The first app specifically designed to help adults improve their literacy with phonics has been launched.
The test version contains the first lesson of 30 from the beginners’ literacy course, with 13 different activities. The app uses voice and handwriting recognition technologies for learner input and features virtual tutor voices to provide information and directions to learners.
John Casey and Diane Gardner from the Citizen Literacy Project at City of Glasgow College are looking for feedback on new Citizen Literacy App prototype, aimed at learners at “the beginning of their literacy journey”.
Because it is designed for low literacy users, it does not use traditional text-driven interfaces. And unlike other apps that already exist, it is not aimed at children - it is specifically tailored to adults.
The experts are particularly keen to gather feedback from others in the adult literacy community - as well as adult learners who have tried the app. More lessons are to be added over the coming weeks as the app evolves.
After the test phase, the app will be finalised and made available for Apple and Android devices. Mr Casey said it would be free, open access, with no adverts, and no capture of personal data.
A teacher version of the app that will be available as a web app, suitable for classroom use with smartboards. It will also be free to use. The team say that by the end of lesson 3, learners will be able to start reading and writing simple sentences.
Mr Casey said that initial feedback to the prototype had been great, and had come from across the world. Ms Gardner said one of her adult learners had absolutely loved doing the first lesson: “It is the first time she has engaged with anything that is learning.” Another, she added, had tried apps for children. “She was absolutely desperate to try this,” she said.
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