Discusses conceptual constructs that may be useful for inservice teacher education programs evaluating the nature and educational use of instructional software for adult learners. Topics discussed include the increasing use and importance of computers in industry and in education; intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs); and the concept of an ideal…

Charles Sanders Peirce's phenomenological investigations throughout his lifetime led to discovery of his theory of semiotics and created both his earlier pragmatism and his later pragmaticism. After briefly discussing postmodernists' themes, description, and critiques of Western culture, this article shows how Peirce's theory of signs and…

A survey based on Knowles' andragogical principles received 294 responses (45 percent) indicating that Canada's Open College students enrolled for very pragmatic reasons, were intrinsically motivated, used life experiences in assignments but could not do so in examinations, and were not interested in self-directed learning, perhaps because of time…

Relates studies in the current issue to three research concerns: (1) specific nature of the changes that result in training improvement; (2) relationship between experimental conditions and training improvement; and (3) individual difference variables affecting training improvement. Compares research on cognitive training of children and of older…

Notes environmental factors affecting adult learning situations: territoriality, seating arrangements, sightlines, and equipment. A checklist for conducting a space audit includes features inside and outside the classroom. (SK)

Describes programs at the Toronto Public Library that teach Internet skills to adult learners, including English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classes and undereducated adults. Highlights include a sample lesson plan; experiences with adult-literacy classes; expanding Internet training; and Web sites for ESL and adult-literacy classes. (LRW)

A study of 13 returning undergraduates over 26 showed that their definition of college success used primarily external standards, but internal criteria defined successful learning. Factors supporting/hindering success included life experience, maturity, motivation, self-monitoring, reinforcement, and the nature and quality of classroom…

The new teacher education programs envision professional teachers as continuous learners rather than "finished" products. Teachers must understand subject matter deeply and flexibly so they can help students create useful cognitive maps, relate ideas, and address misconceptions. Teachers need opportunities for year-long apprenticeships,…

Incarceration, mandatory education, and the freedom to learn all present confounding, yet novel realities for Arizona State Prison inmates assessed below eighth grade levels in reading, language, or mathematics. A profound transition occurs when prisoners choose to succeed in this second-chance program. When they truly appreciate learning's…

Discusses the role of online searchers and training needs. Highlights include legal research training; organizational learning, including adult education and lifelong learning; chance and play in learning; training tips that focus on adult learners; and Internet training resources. (LRW)

Describes a survey of microcomputer use for adults with learning disability within The Home Farm Trust, a United Kingdom national organization for people with learning disability that was carried out in light of a planned organization-wide initiative to introduce modern information and communications technology to service users. (Author/LRW)

Provides human performance technologists in health care, business and industry, human services, higher learning, government agencies, and the military with criteria for evaluating commercially produced instructional programs designed for older adult learners. Older adults' physical changes are described, learning performance is discussed, and a…

Discusses teachers' perceptions of an externally imposed appraisal process at a small British special school. Examines teachers' experiences to explore whether appraisal can be a learning process enabling schools to become learning organizations. Teachers will only become conscious, competent learners if they design their tasks within a flexible,…

Describes Thirteen/WNET's wNetSchool and other Web sites of interest to adult learners and adult educators. Sites offer a variety of resources, including lesson plans, learning objectives, suggested activities, online video, links to other Web sites, continuing education programming, and adult literacy programs. (Author/LRW)

Analyzes how tools and interactions structure the way adult learners write in a socially interactive computer classroom. Argues that computers are not only instruments that make writing more efficient but are central to the construction of the writing itself. Contains 32 references. (JDI)