Software for Students with Special Needs Content-free

2 Categories of Software 1.Reinforcement (Drill & Practice Software) 2.Interactive Books (Talking Stories) 3.Content-free Software 4.Exploratory Software 5.Reference Software 6.Assessment Software 7.Access Tools / Software

3 Content-free Software Allows user to enter own content Benefits  Use in many areas of curriculum  Develop own materials to meet indiviual needs of students  Helps students to overcome barriers to learning

4 Content-free Software Types:  Planning and Organising  Desktop Publishing / Art & Design Applications  Multimedia Authoring Systems  Presentation

5 Word Processing Programs Enables user to produce wide range of professional looking products Benefits:  Students can express themselves without being worried about their writing  Spellchecker allows students to concentrate on content rather than spelling  Writing can help students develop word recognition and reading skills

6 Talking Word Processing Programs Include an inbuilt speech synthesizer that reads back text Can be set to read every letter, word, line, sentence, paragraph or whole screen Benefits:  Allows students to monitor their work  Auditory feedback assists students in correcting their spelling, grammar, syntax

7 Talking Word Processing Programs Examples include:  Clicker 4  Granada Writer  Inclusive Writer  Textease 2000  Texthelp! Type & Talk  Write Outloud  Writing with Symbols

8 Planning and Organising Visually organise ideas and information Can use for brainstorming, outlining, prewriting, creating diagrams and concept webbing Benefits  Ideal for students who think in pictures rather than words  Helps students clarify and develop thoughts for writing

9 Planning and Organising Students who benefit from this type may include those with: Learning Difficulties / Disabilities Specific Learning Disabilites

10 Planning and Organising Examples include:  Draft:Builder  Granada Branch  Inspiration  Kidspiration

11 Desktop Publishing/ Art & Design Applications Includes a wide range of writing and drawing tools Use to draw a picture, write a story, create a newsletter, etc Benefits  Individualise for students by adding or remove tools  Professional results help struggling students gain confidence in their work

12 Desktop Publishing/ Art & Design Applications Examples include:  Creative Writer  Dazzle  My World  Pages

13 Multimedia Authoring Systems Tools that allow the user to communicate ideas Incorporate text, graphics, sound, animation and video Benefits  Encourages student creativity and can present information in attractive, exciting manner  Can be used by teacher to produce learning materials

14 Multimedia Authoring Systems Students who benefit from this type may include those with: Moderate, Severe, Profound Learning Disabilities Autism/ Autistic Spectrum Disorder Hearing Impaired Emotional / Behavioural Disorders Members of the Travelling Community Non- English Speaking Pupils

15 Multimedia Authoring Systems Examples includes:  Granada Writer  Hyperstudio  Illuminatus Opus  Storybook Weaver Deluxe  Textease 2000

16 Presentation Provides basic tools to create professional looking presentations Allows a great deal of flexibility over presentation of information Benefits  Can be used to clarify or demonstrate points  Can design materials to meet needs of individuals

17 Presentation Examples includes:  Internet Odyssey 2  Powerpoint  Project Presenter  Switch It Maker