Using Assistive Technology to Help Struggling Writers

Sandra Swift

LME 448 G

Module 1

• Begin with little or no planning

• Limit revisions to minor corrections

• Have problems with transcription processes (spelling, handwriting, punctuation)

What do we know about writers with learning disabilities?

What is Assistive Technology?

• “any piece of equipment or product system . . . that is used to increase, maintain,, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities” IDEA

Important Considerations for AT

• Research is limited• Technology itself--

unlikely to improve students’ writing

• Must consider– Motivation– Burden on Working

Memory– Training

What’s Out There?

• Software to assist with– sentence

generation– spelling– speech synthesis– word prediction– grammar and style

checkers

What Else?

• Collaboration opportunities present diverse audiences

• Software to help with– planning– mapping– multi-media