Literacy Resources

Zoom

A web-based software that allows groups to communicate via phone and/or video. A webinar version also allows users to share their screens, allowing programs to show documents needed during instruction. During the pandemic, for the free, basic version of Zoom, the 40-minute time limit has been lifted. Apply online at https://zoom.us/pricing.

Free Conference Call

Free Conference Call is a conference call solution which allows up to 1,000 participants to participate in a phone conference for free. There is a web-based version which allows for screen sharing, which gives instructors the ability to show learners documents needed for instruction.

Backchannel Chat

Backchannel Chat is a free, online, text-based class discussion tool that is designed to support instructors. Backchannels are great for facilitating participation in classroom discussions.

Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts is an easy-to-join way to conduct video calls between instructors and learners. Google is now rolling out free access to the advanced Hangouts video-conference capabilities for education customers until July 1. Click here to learn more.

Skype

Similar to Zoom or other software, Skype is an easy way for instructors and leaners to communicate. You can download and access Skype for free.

While this is not an exhaustive list, these are some of the more popular, free tools to explore for helping programs continue communication between administrators, instructors, and learners.

Online Learning Consortium

OLC Continuity Planning and Emergency Preparedness: a collection of resources and initiatives to support efforts in moving courses to an online format… https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/about/olc-continuity-planning-moving-teaching-online/

EveryoneOn offers broadband service to income-eligible families (for example, those that qualify for free or reduced school lunch, or who live in public housing) at a cost of around $10-12 per month (varies from state-to-state). Some states also offer very low-cost laptops or desktops ($100-200).

Several internet providers are offering discounts or free internet services during the time of the pandemic:

Comcast offers income-eligible families internet access at $10-12 per month. However, they are now offering this low-cost service for free for the next 60 days. internetessentials.com

AT&T is waiving data overage fees to all customers so that families and students can stay connected during the pandemic. They will not terminate service of any customer over the next 60 days. All AT&T consumer home internet wireline customers, as well as Fixed Wireless Internet, can use unlimited internet data. Additionally, AT&T will continue to offer internet access for qualifying limited income households at $10 a month through the Access from AT&T program.

Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free—including non-Xfinity customers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, click here.

Verizon is waiving late fees and committing to no discontinuation of service during the next 60 days. Visit verizon.com/about/news/our-response-coronavirus for information about Verizon’s services during the pandemic.

General Websites for BL Students

Adult Ed. And Basic Literacy Resources on the Web upd. 2/9/2023

Best Adult Literacy Website Collections for Tutor Resources

  1. Adult Literacy Network: https://www.adultliteracyleague.org/resources/
  2. Literacy Information and Communication Systems (LINCS): http://lincs.ed.gov/
  3. Minnesota Adult Education: https://mnpdcatalog.org/
  4. Literacy MN: https://www.literacymn.org/educator-resources
  5. Eastside Literacy: http://www.eastsideliteracy.org/tutorsupport/index.htm
  6. Florida Literacy: https://floridaliteracy.org/tutor_help_center_literacy_abe.html
  7. Adult Learning Center: Resources – Adult Learning Center (vbschools.com)
  8. Adult Education Open Community of Resources: https://www.oercommons.org/groups/adult-education-open-community-of-resources/45/503/
  9. The Literacy List, Newsome Associates: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kiWa4nj8_j8YaJU71NbjMYPfMUJ8xax29CTFdy-yveA/edit
  10. PBS: https://nm.pbslearningmedia.org/collection/ketpd_adulted/?topic_id=2281

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General Websites for BL Students

  1. Goodwill Community Foundation Learn Free: https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/; https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/subjects/core-skills/
  2. BBC Skillswise: http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise
  3. Your Dictionary: YourDictionary: Definitions and Meanings From Over a Dozen Trusted Dictionary Sources
  4. Encyclopedia.com: Encyclopedia.com | Free Online Encyclopedia
  5. Music lyrics: Lyrics.com
  6. IXL: https://www.ixl.com/
  7. Common Core Worksheets: https://www.commoncoresheets.com/

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Distance Learning

  1. Online games:
  2. Online vocab:
  3. Ditch that Textbook: https://ditchthattextbook.com/elearning/
  4. https://www.wisc-online.com/
  5. Puzzle Builders:
  6. Virtual Tours:
  7. Word games:
  8. Jamboard: https://jamboard.google.com/

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Easier News

  1. New York Times Learning Network: http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/
  2. The Times in Plain English: https://www.thetimesinplainenglish.com/
  3. News For You: www.newsforyouonline.com
  4. Voice of America: https://learningenglish.voanews.com/
  5. Newsela: https://newsela.com/
  6. PBS Newshour: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/
  7. Breaking News English: https://breakingnewsenglish.com/simple-english-news.html
  8. Simple English News: https://www.simpleenglishnews.com/
  9. News in Levels: https://www.newsinlevels.com/

