Useful Websites for Word Prediction Software and Text-to-Speech

In my previous blog, I discussed how AT is assistive for students with SLD and SD. In this blog, I will examine two separate websites on CO:Writer 6 and WordQ.

Co:Writer 6

Co: Writer 6 works with any application one may write with to interpret spelling and grammar mistakes to offer new word suggestions as the person writes. This software proves very beneficial for teachers to offer to both students with and without disabilities to use in the classroom. The software supports students with illegible handwriting, very poor phonetic or inventive spelling, students with a physical disability that makes typing hard, and students that have difficulty translating thoughts into writing. It runs on a Mac or a PC.

The software comes with a 30 minute training tutorial and a show me how video for the user to view before purchasing. The price of the software ranges from $290.00-$2,000 depending on the amount of users and computers the software will run. One may purchase it in conjunction with Dragon Speaking Recognition for the low price  of $392.

In a previous class, I had a student that took some time to get his thoughts onto paper. He was not diagnosed with any disability but wanted to make sure he was spelling every word correctly. He concentrated on his spelling so much that it influenced his ability to finish a rough copy of a story over a period of a week. This software is amazing. He would have benefited from it immensely as it would have taken the pressure away from having to spell words correctly. It is software I believe all schools, if possible, should invest in to assist their students in the writing process.

Please click here to view a 5 minute demonstration on Co: Writer and how it works.

WordQ

WordQ was originally created as a text-to-speech software but now incorporates the word prediction software needed for some when writing. The word predication works when words are spelled incorrectly and missing parts while the text-to-speech component reads aloud texts you highlight, including websites, emails, and instant messaging. The software runs on both Macs and PCs and does not require much RAM. Word Q seems to do everything CoWriter does with the text-to-speech component. It incorporates word prediction, spoken feedback, and speech recognition. The only software of its kind to do that. The product ranges from $200-$300 for individual use which is also a little cheaper that CoWriter. For this reason, I was very impressed with this software. I believe it could benefit many students in the classroom and not just those with disabilities. There is a free 30 day trial offered on the website that lets you pick the version of the software you want. I plan to download the trial, click here to download your own free trial.

Benefits:

-Students with visual impairments.

-Students with writing difficulties.

-Students with poor spelling and grammar.

-Students looking to improve vocabulary.

Any student in the classroom could benefit from this software. A child with a visual impairment may use the software to help in a research project by having the articles found read to him/her. 

Please view the video below to see how WordQ benefits different students with many disabilities.

The benefits of CoWrite6 and WordQ are great and I cannot wait to have the opportunity to use them in my classroom. Until Next Time!

Dell, A.G., Newton, D.A, & Petroff, J.G. (2012). Assistive Technology in the Classroom. Boston: PEARSON.