ERIC Number: ED436678
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1999-Dec
Pages: 6
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1035-6932
EISSN: N/A
ANAMOL: A Creative Experience Using Communications Technology.
Marr, Beth
ARIS Resources Bulletin, v10 n4 p1-3 Dec 1999
The Adult Numeracy and Mathematics On-Line (ANAMOL) project investigated the use of online technology as a medium for professional discussion, networking, and collaboration among a small group of isolated adult numeracy practitioners in Australia. After investigation of several methods of online communication, freeware was selected because, in most educational organizations, the use of online systems is complicated by conditions and limitations related to official enrollment or registration of all users. Using freeware packages had particular advantages, such as no cost, ease of use, and independence from outside organizations and people. The two packages selected were "People-Link" and "Discus"; this software was supplemented with electronic and postal mail. The project involved an induction session, followed by a series of discussions focused on weekly readings related to numeracy teaching and assessment issues. After a few weeks, most of the participants were fascinated with this new form of communication and gained confidence in its use. Advantages of this form of communication included the scope of the discussion, the ability to distribute it to all participants, and the ability to post messages whenever one wanted, rather than waiting for a gap in the dialog. Project outcomes included creation of a bank of adult numeracy teaching and learning activities made available online, reduction in isolation among practitioners, and increase in ability to use technology. Obstacles were mostly related to technological and access problems. (Contains 10 references.) (KC)
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Adult, Community, and Further Education Board, Melbourne (Australia).
Authoring Institution: National Languages and Literacy Inst. of Australia, Melbourne. Adult Education Resource and Information Service.
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A