focus area:
Editing
Writing is a complex task that involves simultaneously generating ideas, expressing them in an organized manner on paper, and thinking about correct writing conventions during the process. Students with disabilities often have difficulties with the mechanical aspects of writing, such as spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar. Providing technology tools that assist students in the conventions of writing helps them focus more of their energy on the content and produce a well edited piece that's ready to publish.
research
Computer programs that incorporate word processing, word prediction, speech recognition, and speech feedback may help students more fully participate in well-developed classroom writing programs (1, 2). The following list of technology solutions incorporates these features and more. As with most technology tools, it is essential for teachers to instruct students in how to use these specialized programs in order for them to be the most effective. Additionally, students may need to try several different programs before determining which one is the most user-friendly for them and best suited for their academic needs. It is important to keep in mind that none of these programs are able to teach students how to write; rather they are tools to aid students in the writing and editing process.
Technology Based solutions
wordQ+speakQ is a writing tool that can be used by elementary students through adults. WordQ's text to speech reader enables students to hear how they have written a sentence or passage in order to proofread it more effectively. SpeakQ allows students to speak the words they don't know how to spell and type the ones they do.
Special education teachers will first have to train students to use this software. Once a student knows how to use the various features, they can use wordQ+speakQ to compose and proofread their writing. This program extends past word processing and can also be used to help students compose PowerPoint presentations, emails, and posts on social media sites.
Special education teachers will first have to train students to use this software. Once a student knows how to use the various features, they can use wordQ+speakQ to compose and proofread their writing. This program extends past word processing and can also be used to help students compose PowerPoint presentations, emails, and posts on social media sites.
Clicker Docs App transforms the iPad into a portable elementary school word processor. Students will gain confidence as they use this tool to compose accurate, fluent documents. Upon punctuating each sentence, Clicker Docs reads each sentence back to students for easy proofreading. Word prediction and word banks increase spelling accuracy and speeds up the writing process.
Teachers can train students to use Clicker Docs in an individualized or small group setting. They can also create subject specific word banks to help students incorporate key vocabulary from the curriculum into their writing.
Teachers can train students to use Clicker Docs in an individualized or small group setting. They can also create subject specific word banks to help students incorporate key vocabulary from the curriculum into their writing.
Watch the video to see how the many features of the Clicker Docs iPad app can be useful to students. |
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Co:Writer 6 is a product that can be used with students of any age and is especially useful for those with spelling difficulties, problems transferring their thoughts to writing, poor handwriting, and physical impairments. Co:Writer 6 features word prediction software, word banks, and topic specific and personal dictionaries.
Co:Writer 6 is a tool that special education teachers can introduce to students who struggle with writing. Students can use it at school and at home to compose writing assignments. Word prediction and dictionary features will save students time editing, since most spelling and grammar errors can be prevented during the writing process.
An iPad app version of Co:Writer is also available for $19.99. It includes the added benefit of students being able to dictate written documents and then edit it using the word prediction tools.
Co:Writer 6 is a tool that special education teachers can introduce to students who struggle with writing. Students can use it at school and at home to compose writing assignments. Word prediction and dictionary features will save students time editing, since most spelling and grammar errors can be prevented during the writing process.
An iPad app version of Co:Writer is also available for $19.99. It includes the added benefit of students being able to dictate written documents and then edit it using the word prediction tools.
more information
Assistive Technology: Writing Tools Found in Microsoft Word: This document describes several features built into Microsoft Word that can be used to enhance students' ability to edit text.
WriteOnline is a computer software that is similar to Clicker Docs, however it is geared towards secondary school and college-aged students. An iPad app version is also available.
Ghotit is a proofreading software designed specifically for individuals with dyslexia and dysgraphia.
Read Write Think: Editing Checklist: This page contains a self/peer-editing checklist, as well as ideas on how to teach the process of editing.
Pro Writing Aid is a free online editing tool and personal writing coach. It analyzes 19 different areas such as overused words, sentence length variation, and conventions to help improve your writing.
WriteOnline is a computer software that is similar to Clicker Docs, however it is geared towards secondary school and college-aged students. An iPad app version is also available.
Ghotit is a proofreading software designed specifically for individuals with dyslexia and dysgraphia.
Read Write Think: Editing Checklist: This page contains a self/peer-editing checklist, as well as ideas on how to teach the process of editing.
Pro Writing Aid is a free online editing tool and personal writing coach. It analyzes 19 different areas such as overused words, sentence length variation, and conventions to help improve your writing.