At the most basic level, Intellipad offers a keyboard with word prediction, some basic spell checking and text-to-speech support. The student can hear words being predicted before selecting them – and the same support is offered for the spell checking. The word prediction is a bit of a weakness in what is otherwise an excellent app – it can be a bit idiosyncratic (as in the example below where it predicts weekendish) and doesn’t have any options for phonetic word prediction or for adding word lists or custom vocabulary.

The spell check automatically kicks in whenever the program sees that you are typing a non-word or a word for which there are variations. The spell check can sometimes compensate for the word prediction. For example – I typed the sentence “On the weekend I went to the zoo and saw an amimal”. Although the word prediction didn’t ever offer “animal” as an option, the spell check did.

Whenever the student wants to hear what they have written, they just need to select the speaker in the top right corner and an Acapela voice reads out their typing. Having had some recent contact with the developer, they tell me that speak word-by-word and speak on punctuation will be available as options soon – with an update due out in the next few weeks.

For the speech itself, currently a range of US and UK Acapela voices are offered in the settings with more to come in the next update. And while I’m discussing settings – word prediction, spell check and text-to-speech can be turned on or off through the settings at any time. Other settings include changing the response rate of the keyboard and turning key repeats on and off. Documents can be printed or emailed to save a student’s work.

As well as using the standard keyboard shipped with Intellipad, custom keyboards can be created at any time. This is the really exciting feature of Intellipad as it allows us to provide scaffolds for some students – but also to create custom literacy activities.

In the example below, I have made a “silly story” overlay with story beginnings, middles and endings. I tried this with some students last week – and lots of laughter was the result!

I can make up a keyboard with words jumbled up as an extension activity to a guided reading book – where the student needs to re-order the sentence. Or I can make a keyboard to do some of Caroline Musselwhite’s Poetry Power activities – the uses for these custom keyboards are many and varied.

As I build a keyboard, there are quite a few options that I have control of: I can choose to combine keys along a row to make a larger key; I can select the background, foreground and text colours; I can select the font size; I can delete keys to leave spaces; and I can attach a recording to a cell.

The screenshot above was taken while I was in the process of making up a keyboard for doing an onset rime activity with the word family –ill. I can also make up keyboards for Making Words (Cunningham, 1991). And once I have made up a custom keyboard, I can choose to share it online with others, and also check out what others are sharing using the share button within the app.

And finally, there is one more feature of Intellipad that I really like. I can make up a writing document with a picture beside it – perfect for writing about personal experiences or keeping a journal. The picture is pulled from your picture library on your iPad and the writing space appears next to it. Fabulous for writers of all levels!

Intellipad isn’t perfect – I’d love to have more control over the editing and the word prediction could definitely be improved – but it goes a long way to filling a hole in the current writing and literacy tools on the iPad and I know I will be using it lots and lots!

Intellipad is available on the iTunes store for $20.99AUD. Videos and more information about this app are available from http://www.intellipadapp.com.

At less than half the cost of ZoomText, iZoom is an economical option for people with low vision who need an easy-to-use program for magnifying text on their computer screens. Another big bonus is that it speaks out the text using clear male and female Australian voices! AND the new iZoom Version 4 has just been released allowing reading of PDF files with those same clear voices. It also now supports use with dual monitors and incorporates a clever “Posture Improvement Module” to prevent back and neck pain commonly associated with leaning in close to read screen content.

Other benefits of using iZoom?

• The USB version of iZoom does not require you to install any software onto the computer at all. Just insert it into the USB drive and you are instantly up and running. Other programs, like ZoomText, need users to install a small file, effectively locking them out of any public computers (like those in libraries) and school or Uni/TAFE computers where students do not have administrator privileges.
• Exceptionally easy to use interface.
• Zoom scroll-bars appear on the side and bottom of the screen to assist users to know where they are on the screen once it is enlarged.
• Font smoothing ensures clear, non-jaggy text when magnified.
• SmartAlign technology makes viewing web pages, emails and documents that don’t fit on the screen much easier. No need to continuously scroll back and forward horizontally to read the text. With just one mouse click, SmartAlign will realign the text so that it fits on the screen allowing you to be more productive and reducing eye-strain.

Want to try the program for yourself? A 30-day trial version is downloadable from the Spectronics website. Or please feel free to contact Spectronics to have a copy of the trial version sent to you on CD. If you have enquiries about site licence options and pricing, we are also happy to assist.

Join us for a full day of hands-on training learning about the NEW Version 10 of the popular Texthelp Read&Write GOLD literacy support software in Perth on Friday 26th August – 9am to 4pm. Where? Rydges Perth | Cnr Hay and King Streets | Perth CBD.

Why is the Texthelp Read&Write GOLD program so popular?

With so many students in schools and post-secondary institutions experiencing difficulties with literacy, Texthelp Read&Write GOLD software offers critical support for reading and writing tasks throughout the day in class, in the library and after-hours at home. These supports are built into a discreet “floating toolbar” that works with all regular software programs (including Web browsers and virtual learning environments such as Blackboard and Moodle). As a result, students using the software do not feel “different” to their peers. The resultant ability for these students to achieve independently of adult assistance, often results in significantly improved self esteem and a willingness to participate actively in reading and writing tasks for the very first time.

Please note: This is a BYO windows laptop workshop

Bring your laptop pre-loaded with Texthelp Read&Write GOLD Version 10 for Windows. If you do not have the program installed, USB versions of the program will be available for use on the day.

