tech solutions for writing: what parents need to know presented by: anne banton, otr/l, atp
TRANSCRIPT
Learner Outcomes
Participants will: understand the writing demands of the
public schools system. explore the range of technology supports
available to accommodate the demands of writing.
understand the support/training that must be provided to encourage successful technology implementation.
receive a list of community/research resources.
Fast Stats “Handwriting is one of the most important
skills that children acquire and use throughout the school years (Graham & Weintraub, 1996)”
“10 to 20% of school aged children have problems with handwriting skills (Hamstra-Bletz & Blote, 1993)”
“When handwriting skills are deficient, children suffer various consequences related to their academic performance (Graham & Weintraub, 1996) and social interactions (Sandler et. Al., 1992)”
Pre-Technology Considerations
Seating and positioning Optimal movement patterns
Vision Functional vision Color acetates
Handwriting instruction Handwriting without Tears Loops and Other Groups
What options do I have? Low Tech
Handwriting instruction, Pencil Grips, Paper Options, Rubber Stamps, Adapted Pencils,Organizational Aides
Mid TechPortable Word Processors
SoftwareTalking Word Processor, Word Prediction, Graphic Organizers
Concepts to Remember
Start Simple and Build Up
Technology is Just a Tool
Training is a Must
Use your Resources
Low Tech Tools for HandwritingGrips added to a pencil/pen encourage proper grasp
QuickTime™ and aPhoto - JPEG decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Low Tech Tools for HandwritingOrganizational Aides highlighters, highlighter tape, post it flags
QuickTime™ and aPhoto - JPEG decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Low Tech Tools for HandwritingAlternatives to Writing rubber stamps Bingo stamp
QuickTime™ and aPhoto - JPEG decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Low Tech Tools for HandwritingWriting Utensils alternate pens and pencils weighted, vibrating, small, ergonomic…
QuickTime™ and aPhoto - JPEG decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Low Tech Tools for HandwritingPaper visual or tactile cues identify boundaries better for more legible writing
QuickTime™ and aPhoto - JPEG decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
QuickTime™ and aPhoto - JPEG decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Mid Tech Tools for Handwriting Alphasmart Calcuscribe Dana Laser PC6 Neo QuickPad IR The Writer Plus
Advantages to Computer Use
Improved written product Neater Legible More accurate
Improved efficiency More easily correct errors (Margalit & Roth, 1989)
Less hesitant to review and change work on computer (Graham & MacArthur, 1988, Jones 1994)
Disadvantages to Computer Use
More restrictive/Not always available (Kahn & Freyd, 1990)
Unfamiliarity leads to decreased speed (Koorland, Edwards, & Doak, 1996)
Factors to Consider Ease of use
Cognitive load for student and teacher Memory requirements
Weight and size of device Portability
Keyboard options Variety of keyboard layouts Sticky keys Slow keys
Features to Consider Editing features
Spell check Dictionary/thesaurus Word prediction
Additional programs Calculator Address book Calendar
Voice output
AlphaSmart 3000 Uses SmartApplets – limited number
Calculator Word prediction Inspiration Outline Typing practice AlphaQuiz
Variety of keyboard options QWERTY, Dvorak, right or left hand Auto repeat and sticky keys
Easily transfer information to computer Limited amount of text
Calcuscribe External number pad with scientific
calculator Auto repeat and sticky keys Can be used as external keyboard WordWiz and MathWiz programs built-in All accessories not included in base price Two font sizes
Dana
Uses Palm OS software Word processor, address book, calculator, to-do list,
memo pad, scheduler Add other Palm OS software
Various screen orientations & font sizes Voice output (Write:Outloud to Go) Expansion slots Keyboard options Wireless version available
QuickTime™ and aPhoto - JPEG decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Laser PC6 Expandable cartridges - text-to-speech
or Thesaurus Word Prediction, spreadsheet,
telephone directory, homework calendar, typing tutor
Sticky keys (Shift and Control) Two font sizes
Neo Uses SmartApplets – room for several 2-6 lines of text Sticky keys, auto repeat Spanish-English equivalents Room for hundreds of pages of text Keyboard options
QuickTime™ and aPhoto - JPEG decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
QuickPad IR Phone book, and homework pad Sticky keys (shift only) Typing Tutor Can be used as external keyboard
The Writer Plus Thesaurus and Auto Thesaurus Word prediction Writing rubric prints at end of
document Typing tutor
QuickTime™ and aPhoto - JPEG decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Points to Remember
Each one has different features Must include training:
How to use How to print/send data Typing
Must include time to practice typing Assess effectiveness of technology
Test Accommodations
FCAT Be on IEP Be used consistently throughout year Extra features turned off (spell check…)
SAT Special request
Word Prediction Programs
Decreases keystrokes
Energy conservation
Examples Co:writer - Don Johnston, Inc. WordQ - Quillsoft Ltd. IntelliTalk 3 - IntelliTools, Inc.