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Visual Literacy

  1. New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/nyregion/1-in-8-million/index.html#
  2. National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/photography
  3. TV411: https://www.tv411.org/
  4. PBS Media Collection: eMediaVA | Virginia’s premier destination for high-quality instructional resources.
  5. Videos: HippoCampus – Homework and Study Help – Free help with your algebra, biology, environmental science, American government, US history, physics and religion homework

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Reading

  1. Goodwill: https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/topics/reading/
  2. Read Works: https://www.readworks.org/
  3. Read Theory: ReadTheory | Free Reading Comprehension Practice for Students and Teachers
  4. National Council for Teachers of English: Resources for Virtual Instruction and Online Learning – NCTE
  5. Read Write Think: https://www.readwritethink.org/
  6. Read Theory for Reading Comprehension: https://readtheory.org/
  7. Eureka!: Eureka! – Teaching Strategies: Reading/Listening Teaching Strategies (kent.edu)
  8. Book Smart: https://booksmart.worldreader.org/en/BookSmart
  9. Barbara Bush Foundation: https://www.barbarabush.org/reading-resource-library/
  10. Reading Texts:
    1. Southwest ABE Stories: https://www.readingskills4today.com/
    2. Common Lit (fiction and nonfiction articles): https://www.commonlit.org/en
    3. Wonderopolis (nonfiction readings): https://www.wonderopolis.org/
    4. Grade-level-based readings with audio: https://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/readability/flesch_kincaid_grade_level/
    5. Read Works: https://www.readworks.org/find-content#!q:/g:/t:/pt:/features:/contentTab:search/
    7. Story Line: https://storylineonline.net/
    8. Awesome Stories: AwesomeStories: blended learning, research, reading, writing, citing
    9. Reading Skills for Today: https://www.readingskills4today.com/
    10. Reading Resources for Adults Collection: https://www.aphasia.com/2021/07/22/best-free-online-reading-resources-for-adults/

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Writing/ Grammar

  1. Barbara Bush Foundation: https://www.barbarabush.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Q2-RRL_writing_1-_FINAL_.pdf
  2. All Things Grammar: https://www.allthingsgrammar.com/
  3. English Club: EnglishClub – Learn or Teach English Today
  4. Daily Grammar: Daily Grammar Lesson Archive
  5. English Page: https://www.englishpage.com/
  6. Pizzazz: PIZZAZ, Creative Writing & Storytelling, Opp-Beckman (uoregon.edu)
  7. Puzzlemaker: https://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/
  8. Spelling: http://www.spellingcity.com
  9. English Quizzes: English Quizzes: Grammar Exercises & Worksheets – UsingEnglish.com
  10. Grammar 101: English Grammar 101 – Online Grammar Lessons

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General GED/ HSE Prep

  1. Thought Co (with links): http://adulted.about.com/od/gettingyourged/a/GEDstudy.htm
  2. Regional Adult & Career Education (RACE): https://myrace1.org/free-study-resources/
  3. Durham Literacy: https://www.durhamliteracy.org/resources-for-pre-ged–ged-study
  4. GED.com: https://ged.com/educators_admins/teaching/classroom_materials/
  5. Essential Education: https://www.passged.com/ged-study-guide-math
  6. Florida Literacy: https://floridaliteracy.org/ged_information.html
  7. GED Math Crash Course: https://sites.google.com/view/gedmathcrashcourse/home
  8. Mary Gaston’s Online GED Math Collection: https://wakelet.com/wake/oQZOo5ptFvRI1eMuow9i1

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Numeracy

  1. Resource Collections:
    1. State of New Hampshire: https://www.education.nh.gov/who-we-are/division-of-learner-support/bureau-of-adult-education/adult-education-mathematics-library
    2. Adult Education Open Community of Resources: https://www.oercommons.org/groups/adult-education-open-community-of-resources/45/179/
    3. Lincs: https://lincs.ed.gov/resource-collection?keys&field_topic_target_id%5B7543%5D=7543
    4. Florida Literacy Resources:
    5. Eastside Literacy: http://www.eastsideliteracy.org/tutorsupport/Math/MathIdeas.htm
    6. State of CA: https://www.nationalcityca.gov/government/library/adult-literacy/tutor-training
  2. Training: Illinois Tutor training, numeracy: https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/library/literacy/oltt/lesson9_1.html
  3. MN Literacy Math Courses/ Curriculum:
  4. Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/
  5. Learning Wave: http://www.learningwave.com/linkspage/math.html
  6. Valbec: https://valbec.org.au/Building-Strength-with-Numeracy/
  7. Digital Promise: https://lvp.digitalpromiseglobal.org/content-area/adult-learner/factors/numeracy-adult-learner/summary
  8. Overcoming Math Anxiety Webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDAGSzCIVuc
  9. Better Lesson: https://teaching.betterlesson.com/browse/common_core_math
  10. Games, Apps, and Manipulatives for Students:
    1. Math Games:
    2. Dynamic Paper: https://www.nctm.org/Classroom-Resources/Illuminations/Interactives/Dynamic-Paper/
    3. PBS Math Club: PBS Math Club | PBS LearningMedia
    4. Math Aids: Math Worksheets | Dynamically Created Math Worksheets (math-aids.com)
    5. Manipulatives:
    6. Apps: https://www.mathlearningcenter.org/apps