To read more details about the workshop view the downloadable flyer.

How do you register?

Alternatively you can complete the registration form – found on the last page of the downloadable flyer and fax the form to Spectronics on (07) 3808 6108.

Cost of the workshop?

The workshop registration fee is $180.

What is built into this comprehensive and informative workshop package?

• A full day of hands-on training in using Texthelp Read&Write GOLD
• Training supported by Certified Texthelp Trainer as presenter, as well as skilled Certified Texthelp Trainer support staff assisting “on-the-floor”
• A full version of the program will be provided for your use for the duration of the workshop
• A comprehensive printed Training Manual covering all program features in detail for use at the workshop and to take home for further learning
• The option to complete a Texthelp Certified Trainer assessment on completion of the training
• Full catering of arrival tea/coffee, morning tea and lunch on-site for the workshop day

I strongly believe that everyone has the right to learn to read and write and it is our role to make sure that every student we work with develops the best literacy skills possible. As part of this we need to have high interest texts on topics of their choice available to all the students we work with – so that they can read them! In addition these books need to be easy to read so that the students can gain confidence and skills in applying and using their new skills with easy texts.  And there need to be lots of these easy texts of course so that every student has choices as they read every day!  And – just to add to this – since many of the students we work with are older students who are just starting on their literacy journey we also need these texts to be appropriate for teenagers and adults.

In answer to this seemingly impossible list of wants, along came TarHeel Reader. TarHeel Reader is the brain child of Karen Erickson and Gary Bishop and is supported by both the Centre for Literacy and Disability Studies and the Department of Computer Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It has been around for just over 3 years and has nearly 20,000 easy-to-read books, available to be read freely – with more being added regularly.

Starting to use TarHeel Reader is easy. You just need to type in a topic to search for books and then hit the search button – see the image below for an example.  The shield icon on some books means that the book has been reviewed and approved for educational quality. The red exclamation mark on some books means that the book may contain material inappropriate for some readers.  And the stars are the rating given to the book by those who have read it.

When you select a book you can choose to have the book read to you in a child, woman or man’s voice (synthesised speech) or click on the silent option to read it yourself. Once you have made a selection then you can read the book – just use the arrows to turn the pages.

When you begin using TarHeel Reader you will also discover a number of other features.  For example, also on the title page of each book, there is a Setup button – which takes you to the Reading Controls. This is where you can go to change the font and background colours. It is also where you can download a book to use it offline – and this is a feature I use a lot.  I find it useful to download books to use offline so that I can use them with a student when we don’t have access to the internet. I usually download them as a PowerPoint file as then I can use PowerTalk with the book if I need speech support. Paul Hamilton has written an excellent blog post on using PowerTalk with downloaded TarHeel Reader books that you can access here.

It is also very important to know that books in TarHeel Reader can be accessed via a switch or an Intellikeys keyboard – as well as the more traditional mouse and keyboard.  For more information about the alternative access options click here.

Another feature is the use of Favorites. You can add books to Favorites by ticking the box in the top right corner of each book in the search page. See the screenshot below for an example. Once you have clicked in the checkbox press “Update Favorites” to add this book to your list.

You can then click on the link towards the bottom of the list on the right hand side to see your Favorites bookshelf.

Each Favorites bookshelf has an individual web address – it is important that you save this as a bookmark or as a shortcut on your desktop as TarHeel Reader will not remember your favourites any other way. For example, the address of the bookshelf above is http://tarheelreader.org/favorites/?books=353,92299,87557,66157 – and I can use this again and again to get back to this bookshelf. I use this feature to build individual bookshelves for different students so that they can have quick and easy access to the books they like to read – and to offer new books on their topics of interest.

And finally there is one more part of TarHeel Reader that is important for this amazing resource to continue to be successful.  TarHeel Reader needs authors – the number of books only grows when everyone contributes books.  So make sure that as well as reading books, you also sign up to write your own books and share them with the world.  And let’s hope that TarHeel Reader has 30,000 books available before too long!

Read2Go works with Bookshare. Any book available to you through your Bookshare login can now be downloaded to your iPad or iPod touch and read on your mobile device – offering a more accessible, portable library. (If you need more information about Bookshare and how to subscribe click here to check out an earlier blog post by Anita Raftery on this topic).

I found Read2Go very easy to use. In fact, within minutes of downloading it from the iTunes store on my iPad I was already downloading books from Bookshare. I just needed to log into my account and then was able to use the search facility to find books.

Using “Search by author” I was able to easily find the Suzanne Collins books I wanted and download them. At all stages, speech support provides assistance for browsing and selecting items – either during a search or in picking a book from your library. This will work well for many people who need support with print and text due to a learning difficulty. For people with visual impairment who need more speech support (descriptions of screen contents, etc) then the App based speech support can be turned off, and VoiceOver can be used instead.

Other search options include browsing the latest additions to Bookshare, the most popular books, categories of books and available periodicals for your region. Downloading a book takes a matter of seconds on either 3G or WiFi – and once a book is downloaded it stays in your local bookshelf – until you delete it.

And then you can open it at any time, read it, create bookmarks and return to it whenever you need to. If using the in-App speech support, speech is provided by the Acapela voices Heather or Ryan – with the user able to easily select the voice the prefer in the Settings.