Talking Word Processors Auditory Feedback to increase reading
and comprehension skills
Customizable voices and pronunciation
Examples Write:Outloud - Don Johnston, Inc. IntelliTalk 3 - IntelliTools, Inc. Talking Word Processor - Premier Assistive
Technology, Inc.
Graphic Organizers Diagramming
Organizing
Concept maps and webs
Examples Draft:Builder - Don Johnston, Inc. Kidspiration/Inspiration - Inspiration
Software, Inc. Spark-Space - Spark-Space Ltd.
ManufacturersAKT - The Writer Plus
PO Box 2418Paso Robles, CA 93447-2418800-797-7121 www.keyboardinstructor.com
AlphaSmart - AlphaSmart, Dana, Neo973 University AvenueLos Gatos, CA 95032888-274-0680 www.Alphasmart.com
American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. - Getting a Grip on Handwriting
4720 Montgomery LaneBethesda, MD 20804301-652-2682 www.AOTA.org
Calcuscribe - Calcuscribe Duo98 Cervantes Boulevard, Suite 1San Francisco, CA 94123415-923-1024 www.calcuscribe.com
ManufacturersDon Johnston, Inc. - Co:writer, Write:Outloud; Draft:Builder
26799 West Commerce DriveVolo, IL 60073800-999-4660 www.donjohnston.com
Inspiration Software, Inc. - Inspiration/Kidspiration7412 SW Beaverton Hillsdale HighwayPortland OR 97225800-877-4292 www.inspiration.com
IntelliTools, Inc. - IntelliTalk 31720 Corporate CirclePetaluma, CA 94954800-899-6687 www.intellitools.com
Onion Mountain Technology, Inc. - various low tech items74 Sexton Hollow RoadCanton, CT 06019860-693-2683 www.onionmountaintech.com
Perfect Solutions - Laser PC610763 Versailles Blvd.Wellington, FL. 33467-8091800-726-7086 www.perfectsolutions.com
ManufacturersPremier Assisitve Technology, Inc. - Accessibility Suite
1309 N. William St. Joliet, IL 60435 815-722-5961 www.readingmadeeasy.com
QuickPad Technology Corp. - Quickpad IR620-B Clyde AvenueMountain View, CA 94043800-373-8181 www.quickpad.com
QuillSoft Ltd. - WordQ2416 Queen Street East.
Toronto, Ontario M1N 1A2 CANADA1-866-629-6737 www.wordq.com
Spark-Space, Ltd. - Spark-Space23-24 Margaret StreetLondon, W1W 9RU United Kingdom011 44 870 240 3198 www.spark-space.com
References/Resources www.aten.scps.k12.fl.us & www.ataccess.org Cook, A.C. & Hussey, S.M. (2002). Assistive Technologies
Principles and Practice, 2nd Edition. St. Louis,MO: Mosby. Hammerschmidt, S.L. & Sudssawad, P. (2004). Teachers’ survey
on Problems with Handwriting: Referral, Evaluation, and Outcomes. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 58(2), 185 - 192.
Male, M. (2003). Technology for Inclusion: Meeting the Special Needs of All Students, 4th Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Educational Group.
Preminger, F., Weiss, P.L., & Weintraub, N. (2004). Predicting Occupational Performance: Handwriting Versus Keyboarding. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 58(2), 193 - 201.
Winebrenner, S (1996). Teaching Kids with Learning difficulties in the Regular Classroom. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing.