Tale of two studies: challenges in field research with low-literacy adult learners in a developed country

Cosmin Munteanu, Heather Molyneaux, Julie Maitland, Daniel McDonald, Rock Leung, Jo Lumsden, Hélène Fournier

Research output: Chapter in Book/Published conference outputChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract

Efforts to address the problems of literacy are often focused on developing countries. However, functional illiteracy is a challenge encountered by up to 50% of adults in developed countries. In this paper we reflect on the challenges we faced in trying to design and study the use of a mobile application to support adult literacy with two user groups: adults enrolled in literacy classes and carpenters without a high school education enrolled in an essential skills program. We also elaborate on aspects of the evaluations that are specific to a marginalized, functionally illiterate, group in a developed country - aspects that are less frequently present in similar studies of mobile literacy support technologies in developing countries. We conclude with presenting the lessons learnt from our evaluations and the impact of the studies' specific challenges on the outcome and uptake of such mobile assistive technologies in providing practical support to low-literacy adults in conjunction with literacy and essential skills training.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCHI '12 extended abstracts on human factors in computing systems
Place of PublicationNew York, NY (US)
PublisherACM
Pages489-504
Number of pages16
ISBN (Print)978-1-4503-1016-1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 May 2012
EventCHI conference on human factors in computing systems - Austin, TX, United States
Duration: 5 May 201210 May 2012

Conference

ConferenceCHI conference on human factors in computing systems
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAustin, TX
Period5/05/1210/05/12

Keywords

  • evaluation methodology
  • user studies
  • mobile computing
  • interface design
  • educational interfaces
  • assistive technology
  • mobile learning

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