I was recently researching some assistive technologies and came across word processors. Word processing is an excellent tool for enhancing academic outcomes for students with writing disabilities. It can be helpful for students who may have trouble writing by hand and prefer to use a keyboard.
What is a word processor?
A word processor is a lightweight device that is easy to transport (e.g: from classroom to home and vice versa). By having a portable word processor it enables the student to have their technological assistance available at all times.
What are the benefits of using a word processor?
There are many benefits for using a word processor. Firstly, it allows the students to edit and correct their own written work more efficiently than doing so by hand (Peterson-Karlan, Hourcade & Parette, n.d.)
Moreover, a research study that was conducted by Hetzrini & Shrieber (2004), investigated and highlighted the importance that word processors is great for enhancing academic outcomes for students with writing disabilities. Results of the study showed that the students that used the word processing technology made fewer spelling mistakes and had a clearer structure and organisational layout. The students in the study also had fewer spelling errors as they were able to use the spell check function on their word processor. Furthermore, from using a word processor, it allows the student to easily identify any errors that has occurred by underlining in red or green certain spelling or grammatical mistakes. Additionally, the research study demonstrated that word processors assist students with writing disabilities by helping them organise text structure, spelling and grammatical errors as well as provide students with a form of technology that is easier and more motivating for them to use.
Products to consider:
These are some products that I have used during my teaching days. I highly recommend these products if word processing is a tool that may be beneficial to you.
Quick note: If using these products in the classroom remember as a teacher, a word processor is only beneficial once students have learnt the keyboarding skills (Margalit & Roth, 1989 as cited in Hetzrini & Shrieber, 2004).
Ciao
Miss Assistive Technology
Photo Source: http://www.novitatech.org.au/library/Fusion%20Keyboard.jpg
Hetzroni, O. & Shrieber, B. (2004). Word processing as an assistive technology tool for enhancing academic outcomes of students with writing disabilities in the general classroom. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 37(2) 143-154.
Peterson-Karlan, G., Hourcade, J. & Parette, P. (n.d.). A review of assistive technology and writing skills for students with physical and educational disabilities. Retrieved 25th September 2010, from http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/EJ795374.pdf.
3 comments:
What a fantastic post! I'm a year 6 teacher and I actually have a student in my class who uses a word processor. This student has special needs I noticed that he was finding it difficult keeping up in class. He was spending the majority of lessons focusing on his writing, however he always had very little to show for his efforts. After discussion with his mother, we decided a word processor might assist him- and it did!! This boy is so focused in class now and can actually keep up with the other children as he isn't using all his energy and time on trying to write words on the page.
I definitely recommend word processors for any teacher/parent who has a child in a similar situation as me. I can see the benefits and I'm sure you will too!
Mrs Clover (Green Hill Public School)
Mrs Clover,
I am so happy for you! Its great to hear that you worked in collaboration with the parents on this issue as this will benefit the child more in the long run! Please keep my updated on how this child is progressing.
Ciao
Miss Assistive Technology
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