Users also have access to a range of settings to customise the way in which books are read and the visual aspects of the book presentation. Users can change the font size (although not the font at this stage) and a range of other visual settings, including the text colour, background colour and highlight colour.

It would be fabulous to have some extra accessibility options in the future – particularly switch and scanning support and other options to change the way in which the touch screen responds – to address the needs of students with physical disabilities.

However, the current range of visual settings and speech options, along with the range of books from Bookshare, immediately make this eBook reader a game changer for accessing texts for many students with learning difficulties. Overall, this is an excellent start on providing an accessible eBook reader for all students’ needs.

Read2Go is available from the iTunes store for $20.99AUD or $19.99USD. Click here to view it in iTunes. If you are using Read2Go and need any help with the App, the online help files can be found here. Happy Reading!

The latest edition of the Queensland Department of Education and Training’s OnLine Newsletter has just been published and it is a special issue for those who are supporting students with reading and note taking. It outlines considerations when looking at note taking, identifies various aspects of digital pens and reviews a number of digital pen hardware and software options including the popular LiveScribe Pen. These pens digitally record information that is handwritten using the pen. This information can then be uploaded to the computer for a range of purposes.

At Spectronics, we often receive enquiries about digital pens and found this month’s newsletter answered many of our questions too. Click here to download this informative edition of OnLine.

To receive your own copies of the OnLine Newsletter, simply visit the OnLine listserv page and select “OnLine Newsletter” from the drop down menu. Or to view past editions of OnLine, visit the Department of Education’s Assistive Technology Professional Community page. If you have any problems subscribing or have any questions, just contact Jeff Souter, Editor of the OnLine Newsletter on jeff.souter@deta.qld.gov.au.

A new version of the popular literacy support program, Texhelp Read&Write GOLD for Windows has just been released – Version 10! It still offers its popular “floating toolbar” format, seamlessly working with all standard Windows-based programs (meaning that struggling students are not ostracised by having to use programs that are different to those used by their peers).

What’s new in Read&Write 10 GOLD?

• Picture Dictionary to improve comprehension
• Verb Checker to identify correct verb conjugations
• Vocabulary Tool to expand vocabulary
• Enhanced Text-to-Speech, Translator and Study Skills
• Enhanced Speech Maker to convert text to MP3
• Enhanced Screenshot Reader to read inaccessible text
• Enhanced Homophone and Confusable words

To learn more, visit the Spectronics website or request a free 30-Day demo disk from Spectronics on mail@spectronicsinoz.com in Australia or mail@spectronics.co.nz in New Zealand.

Need training?

Why not sign in for one of Spectronics’ free online training sessions? The first presentation demonstrating Read&Write GOLD Version 10 by Greg O’Connor (Education Services Manager) is scheduled for Thursday 24^th February 2011.

If you would like a more intensive “hands-on” training, going through the features of the program in detail, you may wish to join us for one of the Texthelp Training Tour workshops planned for June 2011 in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. Sessions in Adelaide, Perth and Auckland are planned for later in the year too. All participants in these workshops have the non-mandatory option to complete a post-workshop assessment to become a Certified Texthelp Trainer. Visit Spectronics’ Travel and Events Diary page for more information or contact Eliza Bale, Spectronics’ Events and Marketing Coordinator on elizab@spectronicsinoz.com or on phone (07) 3808 6833.

I’ve had several people email me recently asking questions about switch scanning and iPads so I thought I would summarise what I know to share. These are the options I am aware of at present, but if anyone has any more information it would be great to hear it. Please add your comments!

At this stage there is no full scanning and switch access option available that works with all Apps on an iPad/iPodtouch/iPhone. Scanning is available within individual Apps only – so you can’t leave the App, scan to another App and open it.

For AAC Apps there are only a few with switch and scanning access right now – and a couple of different switch interfaces which are only very recently available. Most of the AAC App developers have said that they are planning on adding scanning. My understanding is that the Apps generally have to be re-written for this to happen so it isn’t a quick process.

The Apps available with a scanning option built in right now are:

* Sounding Board – works with the AbleNet Blue2 iPod touch/iPad switch interface
* Predictable – works with the RJ Cooper iPad or Therapy Box switch interface OR using the iPad screen as a switch
* TapSpeak Choice – works with the RJ Cooper iPad or Therapy Box switch interface OR using the iPad screen as a switch

TapSpeak Button also said last week that they will have an update available in the next couple of weeks which will include switch support.

If you want any more information about these Apps you can check out the iTunes store (accessed through iTunes on your computer) or my list of AAC Apps.

Ideally, schools need to change culture and teaching practices in how they cater to students’ reading and writing needs.

All text, study and reading material, where possible, should be provided in an electronic format, such as text files, MS Word, Open Office Org – Writer, HTML or in PDF format. MS Word has become the standard for publishing of text as other formats can be generated more readily and easily (e.g. DAISY file format). Handwritten notes, old fading photocopies of handouts and newspaper articles, black board and whiteboard notes only have to be reversioned by a teacher aide, parent or student. This is slow, laborious and frustrating. If the classroom notes or study material is made available in the first instance in electronic format, students can immediately alter it to cater to their needs. They can opt to change the:

• Size, font style and colour of the text
• Background colour or contrast/highlight
• Format to sound file (WAV, WMA or MP3)
• Format to DAISY format or other alternate file formats
• Start work immediately

Reading Technologies

OCR Optical Character Recognition (Scanning Technologies)

Most flatbed scanners or printer/scanners are bundled with free OCR software. Handheld scanners as well as some mobile phones can also be used to scan text with dedicated apps or software.

