Reading? Writing? Really?Assistive Technology for High School Students…

more tips for secondary teachers Liz Hashim - program resource teacher

At a glance:

1. Reading and Writing Assistive Kurzweil 3000 WordQ

2. Dictating and Listening Assistive Dragon Naturally Speaking

3. Audibooks/Textbooks Assistive AERO(Alternative Education Resources for Ontario)/W. Ross

MacDonald

Reading and Writing Assistive

Kurzweil is a text-to-speech, literacy software program that supports struggling readers and writers. It provides support in the areas of reading, writing and test-taking accommodations.

Recommended for students who have learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia; for those who are blind or vision impaired; second-language learners.

Optional: view video clip: http://www.kurzweiledu.com/video-ki3000-v12-program-overview.html

What is Kurzweil?

What Kurzweil Looks Like

Research on Kurzweil Kurzweil provides students with a multi-sensory approach to reading and writing. There is a vast amount of research supporting the use of assistive technology like

Kurzweil. It is currently used and recommended in school boards across Ontario (St. Clair

Catholic District School Board, Thames Valley District School Board, etc.) A summary of research supporting the use of Kurzweil can be found by clicking on

the following link: http://www.kurzweiledu.com/files/Research_Supporting_Effectiveness_of_Kurzweil_3000.pdf

The results of one study from the summary provided by Kurzweil (as it pertains to secondary students):

“The use of Kurzweil 3000 allowed post-secondary students with an attention disorder to read longer, faster and with less fatigue than students not using assistive software. Because students were able to complete assignment in less time, they experienced less stress and developed a more positive attitude toward their studies.”

L. Hecker, L. Burns, J. Elkind, K. Elkind, L. Katz (2002). Benefits of Assistive Reading Software for Students with Attention Disorders. Annals of Dyslexia, Vol. 52.

Is it an effective tool ?

Kurzweil’s Main Features Dual Highlighting: it will read in one color and highlight in another

Quick Access to Reference Lookup Tools

Use Bubble Notes for Powerful Instructional Support

Time Saving Study Skills Tools

Flexible Writing Tools: check spelling-while-typing and speak-while-typing features

Reads the Web Using Mozilla Firefox

Reads print and digital documents Magnification functions

What does Kurzweil do?

http://youtu.be/P3KSTxDShZo

How can I use Kurzweil in my class?

Watch the youtube video (click on link below): Kurzweil 3000: How Blake Middle School uses Kurzweil 3000

in the Classroom Video

1. Allows the teacher to accommodate a broad range of physical, language, and learning challenges

2. Supports inclusion in the classroom 3. Teacher can integrate English language learning 4. Differentiate instruction without differentiating curriculum 5. Promote independent reading, writing, and learning 6. Teach and support effective research, study skills, and writing strategies 7. Provide test taking accommodations

Useful Links: http://www.kurzweiledu.com/default.html

(this is Kurzweil’s official page) http://www.setbc.org/setbc/access/kurzweil30

00v13_mini_tutorials.html

(this is an amazing how-to resource)

Where do I find more information?

Reading and Writing Assistive

Word Q is a word prediction and spoken program used to assist students with writing and reading.

Traditionally, this software was developed to help students and non-students with physical disabilities (not having to type as much)

However, this tool is recommended for any student who struggles with writing.

This software can help students with learning disabilities, autism, limited movement, ADD/ADHD and any student who wants to improve their writing.

What is WordQ?

What does WordQ Looks Like

Official WordQ website http://www.goqsoftware.com/en/ provides a section on current research supporting word prediction programs

Anna Evmenova’s (2006) study demonstrated word prediction software to be more effective on various aspects of the writing process for students with writing difficulties as compared to word processing software*.

Furthermore, she found 4 out of 6 students performed better with WordQ word prediction program*.

*(as cited from http://www.goqsoftware.com/en/learning-center/research/word-prediction-software-for-students-with-writing-difficulties/ )

Research on WordQ

Is it an effective tool ?

WordQ Features In a nutshell, it allows a student to write, edit and proof read.

