Supporting the Struggling Writer Cindy Nankee Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative...

Supporting the Struggling Writer

Cindy NankeeWisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative

cnankee@cesa3.k12.wi.usJune 19, 2006

WATIWisconsin Assistive Technology

Initiative

ConsultantLocal & State Training

Loan LibraryMaterials

Special Buyswww.wati.org

Review Discussion

Student/classroomAssessment

AACReading

SuccessesNeed Help?

Materials Use

Student Summary Assignment

What assessment you used

Pre and post test progress (if writing, did it increase quantity/ number of words,

quality/ reduced errors etc., )

Video

What AT you implemented

Classroom implementation

Students progress

AT for WritingPurpose/Goals of this

session

Learn about tools and software that promote success and

confidence in our struggling writers using low, mid and high

tech tools and strategies.

Assistive Technology Device

Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired

commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase,

maintain, or improve functional capabilities of children with disabilities.

602 (1) (A)

*EXCEPTION- The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement

of such device. 602 (1) (B)

Any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection,

acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.

Agenda

Strategies for Selection of ATLow Tech Tools

Mid & High Tech ToolsUDL

Windows Accessibility/Microsoft Word Tools

Alternative KeyboardsTalking word processor

Word PredictionVoice Recognition

Alternative presentation modesGreg Stefanich Science

Responding Differently to Writers and Writing by Julie Jochum

Survey of young writers

Writers below age 8 feel that they are writers

Writers above age 8 don’t feel they are writers

Early writers have learned that their writing is judged by

penmanship and spelling not what is said

Make no mistake, if handwriting has a poor appearance, the

writer is judged poorly by our culture. In spite of the high

quality of his ideas and information, the writer will

bear a lifelong burden. Donald Graves

Handwriting phases, fads and popularity

Penmanship associated with social status

Today's emphasis is on composition

Penmanship instruction goes through 3rd grade

www.ericdigest.org/pre-924/know.htm

Technology is not the demise of handwriting

Many schools have abandoned organized handwriting

instruction to make time for standardized test preparation,

computer training and, ironically, more reading and language

instruction. International Pen Association (IPA)

Writing is Difficult

Writing mechanics, letter formation spelling, grammar, word choice, sentence structure, punctuation,

idea generation, organization, sequencing, prewriting, drafting,

revising, editing, deadlines, commitment to paper what you

do and do not know

Writing is Complex

Writing is a complex process that involves both the motor aspects of handwriting and the cognitive

component of creating or composing written material.

Motor Aspects of Writing

PositioningProximal Stability

Upper extremity coordinationPerceptual skills Motor Planning

AttentionOrganization

Access

Composing Written Material

Idea generationBackground knowledge

Word choice/spellingGrammar/sentence structure

Punctuation Organization/sequencing

Strategies for Selection of Appropriate Technology

ASNAT WATI AT Checklist/WheelWATI Information Guide

Stages

AT Checklist

Computer AccessWriting

Motor Aspects of WritingComposing Written Material

CommunicationReadingStudyingMath

Recreation & LeisureActivities of Daily LivingMobilityPositioning and SeatingVisionHearing

AT Consideration Wheelhttp://www.cec.sped.org/bk/catalog2/best_sellers.html

STAGES Assistive Technology Inc., $795

The Stages framework consists of seven stages designed to serve

as an informal, technology-based measurement tool for learners with developmental language and cognitive challenges, and

also as an alternative to standardized assessments.

Writing Strategies

Daily OpportunitiesJournal time

Writers Workshop Writing Center

Motivational strategiesIntervention strategies

Today’s Writing Center

Pencils, crayons, markers, stamps, paper, word processor, graphic

organizer software, word prediction, talking word processor, picture

supported word processor, scanning software, voice recognition software,

pre-made template, word wall, dictionary/thesaurus, writers rubrics

Motivation

Background knowledge/personal interest

Explicit modelOpportunity to interact socially

Appropriate incentivesSuccess

MultimediaVisiting author

Publishing

Low Tech Tips

PositioningPencil Grips

Papers

Peach Handout

Mid Tech ToolsUsing a Computer

UDL

Accessibility featuresMicrosoft Windows & Microsoft

Word

Blue Handout

Why Technology Works

Produce legible textEases physical demands

Revisions without tedious recopyingDirect the writing process

Increase fluent production of sentencesEncourage elaboration

Self monitoring (auditory feedback)Motivating

Produce a product that enhances student self image

Keyboarding

This site listed keyboarding softwarehttp://www.usoe.k12.ut.us/ate/keyboarding/Software/softdown.htm

KidKeys

Video on adapted one handed keyboardinghttp://www.aboutonehandtyping.com/introduction.html

FrogPad – 1 handed keyboarding www.thinkgeek.com/computing/input/6c82/

Computer AccessAlternate Keyboards

IntellikeysBigKeys

OnScreen KeyboardHandwriting Recognition

Handhelds

Portable Word Processors

Alpha SmartDanaNeo

Handheld Computers

Picture Supported Text

PixWriter Clicker 5

IntelliTalk 3

Clicker 5 is a writing support and media tool.

Create simple whole word writing activities using words, pictures, sounds, onscreen keyboard and word bank.

Create quizzes and worksheets using pop-ups

Create multimedia presentations using video

Word Prediction

WordQ Word BarCo-Writer

Premier Accessibility Suitewww.readingmadeeasy.com

Grant InformationUniversal Reader with talking Pointer

Talking CheckbookUltimate Talking Dictionary

Text Cloner ProScan and ViewPDF Magic Pro

Talking Word ProcessorText to Audio

Premier Key to Access

Flash USB DriveA portable USB MP3 Player

Digital Voice Recorder512 MB storage space for documents

or audio booksContains 8 different tools

Same as the Accessibility Suite

Graphic Organizers

InspirationKidspirationDraftbuilder

SoloReport Writer

Web Resources for Writing

Voice Recognition

Dragon NaturallySpeaking v.9SpeakQ

Microsoft Office iListen

ViaVoiceWindows Vista

Writing AT into the IEP

Implementation Support

Principal LetterEmail me

cnankee@cesa3.k12.wi.usCall me 608-822-3276 x 268

Use the state loan library www.wati.org

Use the CESA #3 SEIMC www.cesa3.k12.wi.us

In-service support

Questions on Assignment?

Thank You