Figure 1 Desktop Scanners

Printed text such as books, newspapers, journals, handouts, worksheets and other printed signs and documents can be recognised by the computer’s or device’s software and then imported or inserted into an MS Word Document, Notepad or PDF file. Purchasing commercial software or tools within literacy support programs (e.g. TextHelp Read & Write and ClaroRead) ensures a greater degree of accuracy and flexibility as well as speed in converting typefaces into editable text. Once converted, the resulting text can be checked for errors (spelling, layout, missed characters or words) and then edited, saved and customised to meet the specific needs of one or more users.

Of course, copyright issues need to be recognised. OCR is one way to guarantee that printed text that cannot be read by a student is made accessible in a suitable file format. Refer to more information and lists of suitable software and Apps in: Universal Access using OCR with Printed Text – http://ndco.cds.org.au/index.php/at/60-gerry-kennedy-at-articles .

Text Styles and Definitions

Different font styles cater to personal preferences, including vision, visual acuity, reading fatigue issues and the age of the student. It is easy to customise text, to a greater or lesser degree, across computer applications including word processing programs, email software, data handing programs, Internet pages and in some menu and dialogue boxes in MS Windows or MAC OS operating system windows.

Often by simply changing from a serif to a sans-serif font can make an enormous difference. The serif fonts have the fancy or ‘squiggly bits’ at the top and bottom and many are very fancy fonts – often unreadable on screen! By improving the text’s readability a user can choose to adjust the size, colours, line-spacing and character-spacing.

Figure 2 Find and Replace Dialogue Box

Line spacing gives more ‘real estate’ and this can be quickly achieved in MS Word by clicking inside a paragraph and using Ctrl-2 for double spacing, Ctrl-5 for 1.5 line spacing and Ctrl-1 for single spacing (i.e. normal spacing). Using Ctrl-F with the Replace function, users can type a spacebar in the Find what: box and then type two spacebars (i.e. Press the spacebar on the keyboard twice) in the Replace with: box and all spaces are doubled throughout the entire document. Pressing three spaces ensures increased spacing between words.

Highlighting text and choosing a different background colour can differentiate text from the standard back on white to more accommodating colour combinations to support students with Irlen Syndrome or those with Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (see later in this document).

Text to Speech (TTS)

Students often dislike reading as it can present a number of difficulties and therefore invites frustration that builds over time causing increased anxiety and loss of confidence. This culminates in problems across the entire curriculum as the student moves into higher year levels and is presented with more challenging text, different genres and increased amounts of text. Comprehension difficulty and the ability to cope with so much information can prove to be overwhelming and discouraging.

Figure 3 Orato TTS software

Most students with literacy difficulties have large auditory and spoken vocabularies but are unable to recognise the word in print. Students often struggle to read long amounts of text, especially if it is not engaging or doesn’t ‘make sense’. In addition to making it more visually accessible, text to speech programs can assist readers of all ages and abilities. Having text voiced back to them via speakers or headphones, even using a robotic-sounding voice, can result in great improvement and confidence in reading. Software can be purchased or downloaded freely from many websites. Refer to more information and lists of suitable software and Apps in the MS Word document – Universal Access using Text-to-Speech – http://ndco.cds.org.au/index.php/at/60-gerry-kennedy-at-articles.

Dictionary and Thesaurus Options

Figure 4 Display Properties

MS Word has an inbuilt dictionary that links to selected words. This is faster and easier than attempting to use paper-based dictionary. Combined with text-to-speech software (e.g. using WordTalk or FxToolbar) it supports students who struggle with alphabetical conventions. Other dictionary software and online websites are available that has improved features are available freely or at cost. Hand held devices can also be useful, including the Franklins series – http://www.dse.co.nz.

Online dictionary, thesaurus and literacy support websites also provide electronic resources. Literacy support software including TextHelp Read & Write, ClaroRead and Kurzweil 3000 for Windows all include dictionary, homophone and thesaurus support features and functions where all text can be voiced. Refer to Universal Access using Spell Checker & Thesaurus/Dictionary Supports at http://ndco.cds.org.au/index.php/at/60-gerry-kennedy-at-articles for more information and background reading re these technologies.

IPad/iPhone/Smartphone Apps also provide some options for students with new apps being frequently launched. Some very useful literacy supports are appearing that can be used in class or at home. Refer to: The iPad as an Inclusive Device in Education at http://ndco.cds.org.au/index.php/at/60-gerry-kennedy-at-articles or refer to lists of iPad Apps from Jim Sprialis at http://livebinders.com/play/play/60957.

Onscreen Display Options

People with Learning Disabilities including as Dyslexia and people with print disabilities and vision loss usually benefit from alternate screen settings. These settings can be changed at any time in the Control Panels – Display Properties on MAC OS or in MS Windows. The font style and size, foreground and background colour, resolution and even desktop theme will have an impact on readability and access.

Visual Guides

A handy utility program that acts as n onscreen ‘ruler’ that reveals text in a window is called VuBar. It is available in AccessApps and in MyStudyBar or as a standalone program installed on a Windows computer. The size can be altered, both width and height as well as colour options. The reader can position it anywhere on screen so that just the text (one or more lines) is revealed.

