National Adult Literacy Database

This document is a thesis submitted to the University of Athabasca by a student completing a Master of Distance Education degree. The intent of the research project described in this paper was to determine if the Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD) could be used to improve access to adult literacy services and the quality of instruction that is provided to rural residents. Although TDDs have been available since the 1960s, they have been used for educational purposes only within the hearing-impaired community. This study examined how those who can hear could use the technology. A case study was conducted at a literacy agency that provides basic literacy instruction. Staff members, instructors, and students participated in both the design and the conduct of learning activities.

This paper includes an introductory chapter with background information, literature review, methodology, results and discussion, and conclusions and recommendations.