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Digital Literacy

  1. Goodwill: GCF Global Curriculum: https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/subjects/tech/
  2. Digital US: https://digitalus.org/digital-navigator-resources/
  3. Northstar Assessments: https://www.digitalliteracyassessment.org/
  4. Google: https://applieddigitalskills.withgoogle.com/en/learn
  5. Blue Ridge Literacy Council: https://www.litcouncil.org/resources/computer-skills.html
  6. Tech Toolbox Webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZIKvZQLxsE
  7. BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/gothedistance/digitalliteracy
  8. Digital Learn: https://www.digitallearn.org/
  9. Tech Boomers: https://techboomers.com/sites-with-free-digital-literacy-courses
  10. Teach yourself Technology: Teach Yourself Technology :: VBgov.com – City of Virginia Beach
  11. Tech vocab: https://ctep.weebly.com/
  12. Keyboarding Stills:

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Websites on Learning Differences & Disabilities

  1. LD Online: http://www.ldonline.org/
  2. National Center on Learning Disabilities: NCLD – National Center for Learning Disabilities
  3. Tips for working with learners with learning disabilities: https://sites.google.com/site/literacyonline/support/learning-disabilities
  4. Learner Variability (with strategy ideas and resources): https://lvp.digitalpromiseglobal.org/
  5. Oldy but goody Rick Lavoie Workshop Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9NfoGiLKdA
  6. Article with app links: 20 Useful Apps for Kids with Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities (wizcase.com)

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Teaching and Tutoring: Online Trainings

  1. ProLiteracy Education Network: http://www.proliteracyednet.org/
  2. Illinois Tutor Training Modules: https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/library/literacy/oltt/home.html
  3. Virginia’s self-paced tutor training workshop: http://adultliteracytutor.blogspot.com/
  4. Literacy Minnesota: https://www.literacymn.org/volunteer-trainings?training-type=905
  5. Australia’s Face to Face tutoring guide: https://www.readingwritinghotline.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/F2F.Final_.2-1.pdf
  6. Partner’s in Reading: San Jose tutoring videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKEZxGu-wMvQ-pYXbB7qGTw

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Advocacy: Adult Literacy and Adult Education

  1. ProLiteracy: http://www.proliteracy.org/
  2. New Mexico Adult Education Association: https://www.nmadulted.org/
  3. National Center for Adult Literacy: http://literacy.org/
  4. American Association for Adult and Continuing Education: www.aaace.org
  5. The Council for Advancement of Adult Literacy (CAAL): http://www.caalusa.org/
  6. Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE): https://coabe.org/
    Webinars: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLISWIUBV5Y4sGimRUDdPJgcHB_dG6kzE3
  7. National Assessment of Adult Literacy: National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL)
    – What is NAAL? (ed.gov)
  8. Literacy.org: https://www.literacy.org/
  9. Educate & Elevate: https://educateandelevate.org/
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78OONTSJXS8&list=PLISWIUBV5Y4uLL232uBAeZeLbWCINr2Xh

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Websites for ESL Tutors (lesson planning etc.)

Websites for ESL Students (English practice online)

Audiovisual Websites/Activities (great listening practice!)

Publishers (books and other resources)

Organizations and Advocacy: Adult Literacy and Adult Education

These are just a FEW of the myriad sites out there! If you find other Adult Ed. or ESL sites that you like, please let us know!

Coming Soon!

Websites on U.S. Citizenship/Immigration Resources

Distance Learning

  1. Online games: Kahoot! | Learning games | Make learning awesome!; https://www.brainpop.com/games/; https://www.drawpoly.com/;
    https://jeopardylabs.com/; https://www.flippity.net/; https://www.mindgames.com/
  2. Online vocab: Learning tools, flashcards, and textbook solutions | Quizlet; https://quizizz.com/?lng=en; https://www.peardeck.com/flashcard-factory
  3. Ditch that Textbook: https://ditchthattextbook.com/elearning/
  4. https://www.wisc-online.com/
  5. Puzzle Builders: http://www.puzzlemaker.com/; https://edpuzzle.com/; https://www.proprofsgames.com/
  6. Virtual Tours: https://artsandculture.google.com/project/expeditions; Google Earth; https://nearpod.com/; many museums
  7. Word games: https://wordwall.net/; https://www.arkadium.com/free-online-games/word/; https://www.merriam-webster.com/games; https://games.usatoday.com/category/word; ; https://games.washingtonpost.com/en-us/category/word
  8. Jamboard: https://jamboard.google.com/