Writing Tools and Technologies

Typing on a computer keyboard or using an onscreen ‘virtual’ keyboard using a mouse, trackball or other pointing device is very liberating for some students who find writing fatiguing, difficult or impossible! It can make text creation easier as many students discover that the concentration required for the production of letter shapes impairs their ability to construct worthwhile sentences. They are free to construct language without the impediment of poor handwriting dexterity.

Editing, re-writing and proofing their work are achievable without frustration. The ability to edit, save, print, re-read and re-edit text with proofing features such as the spell checker, homophone checker, thesaurus and text-to-speech facilities gives them increased independence. They can negotiate tasks more confidently and attack essay writing, note taking and projects with confidence. It saves time and avoids the embarrassment of trying to compete with peers and siblings. They can type their work knowing that it will look neat and tidy and be presented legibly for appraisal and assessment without compromising the content with poor presentation.

Writing skills may still need to be developed. It needs to be put into context and determine what is more important – future success or short term satisfaction for an educator. Using a pen, biro and pencil is a portable, amenable skill and should not be forsaken, but for some students, it impedes their access to successful writing and learning opportunities across most of the curriculum. Advice from an Occupational Therapist will prove to be advantageous.

Text Styles and Definitions

Ensuring that text as visually accessible as possible is very important. Having the appropriate text font, style, size and colour can improve performance and decrease eye strain. Changing the screen size of the page onscreen (hold CRTL key and move mouse scroll wheel forward to increase page size (up to 500%) and then roll the mouse scroll wheel back towards your body to decrease to 10%) can increase comfort, legibility and potentially increase session length by reducing eye-strain and allowing the student to see what he or she is typing and editing.

Spell Checkers

The spell checkers found in all word processing programs can prove to be very useful for most students. At times, the red underlining off errors can be dispiriting and overwhelming (this function can be turned off if required for some users). It indicates potential errors and attempts to correct them – automatically by the software from ‘lists’ of commonly misspelled words or manually by the user. Many people, especially those with Dyslexia, can benefit from more advanced spell checkers that offer greater recognition, more accurate choices, text-to-speech output and dictionary definitions. A simple yet effective free tool is WordTalk (http://www.wordtalk.org.uk/Home/) or purchasing and using Read & Write, ClaroRead, Medialexie Toolbar ™or Wynn™ might prove to be a better long term option. These commercial programs have advanced literacy support technologies that in combination provide solutions as well as diagnostic support as they track a user’s performance over time.

New software such as Ginger (http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/product/ginger) provides online grammar and spell-checking capabilities and is ideal for older students struggling with continued errors and poor writing skills. A new MS Word add-in is Ghotit (http://www.ghotit.com/home.shtml). It offers a spell checker for people with dyslexia, dysgraphia and other English writing difficulties.

Voiced Text Output

Text-to-speech programs and free utilities (e.g. Orato or FX Toolbar for Word 2007/2010- http://www.fxc.btinternet.co.uk/) offer benefits to people who struggle to proofread their typing, as they type or after have typed it. Students with literacy difficulties mix up words, omit them, misspell words, write very short or overly long sentences, change tense and confuse words (i.e. they can correctly spell one word when they actually mean another – homophones).

Figure 5 FX Toolbar as a ribbon in MS Word 2007

Having text voiced back to them ensures that they hear their own errors. They hear obvious mistakes that may not be identified by a spell checker. They hear the tone of the sentence and can listen to whether it ‘makes sense’. They hear their work immediately, without having to resort to teachers, support workers or parents at home. The increased levels of independence give them the satisfaction that they ‘own’ their writing. Over time, increased performance and endurance improves writing and text creation skills.

Homophones

Homophones are words that sound the same, but are spelt differently (e.g. main, mane). They are particularly troublesome and disconcerting for students with Dyslexia as they are not identified by the spell checker. Often, they cannot be heard as being errors when using text-to-speech software as the word sounds ‘ok’. There are over 18,500 homophones in the English language, some being quite obscure and seldom encountered. The typical errors of “their, there and there”, “to, too and two” are common, as are thousands of others.

Mind Mapping Software

Figure 6 Rationale Software

A number of technologies exist in computer software applications, iPad apps and online resources. Mind mapping or webbing tools allow students to plan or present their ideas, thoughts and facts in graphical format, rather than linear based tools such as word processors and text editors. Students can click and type anywhere onscreen, and add photos, graphics, extra notes, internal links and connections, hyperlinks to external documents, web sites and even emails. Information can be scaffolded, linked and associated with like terms, ideas or facts, temporarily hidden and reorganised quickly and easily. Popular programs in education included Inspiration, Kidspiration (younger students in early years), Freemind and XMind (the latter two being free to download and use). Online mind mapping tools including Bubbl.us are becoming increasingly popular (www.bubbl.us ) as it is an intuitive, easy to learn and master resource – plus it’s just plain fun!

A different genre related to mind mapping is Rationale software. It is ideal for older students in Secondary and particularly in tertiary. Rationale is a software tool that helps students grasp the essence of good essay-writing and structure. Working with the argument maps that are at the heart of Rationale has been shown to produce a dramatic increase in students’ critical thinking ability. (http://rationale.austhink.com/ ).

