Open Source Adult Literacy Software

[Jonathan Carter (highvoltage)]

Hi Jack

On 17/09/2010 20:03, Jack ODonnell wrote:
> One of our partners has requested that we send computers that can be
> used in an adult literacy programs.  Since the computers will be
> equipped with Edubuntu we are hoping to add programs to help them
> address this need
> 
> Does anyone know of Linux based software that would compliment an adult
> literacy program? Or secondarily does anyone know of free online
> resources that could be used to support such a program

I was once involved in a project where we set up two Ubuntu labs in
prisons. We didn't have much of a plan initially and didn't know quite
what to expect. Since they weren't allowed Internet access (or at least,
very limited and monitored Internet access at very specific times), we
installed as much software on the systems as possible.

We knew that some of the residents (for lack of better word, I'm not
sure if 'inmates' is a P.C. term these days) didn't have any computer
skills or exposure before, so we installed all the edu* packages as well
since they're usually quite useful for teaching basic keyboard and mouse
skills. It turns out that even kids games for spelling and reading
worked quite well there.

I'm surprised that there isn't more Linux-based software that's
specifically aimed towards adult literacy, it's kind of a low-hanging
fruit, although not particularly 'glamorous'.

If you do find anything that's useful that we could include in Edubuntu,
please let us know!

-Jonathan