Skills are more important than knowledge. Although TRW decided against working with the Texas firm, Ron continued to pursue the concept of inexpensive computer-enhanced training, and began to work as a technical consultant for the Texas company. To support development of the computer-enhanced courseware, a computer learning center was set up with 50 student workstations. Although adults learn faster than children, children learn more effectively. There are no cost-effective advantages to a networked computer system for a small center.
Most persons are visual learners, rather than auditory learners.
Shortly thereafter, the Los Angeles Mission contracted with Lighthouse to develop an adult educational program for the homeless men and women on their rehabilitation program. Using the concept of individualized computer-enhanced learning, the development of the NOVA Program was then begun. Although the mission began with several computers and the initial release of the adult literacy course, the curriculum emphasis shifted to School of Tomorrow workbooks. Adult males do not respond well to materials designed for children. The recurring cost of consumable student workbooks can be excessive.