Planning

Writing an essay, negotiating a project, writing a speech or dissertation can be a particularly daunting and difficult task. Segmenting or tackling the task using smaller or logical sections can be achieved using mind mapping software. It is more creative, more visual and then sections can be completed one at a time. It breaks down the task into more concise, easy to manage sections that build over time to a finished product. A program specifically designed for dyslexics in the UK is Spark-Space. Spark-Space creates a space for students’ thoughts. It allows users of all ages and abilities to structure their thoughts at speed.

It helps connects ideas, documents, web pages and graphics within one map – giving them complete and seamless control over the entire process. The map can be printed or copied to other applications in part, or as a finished product.

Figure 7 Spark Space Software

Figure 8 WriteOnline software

Spark-Space shows students’ ideas from new perspectives using virtual 3D, rotational and split screen views. It therefore turns their idea maps into working documents, presentations and web pages ready for other users to read, examine or edit.

WriteOnline is a relatively new concept in literacy support tools. It formerly only worked whilst students were ‘online’ but has been reengineered to work offline as well. It boasts a number of critical functions such as wordbars, spell checkers, TTS, word grids, homophone support, dictionary and other supports that directly cater to students at risk.

Note Taking Software

A number of simple yet useful tools exist just to take quick notes, including MS Notepad that is bundled on all MS Windows computers. Other adapted programs are available as are sticky note applications and hyperlinked note taking apps. These are also available on Smart Phones and iPad devices. Refer to: Universal Access using Note Taking Software at http://ndco.cds.org.au/index.php/at/60-gerry-kennedy-at-articles for a list of programs.

Organisational Tools and PIM software

Some students are or become poorly organised. Planning, remembering and recording information, notes, dates and times as well as things-to-do, often overwhelm them. Recording important information using a phone, digital voice recorder or hand held device (e.g. some MP3 players) can be faster than scribbling a note and typing a message. Long term organisation and event planning might require the use of MS Outlook calendar and tasks sections. Other free programs exist that are portable, namely Essential PIM or Sunbird might assist students in maintaining a diary and recording critical events. Auditory and visual reminders can be generated. The file can often be exported to other formats (e.g. iCal) that can be imported on hand held devices such as iPhones or ported to other operating systems (e.g. to MAC OS calendar software).

Using Tables

A simple yet effective strategy is to use tables in word processing programs. Creating simple tables gives structure and compartmentalizes information so that it can be arranged sensibly and accessed in a more structured manner. The information can be digested more easily and tables allow for ease of access – visually and cognitively. Templates can be designed and saved so that accessing them is quick and easy.

Using PowerPoint and Other Tools

Other users prefer presentation tools such as MS PowerPoint or Open Office Presenter (http://why.openoffice.org/). Rather than using a word processor, with its linear approach to creating text, presentation packages provide ‘pages’ that can be inserted as slides, with a major heading and sufficient information or data to cater to a person’s visual, cognitive and reading/writing ability.

Often people who struggle with text have secondary or even tertiary disabilities. Students with ADD, ADHD, Aspergers or other syndromes may prefer to have their text arranged and presented in different formats, rather than long paragraphs and blocks of text. They can arrange the information and build and rebuild their document easily by moving the slides about the document and re-order them at will (similar to mind mapping tools).

Speech Recognition (DNS V11)

Referred to as either voice recognition or speech recognition software, it can be a very effective solution for students who struggle to type and spell words correctly. It can also assist in forming written structures. Students with Dyslexia, who often speak confidently and fluently, find it significantly easier to express themselves verbally.

There are skills that need to be developed, often over a period of time. Practice, as always, is required with correct set up and configuration. The technology doesn’t always cater to all voices types, or to some accents or to younger children’s voices, and it can take some time to master and learn. Voice control, pronunciation, speech fluency, sentence structure and consistency all are factors in successful generation of text. Accuracy is a key issue, as is the environment in which a user works or studies. Schools are often noisy places, full of distractions.

The software has many different commands and needs fast computer processors and appropriate amounts of memory (from 2 GB to 4 GB). High quality USB or wireless headsets and microphones are required. Speech recognition software can prove to be very useful, more particularly for older students or for those who speak well and have good language skills.

It can bypass writing or typing difficulties. Text creation as well as navigation about the computer can alleviate stress and increase productivity significantly. It may take anything from a few weeks to many months to begin to become proficient. Every situation is different and it does not cater to all students.

The most popular and accurate commercial software is Dragon Naturally Speaking Version 11 (MS Windows) and Dragon Dictate for Mac (MAC OS X). SpeakQ works with WordQ and works well with some younger students.

MS Windows Vista and Windows 7 have inbuilt voice recognition which is acceptable but not as accurate, flexible or easy to master and train. DSpeech, a handy TTS program with a number of useful features, uses this speech engine -http://dimio.altervista.org/eng/. For more detailed background and information, refer to Universal Access using Speech Recognition at http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/article/universal-access-to-text-using-speech-recognition for more information and background reading re this enabling technology.

Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome

This is a recognised visual perception disorder and is often a causality of some dyslexia difficulties. Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotopic_sensitivity_syndrome) also known as Irlen Syndrome, can affect a student’s ability to read or even to ‘see’ the text in a meaningful manner. There are some useful software utilities in literacy support software programs as well as some free apps, namely ssOverlay (the colour and transparency levels are adjustable, the app is multi-monitor capable and can either be installed to the hard drive or used on a USB pen/thumb drive), RapidSet and T-Bar (see http://www.fxc.btinternet.co.uk/assistive.htm ). The latter three can be accessed on a USB drive in AccessApps (www.eduapps.org).

