This program is still a prototype. The number of skills is fairly limited
and there are some areas that need improvement. Still, it is a significant
piece of work with more depth and interactivity than you will find almost
anywhere else on the web. If  you have the time, please stop by and give the
program a try. Let me know what you think, good and bad during our
discussion next week. I'd be particularly interested in other tasks you
think might fit this context. For example, we already have been working on
an addition to the program on "phone skills", answering, social skills,
problem solving--around the use of the phone. You may also have some ideas
for how it could be used in your particular context.

Finally, if you want to read more about the programs approach and
philosophy, I have a paper published at 
http://www.readingonline.org/electronic/elec_index.asp?HREF=hillinger that
provides some background.


To use this program.

The version now on the web 
http://www.workingsimulations.com/theOffice.html is free of charge and may
be used by anyone with a web connection. If you don't already have it, you
will need to download the free shockwave plugin for your browser. There is a
link on the site that will help you with that. Your computer should also
have sound capability.

Once you successfully download the program enter your name and proceed to
the opening screen. The "welcome" button takes you on a tour of the program.
I suggest you start in to the program immediately by clicking the "settings"
button and, on the next screen, clicking the "start" button. This will set
you up with a basic lesson that includes a couple of skill strands. The
first task will start about a minute after you begin the program.
 
=====
Michael Hillinger
LexIcon Systems
Beaver Meadow Rd
Sharon VT 05065
802.763.7599 (office)
802.384.7599 (cell)
email: mlh at lexiconsys.com
http://www.lexiconsys.com/


********************************************************************
Emily Hacker
Moderator, NIFL Technology
Director of Learning Technologies
F.E.G.S
(212) 366-8122
ehacker at fegs.org

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PASS ON THIS INFORMATION!!! 



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