focus area:
Writing
Students with disabilities often have great ideas, but may have difficulty expressing them on paper. Some students may think quicker than they can write, so having the ability to speak their thoughts rather than manually write them, which takes more time, can be a useful option. Tools are also available to help individuals organize their thoughts in order for their writing to be presented in a way that is clear and logical to the reader.
research
Many studies of students with Learning Disabilities show that they often exhibit written language deficits. These students seldom produce quality texts compared to non-LD peers, as their written texts are generally shorter in legth, less coherent, more disorganized, and are confusing to read (1). A large amount of evidence suggests that writing tools that provide procedural facilitation and text structure supports can improve the planning and organizational skills of students with learning and academic disabilities (2). Word processors are also likely to be advantageous when implemented alongside valid writing instructional programs. Additionally, research has shown that speech recognition software, as opposed to handwriting, improves the quality of writing for students with LD (3). The following technology solutions offer the components of quality writing instruction, and may be used to enhance classroom instruction in the area of writing.
technology based solutions
Windows Speech Recognition is a built in feature on the Windows Operating system that allows users to speak instead of type. It is most appropriate for upper elementary age students to adults who can speak clearly. Voice recognition software enables users to compose word documents, emails, presentations, blogs, and the list goes on.
Windows speech recognition can be used by students who have difficulty with the physical task of writing, as well as those who have an easier time verbalizing their thoughts than manually writing or typing them. Once students are trained in using the software, they can use it at school or at home for any and all writing assignments.
Windows speech recognition can be used by students who have difficulty with the physical task of writing, as well as those who have an easier time verbalizing their thoughts than manually writing or typing them. Once students are trained in using the software, they can use it at school or at home for any and all writing assignments.
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This video provides a brief overview of how Windows Speech Recognition software works.
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CRLS Research Guide takes upper elementary and higher students through a step by step process of doing research and making an outline to organize information. The research guide is developed around the Big6 Skills of Task Definition, Information Seeking Strategies, Location and Access, Use of Information, Synthesis, and Evaluation.
Teachers can incorporate the CRLS Research Guide into research projects they assign to students. Lessons can be conducted on the Big6 Skills prior to students engaging in each phase using the online tool. Once familiar with how to use the site, students can use it to independently conduct research and create outlines for other assignments.
Teachers can incorporate the CRLS Research Guide into research projects they assign to students. Lessons can be conducted on the Big6 Skills prior to students engaging in each phase using the online tool. Once familiar with how to use the site, students can use it to independently conduct research and create outlines for other assignments.
Download the file to watch a brief tour of the CRLS Research Guide.
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CAST Science Writer - This is a free online tool that supports students in composing science reports. CAST Science Writer takes students through the steps of the scientific method, while providing explicit instruction, scaffolding the writing process, and offering organization support for advanced planning. It provides opportunities for drafting, revising, and editing every step of the way. On-screen characters provide modeling and hints on how to complete each part.
Teachers can use this tool with elementary and middle school students who have little to no experience writing a science report. As students conduct their research, they are able to keep notes in the Journal for later use in their report. The program also stresses the importance of the writing process, which involves drafting, revising, and editing.
Teachers can use this tool with elementary and middle school students who have little to no experience writing a science report. As students conduct their research, they are able to keep notes in the Journal for later use in their report. The program also stresses the importance of the writing process, which involves drafting, revising, and editing.
More Information
NEO 2 is a wireless word processor that students can use in the classroom to perform various writing tasks.
Holt Writing Resources corresponds to the Elements of Literature textbook series. This site provides students with interactive student writing models of various types of writing, as well as real world examples written by professionals.
Read Write Think Student Interactives: This site provides students with online interactive tools, such as graphic organizers and writing guides that assist students in the writing process in a fun and engaging way. Lesson plans for teachers are also included with each activity.
Dragon Dictation is a voice-to-text app that can be downloaded for free on the iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch. Students can dictate their ideas using this program and paste the text into Pages to compose writing assignments.
Noodle Tools is a website that provides students and teachers with integrated tools for note-taking, outlining, citation, document archiving/annotation, and collaborative research and writing. Varying levels of support are available for elementary, middle, and high school students.
Holt Writing Resources corresponds to the Elements of Literature textbook series. This site provides students with interactive student writing models of various types of writing, as well as real world examples written by professionals.
Read Write Think Student Interactives: This site provides students with online interactive tools, such as graphic organizers and writing guides that assist students in the writing process in a fun and engaging way. Lesson plans for teachers are also included with each activity.
Dragon Dictation is a voice-to-text app that can be downloaded for free on the iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch. Students can dictate their ideas using this program and paste the text into Pages to compose writing assignments.
Noodle Tools is a website that provides students and teachers with integrated tools for note-taking, outlining, citation, document archiving/annotation, and collaborative research and writing. Varying levels of support are available for elementary, middle, and high school students.