Last night I was searching youtube and found this really insightful and engaging video on low-tech options for assistive technologies. It clearly provides a wide variety of low-tech options such as adaptive pens, pencils and paper, that can be used to help and assist struggling writers.
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojuwycONC_4
Happy Watching!!!
Ciao
Miss Assistive Technology
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Voice recognition software
Please refer to my post on Word Processing to gain a greater understanding of the link between word processors and voice recognition programs.
What is a voice recognition program?
A voice recognition program works in conjunction with a word processor. Different voice recongtion programs have different features, however generally speaking, they all require students to have a microphone in which they can speak into. As students dictate, the microphone records their spoken words which then appear on the computer screen as text Peterson-Karlan, Hourcade & Parette (n.d.).
Using this technology, students can also use voice commands to open and close files or programs to assist in their word processing (Caverly, 2008). Both Mac and Windows appropriate programs to assist students who need this type of software.
Products to consider:
- Write: OutLoud SOLO
- IntelliTalk
- Cast eReader
- Talking Word Processor
- Tex-Edit Plus
- Writing with Symbols
These products are all suggested by the Georgia Department of Education, Divison for Special Education Supports (2007). They particularly assist students with the writing process, in terms of prewriting, drafting, revising and editing.
I have recently used this technology with a student I was assisting and the effects are becoming quite prominent. This is definitely an sofware worth considering to help students improve their writing skills.
Ciao
Miss Assistive Technology
Caverly, D. (2008). TechTalk:Assistive TEchnology for Writing. Journal of Developmental Writing, 1(3) 36-37.
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.
Georgia Department of Education (2007). Assistive technology devices for writing and spelling. Retrieved 29th Spetember 2010, from http://www.gpat.org.
Caverly, D. (2008). TechTalk:Assistive TEchnology for Writing. Journal of Developmental Writing, 1(3) 36-37.
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.
Georgia Department of Education (2007). Assistive technology devices for writing and spelling. Retrieved 29th Spetember 2010, from http://www.gpat.org.
Assistive Technology - Word Processors
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.
Echo Smart Pen
Some of you may have heard of the Echo Smart Pen that is now available on the market. I have recently purchased one and I MUST say it is FANTASTIC!
What is the Echo Smart Pen?
4. Audio Jack
5. Display screen
6. Memory Storage (holds 400 to 800 hours of recording audio)7. Recplaceable ink tip
How does the Echo Smart Pen help students with special needs???
Ciao
What is the Echo Smart Pen?
The Echo Smart Pen is a special pen that enables you to link everything you hear to everything you write. It comes with a special notepad which, when written on, records your notes and automatically syncs these with your surroundings and what you can hear at the time. Alternatively, you can choose to simply record the audio and write notes at your own convenience as the pen will then sync these to the audio.
The Echo Smart Pen has numerous feature, including:
1. Microphone
2. Built in speaker
3. Rubber grip to provide comfort while writing.
5. Display screen
6. Memory Storage (holds 400 to 800 hours of recording audio)How does the Echo Smart Pen help students with special needs???
When determining whether this product is appropriate for you, you must consider your child's special needs and whether or not this product would be of any assistance to them. From my personal perspective, I believe the Echo Smart Pen provides students with less of a cognitive load when they are writing. It allows them to attempt writing without having excess demand or stress.
Further, the Echo Smart Pen allows students to capture notes quickly, as the pen uses handwriting recognition to send text to Microsoft Word. It also has the capability of sending images to the computer, as not only is the audio recorded, but all notes written on the page are too. This particularly supports students in the writing process as they are easily able to edit their text and make important changes as need be. As mentioned, students may choose to focus on what is being said and take notes at a later date.
I hope this information has been useful to you. The Echo Smart Pen is definitely a fantastic tool you can use to assist students with special needs, however you must ensure you consider whether your child will be supported in their use of the pen both at school and at home.
