Assistive Technology in the Writing Process

 In my previous blog, I discussed two specific AT software websites beneficial to students when writing. Today, I will examine writing tools that assist individuals in each part of the writing process.

The writing process is not an easy task for any student but it proves especially hard for students with disabilities. Students with disabilities may become frustrated and attempt to avoid writing as a whole. To ease the writing process for students with disabilities, there are many writing tools teachers may provide. Below are examples of tools to assist with each step of the writing process.

 

-Graphic Organizers may be supplied for students using the program Inspiration in the prewriting stage. Graphic organizers allow students to organize during the writing process. The student is able to create a visual concept map of their ideas and a formal outline or concept map of their writing is instantly created for them. Graphic organizers are a great tool to use in the classroom. Students are able to arrange their thought before actually forming them into complete thoughts. I have used them in the classroom and hope to find a way to get the Inspiration Software.

Word Processing is beneficial for students during the drafting stage. An example of a word processing tool is Microsoft word. Although a common software used on most PCs, its benefits are sometimes overlooked. The basic word processing tool helps students that are not able to write and gives them the opportunity to type their stories. Word offers spell and grammar check and works well in conjunction with word prediction software and speech recognition software.

Word prediction software is helpful during the drafting part of the word processing by predicting a word the user intend to write. The predictions are based on spelling, syntax, and frequent use. It aids students that struggle with writing to use proper spelling, grammar, and word choice, with fewer keystrokes.

Speech Recognition is also helpful during the drafting step of the writing process. Students are able to transfer ideas to print without writing. The student talks and the software types. Students with dyslexia may have once not been able to express their thoughts on paper or convey less sophisticated thoughts in written work, use simplified vocabulary, or avoid altogether. With this program, they are better able to express their thoughts in the written format. Not only is the software useful for students, many companies use the software now to increase the rate of 

 information recorded. Many newer versions of Microsoft Word have speech recognition built into the programs

 Text to Speech is useful during the reviewing step of the writing process. With this software, students' writing is read back to them. They are able to hear where they made a mistake. Reading your work aloud works well with students without disabilities as it allows them to catch their mistakes that they may skip over if read in their head.  Dragon is the leading brand for text to speech software.

Phonetic Dictionaries are useful during the editing step of the writing process. A Phonetic Dictionary is a dictionary that allows you to locate the word by the way it sounds. These dictionaries are useful when the spelling of a word is unknown. Sometimes students are unable to spell a word but are able to sound it out exactly as it sounds. This dictionary allows students to find the word even when the word is not spelled as it sounds. Please click here for more information on phonetic dictionaries.

 I have enjoyed reviewing the different AT tools students may use during the writing process. Can't wait to come back and offer more information. Until Next time!