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Clicker 4 - Clicker Writer is Clicker's talking word processor. You can type into it just like any word processor. When you complete a sentence, the sentence is spoken using one of the clear voices included. If you like, you can have each word spoken as it is entered, or even each letter. -- "With Clicker 4 the computer is set to read automatically as soon as a period/full stop is used. This has been great in reinforcing the use of capital letters and full stops. My son is able to check his work as he goes and edits immediately instead of waiting until the end when he has forgotten what he has written. He prefers the voice in this program as the other was more or less on one tone. He is more able to independently find correct spellings and he is able to listen to each word then select the one he needs. This is helping him to work with greater independence and is building his confidence to try and complete a task." (S. B-W, Somerset, UK)
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Co:Writer - adds word prediction to any word processing or email program. Co:Writer provides the explicit vocabulary, spelling, composition and revision supports that build skill and considerately scaffold a broad population of struggling writers. FlexSpell, equipped with thousands of phonetic spelling patterns, accommodates students who spell words like they sound. Hundreds of Topic Dictionaries are included so students can participate in writing across the curriculum ? in every genre.
"Co-writer 4000 is a great instrument. It can be use as a thesaurus and give power words that will strengthen your writing style while developing a wider vocabulary." (B.R.N., Iraq).
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Kurzweil 3000 The Kurzeil 3000 is the greatest tool to benefit the dyslexic student. My high school students can bring in a library book or an article, etc. and scan the material one class period and listen/follow along the next period. The students can use bookmarks and change the voice and speed that it reads to their individual tastes. The Kurzweil also comes with a CD with numerous works available to be read without scanning. With the CD you just find the author and click; locate the story you need and click; and start listening. The classroom teachers are really great about sending the reading assignments to me a few days ahead of time so I can have them scanned and ready to read. This helps the students because they stay on schedule. Sometimes students come in after and before school to scan articles so they will be able to keep pace with other students. Therefore extended time isn't necessary. The bottom line is that it is a wonderful tool that gives the students a sense of independence. (Lisa Landers, Texas)
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Dragon Naturally Speaking - program which turns your speech into writing on the screen! Highly recommended for dyslexic teenagers and students: 'An invaluable program, which I use every day. The more time you spend at the 'training stage' - reading chapters of a book out loud - the better it works. Also, let it take a look at your 'My Documents' folder, so that it can learn the kind of expressions you use a lot. You are offered the option to do this during the training stage.' (John Bradford) (USA) | (UK)
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Dr. Peet's TalkWriter is one of the easiest ways for pre-readers, young ESL learners, or children with visual challenges, severe physical challenges, autism, or learning disabilities to learn to read and write. The talking word processor is designed with novice writers in mind and the music and special access features are unique!
Dr. Peet's TalkWriter has real human voices (the Peets themselves!) to sing the alphabet songs and beautiful photo quality pictures to go with the letters. Talk/Writer word processor is teacher-configurable.
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Spell-checkers are great for dyslexic students who struggle with spelling. "I personally carry a spell-checkers with me every where" (Elizabeth Pajl). When you have a student with the most wonderful ideas for stories, but when it comes time to put those ideas on paper, it looks atrocious. These children tend to spell everything phonetically, and at times they do not even do that, thus a spell-checker works well. It is a good idea for students as young as 4th grade to start carrying around spell-checkers.
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'AlphaSmart - When JM found out what was required of him in Freshman English, he just about shut down. That was when I introduced JM to as AlphaSmart. I explained how it would work. Just turn is on and start typing, turn it off when you are finished?everything is automatically saved as you type. With its built-in word processor, you can write stories, make outlines, input data for spreadsheets, take notes and more, then easily transfer to my computer or print directly to most printers in the lab with a single keystroke. The AlphaSmart has eight files that make it easy to organize your work. It is lightweight, portable and runs about 500 hours on 3 AA batteries. When you need to edit, or can transfer your work from the AlphaSmart to the computer and change the font, spacing, etc. JM uses his AlphaSmart every day and has a great attitude. He is looking forward to going to college now that he found a tool that takes the pen/pencil away and has given him success. (Lisa Landers, Texas).
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Nessy Learning Program - (Click on 'Visit the Nessy Shop'' rabbit icon along the top.)
Nessy is a massive resource! When printed out Nessy fills five huge folders of just under 1000 pages with rules, resources and games. Nessy uses interactive animations to learn phonic rules. Unique learning strategies make this a highly effective teaching tool. Interactive games reinforce learning through a stimulating multi-media format.
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