WordQ 2
by Quillsoft Ltd
NEW! Mac version now available
A simple and easy-to-use tool that helps you write independently and with confidence!
Use WordQ 2 along with your standard writing software. WordQ 2 suggests words for you to use and provides spoken feedback to help you find mistakes. Users of all ages who have problems writing and editing, particularly those with learning disabilities (LD), can benefit from using WordQ 2. It features a carefully thought-out design with only essential functions that have demonstrated benefits to help students write.
WordQ was researched and developed at Bloorview MacMillan Children’s Centre, an internationally renowned children’s rehabilitation hospital located in Toronto, Canada along with educators and professionals working with students with learning disabilities.
WordQ 2 now includes:
- A high-quality natural sounding text-to-speech engine by the Acapela Group is included so that text is more clearly heard
- In-context prediction makes corrections easier by displaying appropriate word predictions wherever the text cursor is placed, even when the cursor is in the middle of a word
- A temporarily disappearing word prediction box allows you to move through your documents without distraction while holding down any arrow key
- Usage examples with speech feedback of commonly confused words, such as “there” and “their,” helps you distinguish such words
- Saving user vocabularies and usage examples as an independent file allows easier editing and sharing with other users
- Creative spelling is now optionally considered as you type when predicting words to show you spellchecked suggestions
Click here to view more images/screenshots of WordQ 2.
The state-of-the-art word prediction in WordQ 2 suggests words when you have trouble spelling or choosing the right word. A special text-reading mode helps you proofread. With Microsoft Word, WordPad, Notepad or Outlook, text can be highlighted and read aloud within that application.
WordQ 2 does not correct your grammar, sort out your punctuation or provide you with creative ideas. Instead WordQ 2 allows you to independently write your own ideas, and check your spelling, grammar and punctuation so that you can become a more competent and confident writer.
WordQ 2 benefits a wide range of users; it helps develop confidence, improves productivity, increases self-esteem and fosters a spirit of inclusion – some of the users say that it has changed their lives! The main advantage of WordQ 2 over other products is that it is extremely clean, simple and easy-to-use. Teachers in special education will appreciate its simplicity.
What can I do with WordQ 2?
You can use WordQ 2 along with any standard writing software (e.g., Microsoft Word, WordPad, Notepad, or Outlook). When you type a letter, WordQ 2 predicts what you might want to write and displays a list of correctly spelled words from which you can choose. When you see the word you want, you can choose it with a single keystroke or with the mouse. If you need help deciding which word to use, each word can be read aloud before you make a selection.
When you’ve finished typing your sentence, WordQ 2 can read it back to you. Then you can hear if there are any mistakes such as missing words or punctuation. Often you can hear mistakes that you can’t see.
Several starting user vocabularies are included (using Canadian, UK, or US spelling) at different writing and age levels. These are like the words in your head. WordQ 2 continually learns how you use words so that it improves over time. If you want to write about a specific area, you can create and use specialised topic lists to make the predictions even better. Different people can also use WordQ 2, each with their own user vocabulary.
Key Benefits
- Simple, easy-to-use writing support increases productivity, independence, self-confidence and motivation
- Work directly within any Windows XP and Vista standard application
- Use predicted words as you write to help you spell
- Hear predicted words spoken to help you choose
- Select predicted words with a single keystroke or a mouse
- Hear what you type for spell checking and word flow
- Proofread your writing with highlighting and speech
- Use a self-adapting prediction vocabulary that matches your age and writing level
- Expand, focus, or limit your prediction vocabulary
- Customise how you see predictions
- Usable across all ages
- Affordable
Click here to view some WordQ Tips to help you use WordQ more effectively.