Further, the Echo Smart Pen allows students to capture notes quickly, as the pen uses handwriting recognition to send text to Microsoft Word. It also has the capability of sending images to the computer, as not only is the audio recorded, but all notes written on the page are too. This particularly supports students in the writing process as they are easily able to edit their text and make important changes as need be. As mentioned, students may choose to focus on what is being said and take notes at a later date.
I hope this information has been useful to you. The Echo Smart Pen is definitely a fantastic tool you can use to assist students with special needs, however you must ensure you consider whether your child will be supported in their use of the pen both at school and at home.
Ciao
Miss Assistive Technology
Photo Source: http://www.livescribe.com/en-au/smartpen/echo/
Livescribe (2010). Livescribe. Retrived 21st September 2010, from http://www.livescribe.com/en-au/smartpen/echo/
Photo Source: http://www.livescribe.com/en-au/smartpen/echo/
Livescribe (2010). Livescribe. Retrived 21st September 2010, from http://www.livescribe.com/en-au/smartpen/echo/
Wynn Reader
Hello fellow bloggers!
I have received some useful feedback from readers, asking me to provide a little more information about Wynn reader. As some of you may be aware, Wynn reader is a program that allows an individual (in this case- teacher, parent or student) to make adaptations in electronic text. Text can be added, deleted or simplified. Other study aids that are also available using this program include:
-highlighting
-listing
-voice notes
-built in dictionary
When I was teacher, I used Wynn Reader with a child who had dyslexia. This program proved to be extemely successful in that the child gained a lot of confidence in their writing and they were more easily able to produce texts.
Have a look at the link I have provided and let me know how it goes. If you have any other questions or comments, feel free to send them my way!
Ciao
Miss Assistive Technology
Freedom Scientific Inc. (2010). Freedom scientific learning systems group. Retrieved 23rd September 2010, from http://www.freedomscientific.com/lsg/products/wynn.asp
I have received some useful feedback from readers, asking me to provide a little more information about Wynn reader. As some of you may be aware, Wynn reader is a program that allows an individual (in this case- teacher, parent or student) to make adaptations in electronic text. Text can be added, deleted or simplified. Other study aids that are also available using this program include:
-highlighting
-listing
-voice notes
-built in dictionary
When I was teacher, I used Wynn Reader with a child who had dyslexia. This program proved to be extemely successful in that the child gained a lot of confidence in their writing and they were more easily able to produce texts.
Have a look at the link I have provided and let me know how it goes. If you have any other questions or comments, feel free to send them my way!
Ciao
Miss Assistive Technology
Freedom Scientific Inc. (2010). Freedom scientific learning systems group. Retrieved 23rd September 2010, from http://www.freedomscientific.com/lsg/products/wynn.asp
What is Assistive Technology?
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology is defined as any device, piece of equipment or system that helps or compensate for an individual’s specific learning deficits. Using assistive technologies does not cure or eradicate learning difficulties. It helps and assist your child reach his or her potential because it allows them to capitalise on their strengths and evade areas of difficulty (Stanberry & Raskind, 2009).
Furthermore, from using assistive technologies it can greatly increase a child’s self-reliance and sense of independence. It provides opportunities for children to experience success from working independently, instead of being overly dependent on parents, siblings, friends and teachers (Stanberry & Raskind, 2009). It is a great feeling for a child to be able to successfully complete a task on their own. It provides them with a sense of accomplishment!
What happens to the students with writing difficulties in the classroom?
According to Hetzroni & Shieber (2004), students with learning disabilities experience significant difficulty with the writing process and therefore as a result have low academic achievement in school. This is unbelievable as within a classroom context, a large proportion of time is spent on writing tasks!
Some of the problems that students with writing difficulties may have include: generating ideas, organising ideas, finding the right words to convey ideas, using correct grammar, punctuation, illegible handwriting and spelling. While there are no easy answers to these types of problems, there are ways to create an environment using a variety of assistive technology tools in which students will be more successful writers (Hetzroni & Shieber, 2004).
What can parents and teachers do to help students with writing difficulties?
Firstly, it is imperative that teachers and parents work collaboratively to support the learning development of students with special needs. This can be done by thoroughly researching the types of tools that are currently on the market to support students with writing difficulties and then sharing this information with each other.
