Among the things you can have never have enough of is information and resources on assistive technologies.
What is Word Prediction?
Word prediction is a great tool for struggling writers. It increases writing efficiency by helping a student during word processing by "predicting" a word he or she intends to type. Predictions are based on spelling, syntax and frequent use of word. This program prompts students with writing to use proper spelling, grammar and word choices (Stanberry & Raskind, 2009).
Most word prediction programs can be used with any word processor tool. As the student types, word prediction software begins predicting the word the student is trying to type and provides a list from which a correct word can be selected. The student can select the goal word by either clicking on it with the mouse or by typing the number of the corresponding word. If the correct word is not in the list, the student continues to type and the list of predicted words changes accordingly (Tumlin & Heller, n.a).
What are the benefits and limitations of word processors?
Word prediction software can be beneficial for students with fine motor problems or who have difficulty with handwriting and spelling. As stated by MacArthur (2000, as cited in Tumlin & Heller, n.a) he suggested that word prediction could be an option for students who could not read their own handwriting or for students whose spelling was so poor that a spell checker could not offer usable suggestions.
However, on the other hand, it is important to also acknowledge the limitations of the word prediction software. Limitations include the student needing to type the initial letter of the word correctly. Also, if the word prediction software incorrectly predicts the student's intended word, it may take longer and require more key strokes to finally have the word displayed.
From this, I feel that word prediction software can be an excellent tool to use in the classroom and at home when used correctly. It can help motivate struggling writers and provide them with the opportunity to become successful writers.
Ciao
Miss Assistive Technology
What is Word Prediction?
Word prediction is a great tool for struggling writers. It increases writing efficiency by helping a student during word processing by "predicting" a word he or she intends to type. Predictions are based on spelling, syntax and frequent use of word. This program prompts students with writing to use proper spelling, grammar and word choices (Stanberry & Raskind, 2009).
Most word prediction programs can be used with any word processor tool. As the student types, word prediction software begins predicting the word the student is trying to type and provides a list from which a correct word can be selected. The student can select the goal word by either clicking on it with the mouse or by typing the number of the corresponding word. If the correct word is not in the list, the student continues to type and the list of predicted words changes accordingly (Tumlin & Heller, n.a).
What are the benefits and limitations of word processors?
Word prediction software can be beneficial for students with fine motor problems or who have difficulty with handwriting and spelling. As stated by MacArthur (2000, as cited in Tumlin & Heller, n.a) he suggested that word prediction could be an option for students who could not read their own handwriting or for students whose spelling was so poor that a spell checker could not offer usable suggestions.
However, on the other hand, it is important to also acknowledge the limitations of the word prediction software. Limitations include the student needing to type the initial letter of the word correctly. Also, if the word prediction software incorrectly predicts the student's intended word, it may take longer and require more key strokes to finally have the word displayed.
From this, I feel that word prediction software can be an excellent tool to use in the classroom and at home when used correctly. It can help motivate struggling writers and provide them with the opportunity to become successful writers.
Ciao
Miss Assistive Technology
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
Tumlin, J. & Heller, K. (2004). Using Word Prediction Software to Increase Typing Fluency with Students with Physical Disabilities. Journal of Special Education Technology, v19 n3 p5-14 
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