Specific Features: Learns which words you like and predicts them faster Predicts words even if they are spelled creatively or missing parts Offers a list of words with similar meaning to add variety to your writing Uses clear and pleasant spoken feedback Gives examples for words that sound similar by using them in a

sentence Reads aloud any text you can highlight, including websites, emails and

instant-messaging Reads exactly what you write, so poor grammar sounds off and bad

punctuation disrupts the rhythm Lets you modify word prediction to use specific vocabulary or topics Works with all commonly-used programs New: iwordQ app for ipad/ipod use

What does WordQ do?

Useful Links: http://www.goqsoftware.com/resources/videos/

(wordQ official website – video tutorials)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pqaI-k9EBs 

(demonstration of WordQ)

Where do I find more information?

Dictating and Listening Assistive

Dragon Naturally Speaking is speech recognition software

“YOU TALK, IT TYPES” Allows students to use their voice to complete

writing assignments Recommended for any student who struggles with

writing as well as for students with physical limitations or learning disabilities

What is Dragon?

What does Dragon Looks Like

There is some evidence that indicates that Dragon can be a successful tool for students*.

However, there are limitations: student must be able to articulate words clearly; student needs a fairly quiet setting (not always achievable); time-consuming process to set-up

Optional – watch video presenting the results of 4 case studies on student’s use of Dragon over a nine month period, titled

Dragon Naturally Speaking: Looking For a Fit

click on the link below:

http://www.setbc.org/setbc/access/looking_for_a_fit.html

Is it an effective tool ?

Research on Dragon

*(as cited from http://www.setbc.org/setbc/access/looking_for_a_fit.html )

Dragon FeaturesUsing Dragon Naturally Speaking, students can

Create text Edit text Navigate through documents Control the computer’s operating system Students can focus on their ideas and thoughts without having to be

slowed down by the writing process

The following video provides you with a great demonstration on Dragon in action (optional):

http://www.nuance.com/videoplayer/videoplayer.asp?n=dragon12_inAction12_1&h=390&w=630&p=naturallySpeaking/dns12/&fileType=mp4&autoPlay=false&videoPage=true

What does Dragon do?

Useful Links:

http://www.nuance.com/dragon (official website)

http://www.setbc.org/setbc/access/dragon_naturally_speaking_advanced_speech_recognition.html (quick reference tutorial on Dragon)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehoSg90fXZM&feature=related   (instructional video)

Where do I find more information?

Audibooks/Textbooks Assistive

W. Ross MacDonald is a school for the blind and deaf-blind. Their homepage is found on the Ontario Ministry of Education website.

Resource Services Library/AERO (Alternative Education Resources Ontario) houses materials for students in

Elementary Secondary College/University Approved Private Vocational Schools

Largest collection of alternate format materials including: Braille Large Print Digital audio E-texts

Materials are FREE of charge

AERO

Any teacher can request materials from the library but you must register first!

Go to http://aero.psbnet.ca to fill out the on-line application

Application is a quick 3 step process:1. You need to provide your school information (you must use

your school email; they do not accept other email addresses i.e. hotmail)

2. Fill out personal information3. Space for special comments is provided; submit button

Once you are registered, you must then register your student - students entitled must have a perceptual disability (LD, language, vision, etc.)

Can I access this library?

AERO

Audiobooks: W. Ross MacdonaldAERO

You may order material directly from website (browse on-line catalogue)

If a book is not available in format requested, send in a print copy of the book and they will produce the requested alternate format.

Items are on loan for the academic year

YOU are responsible for returning loaned material, NOT the student. (No cost for mailing items – delete downloaded items)

What else should I know?

AERO

Useful Links: http://www.gutenberg.org

(E-text website offers frre e-text books including: the bible, Shakespere, Thesaurus, Alice in Wonderland, etc.)

http://aero.psbnet.ca

(this is where you register) Make sure to check with your own board’s website for

information on assistive technology and links to free downloadable AT software.

Audibooks/Textbooks Assistive

What about other resources?

AT Library Employee Portal

Example: TVDSB AT Library

References

http://www.kurzweiledu.com http://youtu.be/P3KSTxDShZo http://www.goqsoftware.com/en/ http://www.nuance.com/dragon http://www.setbc.org/ http://www.psbnet.ca/eng/schools/wross/resourc

e_services_library.html