Technology plays an important role in assisting low-achieving writers. As stated in Gunning (2010) through the use of computers, CDs, DVDs and other assistive technologies, information can be presented to students in a variety of ways to enhance their educational achievement. For example there is a new program on the market called Wynn Reader which is useful for adaptations in electronic text and supporting struggling writers.
Hopefully this information has enabled you to gain a deeper insight into the world of assistive technology and the benefits it can bring to you and your classroom.
Ciao
Miss Assistive Technology
Assistive technology is defined as any device, piece of equipment or system that helps or compensate for an individual’s specific learning deficits. Using assistive technologies does not cure or eradicate learning difficulties. It helps and assist your child reach his or her potential because it allows them to capitalise on their strengths and evade areas of difficulty (Stanberry & Raskind, 2009).
Furthermore, from using assistive technologies it can greatly increase a child’s self-reliance and sense of independence. It provides opportunities for children to experience success from working independently, instead of being overly dependent on parents, siblings, friends and teachers (Stanberry & Raskind, 2009). It is a great feeling for a child to be able to successfully complete a task on their own. It provides them with a sense of accomplishment!
What happens to the students with writing difficulties in the classroom?
According to Hetzroni & Shieber (2004), students with learning disabilities experience significant difficulty with the writing process and therefore as a result have low academic achievement in school. This is unbelievable as within a classroom context, a large proportion of time is spent on writing tasks!
Some of the problems that students with writing difficulties may have include: generating ideas, organising ideas, finding the right words to convey ideas, using correct grammar, punctuation, illegible handwriting and spelling. While there are no easy answers to these types of problems, there are ways to create an environment using a variety of assistive technology tools in which students will be more successful writers (Hetzroni & Shieber, 2004).
What can parents and teachers do to help students with writing difficulties?
Firstly, it is imperative that teachers and parents work collaboratively to support the learning development of students with special needs. This can be done by thoroughly researching the types of tools that are currently on the market to support students with writing difficulties and then sharing this information with each other.
Technology plays an important role in assisting low-achieving writers. As stated in Gunning (2010) through the use of computers, CDs, DVDs and other assistive technologies, information can be presented to students in a variety of ways to enhance their educational achievement. For example there is a new program on the market called Wynn Reader which is useful for adaptations in electronic text and supporting struggling writers.
Hopefully this information has enabled you to gain a deeper insight into the world of assistive technology and the benefits it can bring to you and your classroom.
Ciao
Miss Assistive Technology
Gunning, T.G. (2010). Assessing and correcting reading and writing difficulties (4th ed). MA: Allyn & Bacon.
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.
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.
Stanberry, K. & Raskind, M. (2009). Assistive Technology for Kids with Learning Disabilities: An overview. Retrieved 20th September 2010 from: http://www.orpti.org/documents/Understanding%20Dyslexia_Ramsey_Betsy_asstech.pdf
Welcome!!!
Welcome to my blog!
This is my first blog and I am very excited about starting it up. As you may have read, I am a retired primary school teacher who now specialises in providing support to students with special needs. I will be using this blog to regularly update you on the latest technologies used to assist these students in writing, both in your classroom and at home.
This blog will provide you with a range of support and information as I explore technologies teachers and parents can implement to promote independent achievement, in the classroom and beyond!
Please feel free to comment on any posts or ask any questions you feel I may be able to answer. I will make sure I reply back to you as soon as I can!
Happy Blogging!
Ciao
Miss Assistive Technology
This is my first blog and I am very excited about starting it up. As you may have read, I am a retired primary school teacher who now specialises in providing support to students with special needs. I will be using this blog to regularly update you on the latest technologies used to assist these students in writing, both in your classroom and at home.
This blog will provide you with a range of support and information as I explore technologies teachers and parents can implement to promote independent achievement, in the classroom and beyond!
Please feel free to comment on any posts or ask any questions you feel I may be able to answer. I will make sure I reply back to you as soon as I can!
Happy Blogging!
Ciao
Miss Assistive Technology
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