Literacy Support Software
For people who have special educational needs or specific learning difficulties, literacy support software can help in both the accuracy of text input and the speed of input. Examples of such technology are word prediction software and text readers.
There are a variety of software packages which can enhance the rate at which the user inputs text into the computer. These programmes attempt to predict the target word, based on the first letters typed by the user. Word prediction can be useful to support spelling, as well as to increase the rate of text produced which combined, can help build a users confidence. More recent software versions also include a semantic prediction feature which attempts to predict not only on the basis of letters typed, but also on the basis of grammar or syntax used. So, for example, after the user has typed the word 'We', the word prediction feature will include in its list of predicted word options: 'are', 'were', etc, but will not predict grammatically incorrect solutions such as 'is' or 'was'.
Many word prediction software also include a text reading feature with synthetic speech so that the user can re-check what he/she has written by having it read aloud.
Co:Writer Solo
Co:Writer Solo is a package of literacy support software that includes a word prediction element which can be used with any word processor or email programme. The word prediction takes a number of different approaches to recognising words ie phonetics, the dictionary, context clues and grammar rules. From the first letter input by the user, the programme generates possibilities for the user to select from. This allows the user to concentrate on conveying an idea or concept rather than being distracted by spelling and grammar. There is also a speech output function which can read out the suggested vocabulary for the user to choose from. For more information, visit www.donjohnston.com
Penfriend
Penfriend word prediction also can be used with any word processor. It has a number of other features which include speech feedback, reading aloud the words on the screen, abbreviation expansion, smart punctuation and on-screen keyboard. For more information, visit www.penfriend.ltd.uk.
TextHelp Read and Write Gold
This product provides extensive literacy support, through word prediction, dictionaries and thesaurus, as well as speech feedback. It is often used in second and third level education and in the workplace, and has features to assist with study skills and organization. For more information, please see www.texthelp.com
Free Word prediction programmes
There are a few free word prediction software packages available, the most easily accessed being the word prediction now available with the Windows 7 operating system on-screen keyboard. Once the keyboard has been activated, and the option for word prediction turned on, the programme will guess words you are typing by looking at spelling, grammar and your vocabulary history.
Click’N’Type onscreen keyboard also comes with its own word prediction package, that can be used with or without the onscreen keyboard.
Let Me Type is another free to download word prediction programme that observes what you have written in the past to predict what you are currently writing.
Text readers are software that helps someone to read text on their screen by displaying text according to the users needs. They can be useful for people with reading difficulties or vision impairment, or maybe even for someone suffering from eyestrain. As well as helping access web-published information, they can enable a user to enjoy thousands of eBooks (electronic books) which can be purchased online, eg www.eBooks.com, or are sometimes free, eg www.gutenberg.net which makes available in electronic format books whose copyright has expired. There are a number of text reader software programmes available which include Bookreader 4, ReadPlease, and Microsoft Narrator and Apple VoiceOver.
Bookreader 4
This text reader is free software which means it does not cost anything to download. It allows the user to have text read aloud directly from their screen and allows the user to change the appearance or display of the text to their own user preferences such as text enlargement, colour preferences, or page dimensions. It also has an autoscroll feature which means the user has nothing to do except to listen to the text being read aloud. For more information, visit www.rudenko.com
ReadPlease
ReadPlease is an all-purpose text-to-speech software which can read anything on the screen. ReadPlease 2003 is available as a free download from the web and includes a number of useful features including low vision colour option and adjustable voice speed. ReadPlease 2003 Plus is an more advanced version of ReadPlease 2003 which must be purchased but includes additional features such as text highlighting when reading, fast forward and backward, adding your own words and pronunciations, and adjustable pause between paragraphs. For more information on ReadPlease, visit www.readplease.com.
Microsoft Narrator and Apple VoiceOver
These are free software included in the computer's operating system. Although designed for people who have difficulty in seeing the screen, they are also beneficial to those who have difficulty with reading.
Note
No single software solution will support all difficulties, for example spelling or reading difficulties, word retrieval or phonic deficit. It is essentially a matter of matching need against software to ensure that difficulties are lessened and learning enhanced. There is no simple match of software with particular disabilities. Software options will depend on the specific needs, access, age, literacy level, etc of the user. It is also important to consider the context in which the technology is being used.
