Co:Writer helps students who have trouble with spelling, grammar, word choice, and formulating sentences. When a student begins typing a sentence, Co:Writer provides the student with suggested “guesses” as to what the next word will be. This word prediction helps the student find just the right words to fully express their thoughts and ideas when writing.
Talking Word Processor Software
WordTalk is a free text-to-speech software program. It is beneficial for students with reading and writing deficiencies. This program will take text from a passage or written text by a student and it aloud. It has been developed for all versions of Microsoft Word.
Features of the program include:
- Highlighting the text as it goes
- Choosing to speak the entire document, paragraph, sentence or word
- Talking dictionary to help decide which word spelling is most appropriate
- Adjusting the highlight colors
- Changing the voice and speed of the speech
Below is a toolbar guide that provides the student with certain options when using WordTalk.
Resource: (2014). WordTalk. Retrieved from http://www.wordtalk.org.uk/Toolbar-Guide/
Naturally Speaking Voice Recognition Software
Dragon gives students with learning disabilities the opportunity to communicate inside and outside of the classroom. This software allows students to control a computer through speech. Students can dictate words to a computer, instead of using a keyboard. Students can also dictate control commands to a computer, instead of using a mouse).
Scan and Read Software
Scan and Read Pro allows students to independently scan any written text into the program to be read aloud. The text can be visually customized by highlighting each word as it is read, zooming in on specific words/passages, or adjusting line spacing. This software is designed for students with reading and comprehension difficulties.
Books on CD
Audiobooks are a great resource and tool for students with dyslexia, low vision, or students with other reading disabilities. Learning Ally gives teachers access to audio books for students during reading instruction. Students have a copy of the book in front of them and follow along as the words are being read aloud. Reading Ally helps to increase a student's reading fluency and comprehension.
Below is a video of how Reading Ally is used in the classroom.
Resource: (2014). Learning Ally. Retrieved from https://www.learningally.org/
Multisensory Educational Software
Multisensory learning is learning through two or more senses (hear, see, touch, smell, taste). Multisensroy educational software makes this learning possible. TouchMath provides this type of learning. This educational software is great for a wide variety of students (visual, kinesthetic, or auditory learners).
Resource: (2013). The Alphabet of Mathematics. Retrieved from https://www.touchmath.com/
Adapted Keyboards
IntelliKeys are a type of adapted keyboard that is designed to help students with limited fine motor muscle control who have difficulty using a standard keyboard. Students are able to type with fewer keystrokes and customize the keyboard to meet his/her individual needs. IntelliKeys can be easily changed by sliding different overlays onto the touch sensitive area.
Different overlays include:
- Alphabet
- Basic writing
- QWERTY
- Web
- Math
- Mouse
- Set-up
Portable Word Processor
Also known as a portable keyboard, portable word processors are a lightweight alternative to writing. It is easily transported from class to class and school to home. Writing can be a very difficult process for students with limited fine motor skills. With a portable word processor, students can experience the joys of writing. An example of this type of device would be the NEO word processor.
NEO is especially effective in helping students succeed who are diagnosed with the following issues:
- Dysgraphia
- Dyslexia
- Poor spelling skills
- Reading and decoding issues
- ADD/ADHD
- ASD
Click here for a demonstration on how NEO works!
Assisted Literacy Software
CALS (Computer Assisted Literacy Solution) is a literacy program that was designed to help students struggling in reading around the world. Students can work towards a specific goal based on their individual needs at their own pace.
CALS helps students with:
- Letter-sound relationships
- Decoding
- Comprehension
- Fluency
Click here for a video introducing CALS. The video includes case studies on several students who used CALS in the classroom to develop and work on certain reading skills.
ChatBox is a low-cost voice-output device that gives non-speaking students the ability to communicate quickly and easily with their teachers, peers, and families. Students use picture images to generate words, phrases, or sentences to communicate with others. ChatBox includes up to four different vocabulary overlays that can be customized.
Type to Learn Software
Today, it's extremely important that students learn to type. As increasing amounts of technology are integrated into the classroom, it is crucial for students to develop keyboard skills. Although there are students who are physically unable to use a keyboard, other students simply do not have experience or practice with using them. Type to Learn is a fun way for students to develop speed and accuracy with typing. Throughout the program, students undergo diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments.
Resource: (2014). Type to Learn 4. Retrieved from http://ttl4.sunburst.com/index.php
Electronic Touch Tablet
iPads are one example of an electronic touch tablet. An iPad is a portable touchscreen tablet that is easily accessible. Auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners benefit from the use of iPads in the classroom. iPads can be customized for each student's learning level and style, and teachers can choose from a variety of content across subjects and grades.
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