Assitive Technology in the Home - Writing
by Tamara Bahr
How do I use assistive technology with students who struggle
with writing?
This article will focus on providing useful tips on how to integrate
some of the main types of AT commonly used to assist students with
Learning Disabilities.
Writing
- Speech/Voice Recognition Software
Speech/Voice recognition software also sometimes referred to as
Speech- to-text software will convert the spoken word to text
on a page, or commands to a computer (i.e. opening files, or navigating
software applications.) A microphone is plugged into the computer
and the user speaks the words he or she wants to type. Speech
recognition software is particularly useful for individuals who
have written expressive difficulties and difficulty using keyboards
to navigate software applications. Note: Speech
recognition technology is improving all the time but there is
a bit of a learning curve involved with this technology and may
not be suitable for everyone.
- Word Prediction Software
Word prediction software will present possible words that a user
is looking for when typing text. The software will also predict
the next possible word based on frequency of usage and context.
The predicted words are read back to the student via a voice synthesizer
for better accuracy of word choice. This technology is particularly
useful for individuals with Dyslexia and for people who have difficulty
typing.
Tips for teachers
Things to consider:
- Voice recognition software trains itself to recognize the speech
patterns of its users. The more the software is used the better
it becomes at recognizing the user’s voice. Because of this,
patience is required when you initially begin using such a program.
- Word Prediction is very useful, but you should be aware that
students who do not pay attention to detail may select the incorrect
words predicted. Use of this software would be accompanied nicely
with a lesson on proof reading and editing (Particularly in higher
grades.)
Websites of Relevance:
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