Friday, February 21, 2014

Talking Word Processor Software (TWS)



TWS are writing software programs that provide speech feedback as the student writes.  Each letter is echoed as it is typed and if the spacebar is pressed, then the word itself is stated and in some programs like Write Out Loud by Don Johnston, one can have the entire sentence or paragraph read aloud.  They also typically include word prediction and spell check as feature.   This would help students who struggle with grammar, spelling and word choices (e.g. it checks for homonyms and provides a dictionary to clarify definitions); as well as for those who have visual issues and/or hand coordination challenges.

A good tutorial from Write Out Loud demonstrates all sorts of ways in which their program can be used.  It is clear and easy to grasp how it could be used.  This program might be a little basic for most high schoolers but those who are at an 8th grade or lower reading/writing level would benefit.

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