“Every teacher and student that I’ve shown this software, loved it! They use it to help them with writing; they also use it with other programs or doing emails.” – Learning Disabilities Facilitator
“When I hear each word as I type, I know whether it makes sense. Now if my mother is busy, I can write on my own.” – Student
“Your program is WONDERFUL! My daughter did 3 reports ON HER OWN!” – Parent
“I am passionate about WordQ – If you could see the difference it makes, especially to boys’ writing you would be too!” – Special Education Resource Teacher
“You want simple, simple – that’s all you want. My child doesn’t want all the other stuff. WordQ does what it says.” – Parent
Related Products
- SpeakQ – Speech recognition add-on for WordQ 2
Requirements and ResourcesexpandClick to collapse
System Requirements
- Windows
- Operating System: Windows XP, Vista, 7 (In 64-bit Vista and Windows 7, WordQ 2.4 – 2.6 will only function with 32-bit applications such as MS Office 2007 and 32-bit Accessory applications located under Program FilesWindows NTAccessories.)
- Minimum Memory: 512 MB RAM or more (1GB+ MB preferred with installation of high quality speech)
- Minimum Processor: 1 GHz or higher processor speed
- Sound card and speakers or a headset required
- Operating System: Windows XP, Vista, 7 (In 64-bit Vista and Windows 7, WordQ 2.4 – 2.6 will only function with 32-bit applications such as MS Office 2007 and 32-bit Accessory applications located under Program FilesWindows NTAccessories.)
- Macintosh
- Operating System: Mac OS X 10.4.x – 10.5.x (In 64-bit Leopard (10.5) or Snow Leopard (10.6), WordQ 2.0 for Mac OS X will only function with 32-bit applications. An update for Snow Leopard is anticipated for November 2009.)
- Minimum Processor: PowerPC or Intel processor
- Minimum Memory: 512 MB RAM or more (1GB+ MB preferred with installation of high quality speech)
- Operating System: Mac OS X 10.4.x – 10.5.x (In 64-bit Leopard (10.5) or Snow Leopard (10.6), WordQ 2.0 for Mac OS X will only function with 32-bit applications. An update for Snow Leopard is anticipated for November 2009.)
Compatibility
WordQ 2 is developed for use with Windows 7 (version 2.6 or later), Vista, XP, 2000, NT (SP6), ME, or 98. WordQ 2 is compatible with most applications. For a list of known compatibility issues for individual operating systems and applications, click here.
Multi-user Feature with a Single User Licence
The single user licence of WordQ 2 is for use on one computer. Since WordQ 2 is designed to support multiple vocabularies, multiple users may use WordQ 2 on this computer by choosing individualised vocabularies.
If a school buys a single user license exclusively for a particular student, that student may use the software at school and at home.
Multi-user Purchase Options
Multi-user options offer an economical way to purchase the WordQ 2 program.
The discounted prices are as listed below and start when you purchase 5 or more licences of the program. When you purchase 25 or more of the program, the price per computer drops even further. To be eligible for this discounted purchasing, these volume purchases must be purchased on the one order, requiring only one invoice, and for delivery to one address (a “site”).
Installation Notes for Single Station / Multi-user
WordQ may be installed directly on an individual workstation or it may be installed on a network with an installation in that user’s network workspace (User drive).
On a network, the System Administrator must install WordQ with users given full read and write privileges within the WordQ subdirectory.
View/Download
- The importance of word prediction and speech feedback – Whitepaper by Dr Colin J. Laine, Professor Emeritus, The University of Western Ontario
- WordQ 2 30-day Demo for Windows – (172 MB)
- WordQ 2 30-day Demo for Mac OSX – (151 MB)
- WordQ 2 User Guide – (pdf 353 KB)
For more information on "WordQ 2" read the following articles:
- Word Prediction Software Comparison Chart
- WordQ / SpeakQ Review
- WordQ / SpeakQ: Integrating word prediction and speech input to help struggling writers
WordQ 2 is targeted at the following age ranges:
- Mid Primary
- Upper Primary
- Secondary School
- Adult
WordQ 2 is designed to foster development in the areas of:
- Literacy
Users can access WordQ 2 in the following ways:
- Mouse/ Trackball/ Joystick
- Keyboard
For answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and technical support visit:
Prices
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