Slater Software has been developing and publishing software for the Special Education market since 1994. Both Jean and Jim Slater wanted to find an innovative solution to some of the problems they faced with their public school special education caseload. PixWriter v3.0 is a software program for early writing intervention. It motivates students to write by providing a picture for most words that they enter. A teacher can easily make and organize picture buttons that also include words. The student may also select picture/word buttons from templates to write. It is easy to hold the shift key and drag words into place to create sentences, complete sentences or write whole paragraphs. Built-in speech gives students immediate feedback on the selections they make or lets teachers create talking documents for early reading experiences. This can be used in the classroom to support individual student writing either in an expressive format or as an additional way to assess student knowledge.
http://www.slatersoftware.com/
I also like an Internet based product called write on line by Crick Software. It is software for writing that virtually re-defines what a normal word processing program can do. This also includes speech software which enables students not only to hear what they have written, but also to listen to the words in both the word bar and the word predictor before writing them. Write Online is more aimed at those who are learning to write but certainly can support those who are already writing. Teachers can include supportive words or phrases in the Words Bars and they become part of the predictive text that shows up as children write. We are always looking for a means of supporting student writing to increase fluency and of course MEAP scores!
The word prediction is driven by Crick’s “Word Flow” technology. It makes intelligent predictions as to the word the user is going to enter next, and gives point-and-click access to the most likely words. The level of vocabulary assistance can be tailored to individuals or to groups. The software will even give you statistics about the writing. In addition, the software lists spelling errors and shows the corrections and the context. It can even detect if passages of text have been copied into the writing. Since it is available on line, a student can use the program at home or at school. Teachers can add in comments and mark the work online. Meant to be used across the curriculum, the software can be set up to include crucial vocabulary in all subject areas. Student work can be stored online or on school machines. One of the many features is that you can even use the online software if you are not connected to the Internet for a couple of days!
http://www.cricksoft.com/uk/writeonline/
Gail, I like the options of the Crick Software such as the "Word Flow". I have found this option in other software and my students really like it. I also like the information it provides both the teacher and student with regards to rates and errors. I would like to try out the Slater software with some of my struggling students. It can be difficult to motivate students especially when they are falling behind.
ReplyDeleteI think that slater software could be very helpful for all students to improve their writing. I have never used anything from Slater software, but many of my colleagues at work have and they seem to love what Jean and Jim Slater have come up with. Very innovative way to teach writing. I love that it allows immediate feedback, because this helps build students confidence and keeps them interested and involved.
ReplyDeleteCraig