Let me introduce you to Co:Writer 7

We’ve had the pleasure of using this software gem for a little while now. It’s a fabulous tool to use in conjunction with any writing application such as word processor, web browser, email client etc. to provide comprehensive word prediction as you write.

One of my favourite features of Co:Writer has been the ability to add in-built topic dictionaries to the word prediction. If I am studying Albert Einstein I can select that topic dictionary and have any related words come up in the word prediction window. Now there is an additional feature in version 7 that means you can create a Quick Topic that pulls from over 4 million topics from the internet. So you can have word prediction including the topic of the Eureka Stockade or Australian Government in a few quick clicks!

Co:Writer 7 now has on-screen keyboard support and will run from a USB which means you can take it anywhere – home, school, library.

For some students, during a big test, you’ll want to be able to restrict features such as topic dictionaries or predict ahead. Co:Writer 7 has introduced testing accommodation supports to restrict these features.

There’s also the option to track data some as time spent writing and vocabulary usage of individual students and groups.

You’ll still find all the features from previous versions such as FlexSpell for those inventive spellers, word banks and Personal Dictionaries. I also have a special interest in switch access so I like that you can turn on scanning options for the word prediction window.

To see Co:Writer 7 in action you can watch this introduction video that demonstrates a number of these features.

[youtube id=”zmIYvvba7dc”]

And don’t forget the CoWriter app that Katie has written about here.

If you have questions or comments about Co:Writer 7 or the CoWriter app we’d love to hear from you.

 

 

Charlene Cullen

Charlene has worked as a speech pathologist, supporting people with complex communication needs and learning disabilities for the past 15 years. She has worked in a variety of roles within the Disability Services of Western Australia, including Senior Speech Pathologist, Rural and Remote Resource Therapist and Regional Team Manager. Charlene is a trained Key Word Sign (formerly Makaton) presenter, certified Hanen It Takes Two to Talk presenter and a member of the Apple Consultants Network. Charlene is also an official Proloquo2Go / Proloquo4Text trainer, and TBoxApps Trainer for Therapy Box. Charlene has developed strong skills in and a passion for, the area of AAC and assistive technologies. She enjoys presenting workshops and providing consultancy services to support and educate parents, teachers and therapists in the use and application of inclusive technologies. Charlene has been a full time member of the Professional and Consultancy Services Team at Spectronics. AGOSCI State Representative for Victoria (2012-present); Key Word Sign Victoria committee member (2012-present).

2 thoughts on “Let me introduce you to Co:Writer 7

  • April 28, 2014 at 3:01 pm
    Permalink

    Hi Cha
    Been trying to find out info re switch access re CoWriter and also morse code access… any insights or ideas. Have written to the company but no response as yet.
    thx
    Gina

    • May 1, 2014 at 10:56 am
      Permalink

      Hi Gina,
      I haven’t found anything new but will follow up with company also and let you know.
      Cheers,
      Cha

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