RESOURCES
Below are reports that were written by Support Center staff on specific research and evaluation projects when the IDEAL Consortium was known as Project IDEAL.
New Models for Distance Classes in Adult Education (2015)
This report describes the innovations of a number of distance teachers who have identified a number of online tools that promise to better meet the needs of learners than the typical commercial curriculum package. The report provides classroom models that should be useful for training distance educators.
The Missouri Distance Learning Mentoring Program (2005)
Reports on the pilot efforts of Missouri to implement a mentoring program to support the professional development of distance teachers working with adult learners.
Measuring the Motivation and Strategy Use of GED Students in Distance Education Programs (2005)
Summarizes a pilot study done to evaluate the methodology and psychometric properties of an on-line instrument for assessing motivation and strategy use among GED students studying at a distance.
Adult Education in Non-Classroom Settings. A Pilot Test in Pennsylvania, Phase II: October 2001-June 2002
Reports on Pennsylvania’s second phase—and expansion—of their pilot test of distance learning.
Pennsylvania’s Distance Learning Project 2004-2005
Presents findings from telephone focus groups conducted with various stakeholders in Pennsylvania’s multi-faced approach to offering distance learning: students, centralized teaching agency teachers, provider agency teachers, provider agency administrators and referring agency contacts.
Additional resources co-authored by Project IDEAL founder Dr. Jere Johnston.
Expanding Access to Adult Literacy with Online Distance Education
Askov, E., Johnston, J., Petty, L. I., & Young, S. J. (2003). Cambridge, MA: NCSALL, Harvard University.
Traces the history of distance education and examines the potential for online education to meet the needs of adult basic learners. Includes case studies of state efforts to implement distance education programs and an examination of distance education in Australia.
Assessing the Impact of Technology in Teaching and Learning: A Sourcebook for Evaluators
Johnston, J., & Toms Barker, L. (Eds.) (2002). Ann Arbor: Institute for Social Research, The University of Michigan.
Provides an overview of measurement issues in seven areas, from learner outcomes to technology integration. A collection of appendices includes examples of measures used in a variety of technology projects previously funded by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES)
The Potential of Technology in Adult Basic Education
Johnston, J. (2001). Ann Arbor: Institute for Social Research, The University of Michigan.
This short summary examines the lessons learned from the PBS LiteracyLink project about using the Workplace Essential Skills and GED Connection curricula at a distance.
National Field Test of Workplace Essential Skills
Johnston, J., Young, S. J., & Petty, L. I. (2001). Ann Arbor: Institute for Social Research, The University of Michigan.
Executive Summary; Abstract
Reports on the findings of a national field test of Workplace Essential Skills designed to assess the potential of the materials to enhance the knowledge and skills of ABE students under optimal conditions.
Using TV411 in a Facilitated Group
Johnston, J., Petty, L. I., & Young, S. J. (2001). Ann Arbor: Institute for Social Research, The University of Michigan.
TV411FGpAbstr2001
Examines the impact of using TV411 in a facilitated group setting on the attitudes, confidence, educational plans and academic gains of adult learners.
Using TV411 at Home: A Pilot Test of Home View and Outreach Models
Johnston, J., Petty, L. I., & Young, S. J. (2000). Ann Arbor: Institute for Social Research, The University of Michigan.
Abstract
Explores the use of TV411 in two groups: ABE adults viewing and studying at home alone and ABE adults studying at home with weekly help from a tutor.
LiteracyLink Pilot Test, Fall 1998
Johnston, J., & Young, S. J. (1998). Ann Arbor: Institute for Social Research, The University of Michigan.
Reports on a pilot test of the LiteracyLink products midway through the project period conducted to determine if any design adjustments were needed to better meet the needs of the target audience.
Executive Summary of the Evaluation of the Pilot Implementation of Crossroads Café
Johnston, J., Brzezinski, E., & Stites, R. (1996).
Provides brief highlights of the findings from the pilot evaluation of Crossroads Café.
Crossroads Café: Evaluation of the Fall 1995 Pilot Implementation
Johnston, J., Brzezinski, E., & Stites, R. (1995).
Offers a full report about the pilot evaluation of Crossroads Café used by ESOL students in three different approaches.