At their plant employees participated in seven hours of training, conducted over the course of a week. Time was provided for instruction as well as individual practice. Overall, this pilot was a success. Plans call for the course to be offered again in January at another company. The Wake Tech Basic Skills staff developed a curriculum for use with these laptops which will be used for successive programs.
Many creative teachers construct their own materials for classroom use.
When interviewed about instructional techniques, both Sallie Stone at Beaufort Community College and Sarah Lowdermelk at Catawba Valley Community College expressed great enthusiasm for the use of laptop computers with students. Since the computers are portable, instructors can take them to off campus sites. Students can work individually or in small groups on the computer while the teacher helps other students. This approach is especially helpful when there are many different skill levels in one class. Students build self-esteem as they gain computer skills as well as literacy skills.