A study evaluated the potential of low-cost microcomputers for enhancing the effectiveness of adult basic education (ABE) programs conducted for mentally handicapped adults. In conducting the study, researchers selected a sample of 36 mentally-handicapped adults who were served by the San Antonio State Hospital and the San Antonio State School. These adults were divided into three groups, each of which underwent basic literacy skill (reading comprehension) instruction using either a low-cost microcomputer, the programed instructional format, or traditional classroom methods. During the study, two learning conditions were assessed--massed versus spaced learning. Analysis of the results obtained revealed that computer-assisted instruction was superior as an instructional methodology to both programed instruction and traditional classroom teaching approaches. The results also suggested that spaced practice was clearly superior to massed practice in terms of facilitating learning. A final phase of the project involved the development of a manual to provide adult education teachers with the knowledge necessary to implement a similar microcomputer instructional program. (MN)