Devices

Portable Scanners

A range of models and brands is available where the student or educator can quickly scan printed material. The device converts type-face text into electronic text. These are usually low cost devices but can range from $60 to hundreds of dollars. The text is transferred (usually via USB connections) to a computer and the text imported into a text based program, most commonly a word processor. The accuracy, speed and ease of use, plus weight and size, need to be taken into account.

Scanning or Reading Pens

Figure 9 Scanning Pen

These differ in as much as different models provide a number of solutions. Models can capture 500 pages or more and recognise text from 6-22 point font size (bold, italic, underlined, inverted text). Transferring data is easily achieved using USB. Optical character recognition is above 98% accuracy (based on standard font and size average). Other settings for preference include settings for higher numerical and inverted text recognition level. Some devices have spell checking, dictionary and homophone support as well as text-to-speech output. They are portable and can be used anywhere.

Digital Pens

Once again, there is choice in this emerging section of the digital market. Some models capture the text written and later convert it to text (using OCR). Others record the audio as well and can play back a session, meeting, class or lecture using an earpiece or headset directly from the device. Files can be saved and exported (via USB or a dedicated cradle) to a computer and reviewed in software programs that are bundled with each specific digital pen model. These files can be saved as PDF files or as Flash movies. The audio and typed/scribbled text is synced. Lessons can be replayed and studied after an event, second by second. These devices come configured as 2GB or 4GB models and are becoming more and more sophisticated. Other models work with Interactive Whiteboards. An excellent series of reviews is available in the latest Online Newsletter (Volume 10, Issue 1) from Queensland. It is a very interesting and practical ICT newsletter for Inclusive Technology and can be downloaded freely as a PDF file from: http://www.learningplace.com.au/default_community.asp?orgid=121&suborgid=402 .

Digital Voice Recorders

Brands include Olympus, Sony, Sanyo and Panasonic as well as some cheaper generic brands (e.g. Dick Smith). These small, discrete devices provide data entry via voice. They record up to 200 or more hours of voice recording. Folders are available to store different types of voice recordings or have areas set aside for different purposes (e.g. a maths organisation and planning or literacy folder). Most models will have a counter (hours, minutes and seconds), record and play, fast forward and rewind, speed (fast or slow playback) as well as volume controls, headset and microphone plugs. Most now are USB based. Sound is recorded in WAV or MP3 file format.

Planning essays, remembering facts and creating text can be made easy by simply recording ideas and then playing them back once, or repeatedly. Students can write type or take notes from their own sound recordings, or those taken by support workers, teachers or other students.

The more advanced (and costly) devices can now be used with the latest version of Dragon Naturally Speaking and Dragon Dictate for Mac. Once a user has created a voice profile in their software, they can record voice files and then import and convert their voice into text. It saves time and effort and is extremely empowering.

Audio Recording Devices

Similar to Digital Voice Recorders but could simply be a device such as a PDA (Palm or HP model), mobile phone, iPod Touch, iPad, digital tablet, eBook reader or other device that records and saves sound. Formerly cassette recorders and Sony Walkmans were used with cassette tape, normal or mini tape sized. These are still useful but tapes need to be managed and kept in an orderly fashion. The digital devices are easier to manage, carry and operate.

IPad, iPod Touch, IPhone

Figure 10 iPod Touch

These Apple devices represent an emerging set of digital tools that require apps to be downloaded, normally using an iTunes account. Many smaller apps are available at little or no cost, with Dragon recently releasing a Voice Recording app for free. It requires access to the web though, for translation to text. Apps to accomplish all manner of tasks are appearing and students enjoy using them as they are perceived and readily accepted as being mainstream technology, without any associated stigma.

More and more apps are being released for all note taking, mind mapping, data collection, online storage and retrieval (e.g. Dropbox and Evernote), PDF access, productivity tools, online literacy supports such as dictionary, thesaurus and spell check resources. Web access is the key, with Web 2 tools being used daily in classrooms. They will continue to mature and offer greater scope and flexibility for students with learning disabilities.

Digital Tablets

Other vendors are introducing and releasing other competing models, with the Android or MS Windows 7 operating system. Over time, competition will witness more apps, and many will compete with the current offerings. New genres will undoubtedly appear and new applications will cater to different needs and learning styles. Devices currently range in size (from 5” up to 10” models), all being wireless and most having 3G connectivity.

It is the breadth and scope of apps that will determine market acceptance. The application to students with different access, communication and especially learning styles will be the critical factor, as well as the support in schools.

Graphics Tablets

Figure 11 'Bamboo' - Wacom graphics tablet

These devices are normally used as tools for graphic artists but are popular in many schools as the students use a stylus, rather than a mouse, for pointing and text entry. Students who are practicing handwriting or who are more competent writing than typing can use the tablet with Handwriting Recognition software. It will convert their writing to text. Some WACOM models are bundled with educational software (http://www.wacom.asia/products ).

