Write OutLoud EDSE 650

Write:OutLoud:

Write:OutLoud By Anastasiya Kofman Class: EDSE 650

Assistive Technology:

Assistive Technology Assistive or Adaptive Technology commonly refers to " ...products, devices or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that are used to maintain, increase or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities... ", according to the definition proposed in the Assistive Technology Act of 1998. Assistive Technology products can enable people with disabilities to accomplish daily living tasks, assist them in communication, education, work or recreation activities, in essence, help them achieve greater independence and enhance their quality of life. Assistive Technology devices can help improve physical or mental functioning, overcome a disorder or impairment, help prevent the worsening of a condition, strengthen a physical or mental weakness, help improve a person's capacity to learn, or even replace a missing limb. Assistive Technology Services support people with disabilities or their caregivers to help them select, acquire, or use adaptive devices. Such services include functional evaluations, training on devices, product demonstration, and equipment purchasing or leasing.

What is Write:OutLoud? :

What is Write:OutLoud? Write: OutLoud is a word talking word processor that can be used for students who…… 1) Are reluctant to write 2) Have moderate grammar and spelling challenges 3) Write better with auditory support

How it works:

How it works Write:OutLoud is simple to use and reads words as they are written, providing real-time auditory feedback. Writing tools, including talking spell checker, homophone checker, and dictionary help your students confirm their word choice in language they understand.

Features:

Features ~Speech Engine- Write:OutLoud the highest quality, most natural sounding speech engine available. Write:OutLoud will also play any other voice you have on your system. ~Talking Spell Checker- The spell checker consistently outshines the spell checkers in MS Word and other common word processors when used in K-12 schools. And text-to-speech reads the word choices, helping students choose the right word. ~Dictionary- The dictionary displays and speaks the definition of almost any word. Unlike other common dictionaries intended for use by professionals, the dictionary definitions are clear and concise for 3-12th grade students. ~Homophone Checker- The Homophone Checker quickly searches a document for homophones and offers definitions for all the alternatives. This helps students build homophone awareness and choose the intended word. Bibliographer- The bibliographer helps students create their own bibliography using dozens of source types including electronic/webpage, articles, books, etc. Formats include both APA and MLA.

Benefits of the program for both general and special education students:

Benefits of the program for both general and special education students The students writing after Write:OutLoud The students writing The student using before Write:OutLoud Write:OutLoud

Benefits of the Program for Teachers:

Benefits of the Program for Teachers Training- Write:OutLoud is so simple, you can train teachers in 30 minutes Faster Startup- Bypassed sign-in gets students writing in seconds and is less hassle for teachers. Network Ready- Improved file saving, allows teachers to save files anywhere on the students computer or network drive. Supports the Latest Mac and Windows OS- Write:OutLoud functions identically on Mac and Windows and is now optimized for Windows XP, Vista, 7 and Mac OS 10.4 - 10.6. Windows 7 and Mac OS Standardized Test Mode- Many districts across the country are using Write:OutLoud as a standard testing accommodation. Some states require restricted access to certain features. Teachers can quickly restrict access to these features, as state regulations require. Teachers can do their own assessment through formative data collection on word count, average word length, average sentence length, sequential word count, and number of low frequency words Data is then graphed to show progress through school year and can be printed for inclusion in student portfolios

Costs of Write:OutLoud:

Costs of Write:OutLoud Funding: IDEA, Title I, Title III (ESL), 21st Century Community Learning, EETT, Local and State Grants Expenses Write:OutLoud Cost/Computer 1 - 4 Computers $84.00 ea. 5 - 9 Computers $78.12 ea. 10 - 19 Computers $74.76 ea. 20 - 49 Computers $70.56 ea. 50+ Computers $42.00 ea. Co:Writer & Write:OutLoud Bundle $336.00/Bundle

Video of Product Demonstration:

Video of Product Demonstration http://www.donjohnston.com/media/flash/product_demo/writeoutloud6/index.html

Reviews on Product:

Reviews on Product  July 13, 2010 By Jenn Regardie , Virginia Skill Development : Tremendously helps students with editing, revising, and spelling! It is easy for teachers to learn and be able to confidently implement with students. Such a simple tool that makes a powerful difference!  March 25, 2010 By reviewer from Texas Skill Development : Improve writing skills. Students love it and it is very easy to use. One student was having a hard time with spelling and the program helped him, to be able to write and spell on his own.  May 19, 2009 By reviewer from Illinois Skill Development: I use this product to improve grammar, word choice and organization of thought. I used Write:OutLoud with an upper elementary student who struggled writing complete sentences with correct grammar. The student often missed errors when self-editing. Being able to hear what she wrote made a big difference in her writing. Finally, she was able to realize what she was writing was not what she was thinking. She was able to make big improvements in her written work using this product.

References:

References http://www.washington.edu/accessit/articles?109 http://www.donjohnston.com/products/write_outloud/index.html