Assistive Technology to Support Writing ch. 2 Assistive Technology in the Classroom

writing = a complex problem solving activity iknvolving thinking, planning, decision making, and transcription
(Flower and Hayes)
cognitive process model emphasizes underlying thinking and 1. the task environment 2. the writer's long term memory 3. the writing process
steps
1. "planning" = prewriting before anything is put on paper, planning, generating ideas 70% of writing process
2. "translating" = drafting
3. "reviewing" = reread and evaluate
4. "editing" = revising drafts
after completed students share and publish

Problems for Students with Disabilities
avoidance
difficulty planning
spelling difficulties
physical problems with actual production of letters
handwriting
notetaking
Low-tech adaptations
pencil grip, purchased or made with clay
slanted board
raised or bold lines on paper to guide writing
rubber stamps
Tools for prewriting
graphic organizers
outlining software, DraftBuilder
www.ldresoucres.org
think sheets
templates to help with scaffolding ideas
http://www.inspiration.com/resources/index.cfm
Tools for Drafting
typewritter
word processing software: Microsoft Word
word prediction software: Word Q, Quillsoft
custom dictionaries, phonetic dictionary, Co: Writer, Auto correct, Auto Text by Microsoft Word
Speech Recognition Software: Dragon Naturally Speaking (Nuance), Speak Q by Quillsoft
only recommended for students who: 1. are computer savvy 2. have strong oral language skills and understand differences between spokena nd written language 3. individual and family recieve extensive training on tool 4. are highly motivated to make it work
Tools for Reviewing
talking word processing
text-to-speech = reads aloud whatever student writes, highlighting feature allows for reading an reevlauting what has been written
Tools for editing
spell-check
phonetic dictionary spell check
talking spell check
talking dictionary
thesaurus
grammar checkers
Note taking tools
laptop (battery life is a drawback)
portable word processor
portable note taker
ie. The Neo, The Dana, Alpha Word, Braille Note, QWERTY, SMART Board

TECHNOLOGY WILL ONLY BE SUCCESSFUL WHEN PARIED WITH GOOD TEACHING

Links:
Writing
www.readwritethink,org
graphic organizers
www.inspiration.com.resources/index.cfm
word processing
www.ldresources.org/?p=171
word prediction
www.donjohnston.com/products/cowriter/index.html
www.wordq.com
www.texthelp.com
speech recognition
www.nuance.com/naturallyspeaking/home/
www.wordq.com
www.macspeech.com
www.306.ibm.com/software/voice/viavoice
text-to-speech
www.readplease.com
www.nextup.com
www.wordq.com
www.texthelp.com
www.intellitools.com
www.donjohnston.com/products/write_aloud/index/html
www.microspft.com/education.atschool.mspx
Digital Storytelling
www.storycenter.org/index1.html
www.adobe.con/education/digkids/
www.coe.uh.edu/digital-storytelling
Portable Notetakers
www.alphasmart.com
www.humanware.com/products/notetakers/braillenoteqt.asp



Dell, A.G., Newton, D.A., & Petroff, J.G. (2008). Assistive technology in the classroom. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Merril Prentice Hall.