Computer-assisted instruction in teaching literacy skills to adults not in paid employment

Adults in New Zealand participating in an employment training scheme designed for people who have not been in paid employment for some time completed a 7-week course in basic literacy skills under conditions of computer-assisted learning or traditional instruction. Significantly greater achievements were made in reading (word recognition, word accuracy, and comprehension) and numeracy (mathematics concepts, operations and applications) under computer-assisted instruction than under traditional instruction. The computer-assisted instruction was also positively received and was associated with an increase in confidence in using computers. It is argued that the computer offers a valuable alternative approach to teaching basic education which may be particularly suitable for adults who have nor been successful in regular schooling.