Writing

= =

and Assistive Technology Supports


 * Writing Support software:**

Solo 6 by Don Johnston: integrated reading and writing program that provides auditory feedback of text and provides support for planning and organizing, transcription, editing and revising. First Author - A software tool that facilitates the writing process for students (ages 5-21) with complex instructional needs. Built in accommodations and automatic word banks help teachers turn their self-contained classrooms into classrooms of authors.
 * Write Outloud 6 - Text to speech program
 * Co@http://www.donjohnston.com/products/cowriter/index.html Writer 6 - Word prediction program

WordQ and SpeakQ by Quillsoft: Word Q is a word prediction program that 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. SpeakQ is a plug-in for WordQ and adds simple speech recognition.

My Study Bar - ( FREE ) a comprehensive set of portable open source and freeware applications to support learners with literacy difficulties. MyStudyBar is similar to popular commercial programs which use a floating toolbar to support literacy. The toolbar includes a range of tools to support inclusion such as mind mapping, screen masking, word prediction, talking dictionary, text-to-speech, Save as MP3 and voice recognition. **PC Only**.
 * LetMeType - word prediction program

Clicker 5 - writing support and multimedia tool that helps students of all abilities; It is a powerful and easy-to-use word processor which enables you to write with whole words, phrases or pictures. But it is flexible enough to go much further than this and its accessibility options, including [|switch access], allows motivating activities for students at all levels and with varying disabilities. FREE resources and already created grids available at www.learninggrids.com.

Classroom Suite - reading and writing intervention and support software program for students of all abilities; This program is a multisensory approach to differentiating instruction and practice in the areas of reading, writing and math for students in grades K-8. It can be customized for students at varying skill levels and can accommodate special needs students with its accessibility options. The writing component is called Intellitalk. FREE resources and already created activities can be downloaded from the Intellitools Activity Exchange.

Report Cards-( FREE ) brainstorming/pre-writing program that can be downloaded; uses color-coding, voice recording, and text to speech options to support students in the writing process. It can be used on a PC or Mac platform. It does not install into the hard drive but runs from the player that you download with the program.

WordTalk - ( FREE ) add-in for Microsoft Word. This add-in provide MS Word with text to speech capabilities. -Also check out PowerTalk - ( FREE ) add-in with MS Powerpoint that automatically speaks text on the PPT presentation Natural Reader Balabolka ReadPlease Read the Words (online) <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">iSpeech (online) <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_noSuggestion GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">YakiToMe (online)
 * Free TTS:**

Just My Type-( FREE ) functional <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_noSuggestion GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">keybaording program that can be customized with your own text and customized for the needs of the student Custom Typing - (fee based online; $9) Typing Web<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">( FREE online) Power Typing ( FREE online) Sense-Language ( FREE online or as download) i2Type-international virtual keyboard
 * <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_noSuggestion GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">Keyboarding support:**

<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_noSuggestion GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">Popplet - **great** online tool for visual brainstorming and mindmapping projects; can include pictures or videos; have to register but it is **FREE** Bubbl.us-online brainstorming tool spiderscribe.net-online mind mapping and brainstorming tool; very COOL and EASY to use; can incorporate maps, files, and pictures ReadWriteThink Webbing Tool-great tool for younger kids that are learning how to start brainstorming as a pre-write strategy
 * Graphic Organizers:**

<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_noSuggestion GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">Ghotit - spelling and grammar checker; download to desktop for small fee Ginger Spelling - spell checker that uses context-based correction of spelling mistakes and misused words; can download <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">to desktops for a trial or a small fee (PC only) Spelling City - spelling words can be added for students to practice through interactive activities and games as well as practice tests Snappy Words- FREE online visual dictionary and thesaurus Merriam Webster Visual Dictionary-images and photos in conjunction with the definitions
 * Grammar Support:**
 * Check out the Ghotit Microsoft Add-in

VoiceThread Here are some examples to show you how other educators are using Voice Thread for Education. <span class="wiki_link_ext">Glogster-online digital poster creator; students can incorporate pictures, videos, music, voice recordings, or text <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_noSuggestion GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">Animoto <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_noSuggestion GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">Mixbook Photo Story 3
 * Digital Storytelling:**

<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_noSuggestion GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">ToonDoo - making online comic strips Make Beliefs Comix - making online comic strips <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_noSuggestion GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">[|Comeeko] - making online comic strips Comic Life - Create comic stories; great for creating storyboards; can download 30 day FREE trial (PC and Mac) Superhero Squad-create your own superhero and comic Read/Write/Think Student Interactives-variety of interactive activities to reinforce and teach skills in an engaging way Scholastic Story Starters
 * Other Cool Tools:**
 * Go to <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">link and type in "writing" in the search box

Interactive quizzes in PPT-this link gives directions on how to create interactive quizzes using PowerPoint
 * Using Tools You Have:**

= =