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Literacy Technology for Struggling Literacy Technology for Struggling WritersWriters
Literacy Technology for Struggling Literacy Technology for Struggling WritersWriters
Basic Writing Skills Curriculum
• Identify topics• Find and use relevant sources and identify relevant information
(which involves reading and/or listening skills)• Organize/outline thoughts• Fill in the details of an outline• Write drafts• Proof and correct drafts• Complete and present the final version
Technologies Useful for Adapting theWriting Curriculum
• Digitized-text Technologies– Text is digitized to allows adaptations to printed
materials (e.g, font size, color,background colors)• Text-to-speech (TTS) technologies
– Typed text is read by computerized speech• Word Prediction Technologies
– Software that “guesses” the word a student wants to type on the basis of the letters already typed
– Word prediction can assist with “word finding” problems and spelling.
Technologies Useful for AdaptingLiteracy Curriculum (cont.)
• Organizational Technologies– Tools for prewriting processes (e.g. brainstorming,
organizing, outlining)• Speech Recognition Technologies
– Dictation-- spoken word translated into written text– Computer Control-- control of the computer, and
software applications by speaking commands• Alternate Writing Technologies
– Computers– Adaptive keyboards
E-Reader• Digitized text• Electronic text read
aloud, including Web pages.
Text is highlighted as it reads e-text aloud
Control the way the electronic text looks
Enter any text and have that text read aloud as you type
www.cast.orgEtext Reader
Reading Pen II• TTS technology
• Reads aloud a word or phrase passed over printed text.
• Words are heard through a small, built-in speaker or through earphones.
• Pen’s software dictionary has definition 200,000 words.
• Useful for library research.
http://www.wizcomtech.com
InfoScan Electronic Note Taker
• Mobile device takes notes from almost any printed document, creating fully editable MS Word documents on the PC, PDA or any Windows application.
• User scans and transfer printed text directly into a PC or scan (up to 500 pages)
• Scan and put in TTS software
http://www.wizcomtech.com
Write: Outloud• TTS Technology• Easy-to-use word processor that
gives immediate speech feedback as students type words, sentences and paragraphs.
• As students draft their writing, they see and hear if their writing makes sense.
• Can speak words and sentences, read whole entries, and repeat text as often as users desire.
http://www.donjohnston.com/
Co:Writer 4000• Word prediction Technology• Co:Writer 4000 works on top
of any word processor or program that accepts text.
• As students type, it predicts words for the sentence, even if they use phonetic spelling.
• Predicted words are read aloud to help students reveal their word options.
http://www.donjohnston.com/
Draft:Builder• Organizational Technology
• Used in creating a first draft: organizing ideas, taking notes and writing the draft.
• It models the logical, progressive steps of draft-writing and displays a visual representation of the process.
• The display gives students a framework to generate, manipulate and connect ideas and information.
SOLO• SOLO™ combines
Co:Writer®, Write:OutLoud® Draft:Builder®,— and introduces Read:OutLoud™!
• One completely integrated solution to differentiate instruction and assist in the learning process
http://www.donjohnston.com/
Kurzweil 3000
• A a scanning, reading and writing solution for students with learning or reading or writing difficulties.
• Scanned reading materials can be modified and be TTS delivered
• Also had word prediction and integrated reference tools such as dictionary, synonyms, syllables, spell word, audible spell checking, and vocabulary list features.
• Digitized text can be modified and read.www.kurzweiledu.com
IntelliTalk III
• IntelliTalk III is an innovative word-processing program that – combines speech, graphics, and text in ways that allow
for flexibility of presentation and response. – Has digitized text, text-to-speech and word prediction
technologies and more. – Spell check with auditory aid– Auditory feedback for letters, words, sentences– Ability to add recorded speech– Website: www.intellitools.com
UDL Features of IntelliTalk III• Visual Features: Digitized text can be programmed
for different visual presentations– Easily adjust font size/style/color– Easily adjust background color– Include pictures for visual representation– Allows for highlighting words as it speaks or reads– Can select flash scanning highlights
UDL Features of IntelliTalk III• Speaking/ Reading Features• Can be programmed to speak each letter, word or sentence as it is
typed. These settings can be mixed and matched. – Ability to add recorded speech
• Can be programmed to read what has been written previously. – Reads original text and/or text scanned or cut-and-pasted from
secondary sources: textbooks, websites.– Will also read word choices in spell check– Has integrated word prediction to assist in writing fluency.– Has built-in pronunciation editor (e.g. Baja = “baha”)– Can be programmed to read menus, dialogue boxes, palettes, text
Speech Recognition Technology
• Students can create, edit, and revise documents and e-mail-even surf the Web by voice.
• Free users from dependence on the mouse, keyboard and stylus for many applications.
• Useful for students with writing challenges and those who have physical challenges
http://www.scansoft.com
www.scansoft.com
Inspiration 7.5
• Organization technology• Integrated diagramming and
outlining environments• Over 50 curriculum-aligned
templates that inspire classroom quick-starts.
• Visual and audio to support multiple learning styles including text-to-speech.
• Templates include: Language Arts, Social Studies, Science: Planning
Inspiration Can Be Used Across the Writing Curriculum
• Brainstorming
• Webbing
• Diagramming
• Planning
• Critical thinking
• Concept mapping
• Organizing
• Outlining
Inspiration: Built-in Language Arts Templates
• Autobiographical Event• Book Comparison• Character Web• Comparative Analysis• Definition• Literary Comparison• Literary Web
• Persuasive Essay• Poetic Analysis• Story Triangle• Textual Analysis• Vocabulary• Mythic Journey
• Kidspiration• Interactive video
Inspiration for Palm OS• NEW organizational
technology
• Similar to Inspiration software-- integrated diagramming and outlining environments
• Can sync with computer
Computers for Writing• Writing with a computer
allows a student to concentrate on his or her ideas and leave the editing and/or re-writing for later.
How Computer Support the Writing Process
• No more handwriting problems• Proofreading is easier because text is more legible• Less frustration with the tool's limitations• No more re-writes• Spelling and mechanics can be de-emphasized and moved to
the end of the writing process• Organization can be dealt with easily by cutting and pasting
and/or using outlining programs
Adapted from: Wanderman, R. (1990) Tips on Writing for People with Learning Disabilities http://www.ldresources.com/articles/writing_tips.html
Alphasmart 3000/NEO/Dana Wireless
• Alternate writing technology• Alphasmart is a portable full-size, full-feature keyboard• Useful for taking notes in class and/or writing first drafts• Different models with different features including wireless, run
Palm OS software, internet capabilities
www.alphasmart.com
Final Suggestions• Careful planning should precede technology purchases
– General and special educators along with computer and technology specialists (and others as needed) should be included in making the curricular decisions.
– Purchase software that provides many options (e.g., text-to-speech, word prediction, student assessment and tracking)
– Download and use trial versions of software to assist in decision considerations
Final Suggestions (cont.)
• Implement UDL literacy software/devices schoolwide– Install software on each instructional station.– Whenever possible, choose printed instructional
materials that also have digitized options• Have students work in cooperative writing groups using
UDL software/devices• Provide options for presentation of written paper
Final Suggestions (cont.)• Identify resources for any necessary scanning and OCR.
– Use paraprofessionals or parent or student organizations– Develop a system to maintain scanned materials
• Time to Learn – Teachers need instruction and time to learn how to use
software and adaptive devices– Students need to time to learn how to use software and
adaptive devices. • Students with special needs may need more instruction
and guidance