EBook Readers

Figure 12 Kindle eBook models

These devices range in price, functionality and features. Sizes once again range from small and discrete to book-size models. Features vary but all provide electronic access to books and other literature, some including online newspapers, magazines and articles. Models boast features such as MP3 playback, voice recording, additional memory upgrade (e.g. SD or mini SD memory cards), wireless connectivity and/or USB ports, auto download and/or purchase of content directly from the web (e.g. Amazon), multiple eBook format capability (ePub, PDF, HTML, PDF etc) as well as font size, background colour, screen display and accessibility features. Costs vary as well as the cost of the books downloaded, and more importantly, the range, suitability and extent of content.

Digital Cameras

Software exists to scan photos and convert imbedded text into electronic, editable text. SnapReader Toolkit (http://www.topocr.com/index.html ) is a low cost application that will convert an image to text, quickly and accurately. Students can take a photo using a digital camera or phone, and then transfer it to a computer and have the software extract the required text. It can then be voiced, saved, re-edited and reversioned to a preferred format.

USB Pen and Thumb Drive Apps

EduApps (www.eduapps.org ) from the Regional Support Centre in Scotland NE is a collection of software that caters directly to students with learning disabilities. AccessApps and LearnApps include software applications that run directly from USB drives. They are free, open source programs that will operate on any MS Windows computer, Notebook or Netbook. There are up to 50 programs, some of which will be suitable for tasks undertaken by students who are dyslexic or have difficulty with print.

Figure 13 MyStudyBar floating toolbar

MyStudyBar is a literacy support tool with fourteen (14) applications that run from a Flash based menu from an external drive, USB drive or copied to a hard disk/server. Programs include TTS, Speech Recognition, mind mapping, note taking, dictionary, planning and organizational tools, vision and reading supports.

Create&Convert allows users to create alternate formats (e.g. text to DAISY or audio to text). It has video file support guiding users as to how to reversion content into amenable formats. It also contains free, open source software.

A recent initiative is the MS Word WordBar resource. It is an extremely useful tool. The Accessible Formatting WordBar can be used by students, parents and educators who wish can create accessible MS Word documents. This is easily achieved using their innovative free WordBar.

Early Intervention

Speech and Language Pathology

It is advised, for younger students, to consult with and organise the services of a Speech and Language Pathologist. The software dedicated to therapy, diagnosis, intervention and support for students with reading, writing and speech difficulties is maturing and broadening with more choice. Specific software used in therapy differs from productivity and learning software genres. Educational software is used by educators and in classrooms whereby tailored therapy tools need to be used within different context and parameters.

Tutors and Therapists

Tutors might use a range of different online and offline software programs to enhance reading and writing, including spelling, phonics, reading, comprehension, punctuation, vocabulary building and other types of literacy software. These might present tasks that are drill and practice based, open ended, structured lessons or sequential building blocks of tasks. Programs that support younger students include Clicker 5, TextEase Studio CT, Pages, WriteOnline, ClozeMaker Pro, Word Shark V4, Word Wizard, Phonics Alive Series and many others.

Literacy Software Genres

• Spelling software
• WordShark V4; Word Wizard; StarSpell 3; Two Wise Owls; CatchUp 1 & 2; Ginger; Ghotit;
• Phonics Software
• Letterland; Clicker Phonics; Letter Olympics-Primary; The Track Series (Primary & Sec titles); Phonics Alive!; Phonics First; Reading Freedom; Reading Works; Reading Doctor – ReadingSounds 1 Pro;
• Reading software
• Read On; Spinout Stories; Read:Aloud; Lexia Reader, Microsoft Reader (free); Merit Software; Read to Learn;
• Literacy Support
• TextHelp Read & Write; ClaroRead V5 PC and V4 MAC; Kurzweil 3000; Wynn Wizard; Medialexie Toolbar
• Word Prediction
• Co:Writer V6; Penfriend XP; Soothsayer; WordQ 3;
• Commercial Text to Speech
• ReadAloud, BrowseAloud, TextAloud; SwiftTalker; Agent Reader;
• Free TTS
• Balabolka; DSpeech; Natural Reader V9; Orato; ReadPlease 2003; eSpeak; iSpeech (free online tool)
• Voiced web browsers and add-ons
• TextAloud in Mozilla Firefox); FastBrowser;
• EduApps (www.eduapps.org)
• MyStudyBar
• AccessApps, TeachApps, LearnApps and MyApps
• MyVisBar; MyAccess; Create&Convert; MS Word – Accessible Formatting WordBar
• Maths and Numeracy
• Number Shark V4; Maths Wiz; Math Mania; Number Track Primary; 2Calculate; Talking Calculator (free)

Suppliers:

As a Bookshare member there are some great Reading Tools available to help you get the most out of the eBooks you download.  The exciting news is that  the latest version of Read:OutLoud from Don Johnston is now one of these! Read:OutLoud  Bookshare Edition is an awesome eBook and text reader.  Simple to use and very powerful – with tools designed to help students improve their reading comprehension, such as eHighlighters and the fabulous notes feature.  And there are versions for both Mac and PC too.  A 30 minute tutorial is also available to help you get the most out of its features.

The other great piece of news is that Benetech, the nonprofit organisation who provide Bookshare, recently announced that they will be bringing out Read2Go – an accessible eBook App for the iPad/iPod touch/iPhone.  The App will enable users to read their Bookshare books on their i-device, with features such as word-by-word highlighting, text-to-speech and a range of font sizes and font and background colours. Hopefully this will be out soon – and I’m sure we’ll be blogging about it once it is available on the iTunes store!

Happy Booksharing!!