Handheld Pen Scanners!

Hi all!

I've been looking at some research articles about the use of the handheld pen scanner to assist students with special needs.

What is a handheld pen scanner?

A handheld pen scanner is a type of technology that enables you to store and transfer your printed text and images onto the computer. According to Riley, Beard & Strain (2004) handheld pen scanners assist students who have minor reading and writing disabilities. The scanner is particularly beneficial for students who require assistance with reading as well as writing, as many pens have the added function of reading the word aloud to the student, and if required, reading a definition of the word (Riley et al., 2004).

How do they work?
Handheld scanners are used in a similar way to highlighters. Students simply drag the pen scanner across the text on their page and the text will be stored and available for upload on their computer, at home, school or another destination.

Pen scanners have the ability to store up to 1000 words per minute. There are different types of handheld pen scanners available in the market, each with their own functions and capabilities. In general however, handheld scanners work with a range of text, including magazines, newspapers and general classroom bookwork.

In the classroom
These scanners are particularly beneficial in the classroom. If used effectively, these scanners have the ability to reduce the cognitive load for students and allow them more time to focus on the message within the text they are focusing on, as opposed to spending significant time writing. Further, students can scan the text they are reading and upload it in a size and font best suited to their ability. However, it must be assured that students use the pen for the right reasons and familiar with how to edit the information once it is uploaded onto the computer.

Products to consider
Quicktionary
Notetaker
Iris Pen

Hope you have found this information useful and interesting! Let me know if you have used this product to assist students with special needs as I would love to hear from you!


Source: http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Iu5fDLK4aLo/0.jpg

Ciao!
Miss Assistive Technology

Riley, G., Beard, L. & Strain, J. (2004). Assistive Technology at Use in the Teacher Education Programs at JacksonVille State University. Tech trends: linking research and practice to improve learning, 48 (6) 47-49.