Software for Students with Special Needs – Exploratory, Reference, Assessment

2 Categories of Software Reinforcement (Drill & Practice Software) Interactive Books (Talking Stories) Content-free Software Exploratory Software Reference Software Assessment Software Access Tools / Software

3 Exploratory Software Puts students in real life settings Simulations require user to face challenges, make decisions and solve problems Benefits  Students can freely explore modelled environment without the constraints of real world

4 Exploratory Software Students who benefit from this type may include those with: Emotional / Behavioural Disorders Autism/ Autistic Spectrum Disorder Mild and Moderate Learning Disabilities

5 Exploratory Software Examples include:  Crystal Rainforest  Lego Creator  Oregon Trail  Sim Town  Smart Alex  Where in the world is Carmen San Diego?

6 Reference Software Presents a wide range of information in a multimedia format Usually includes encyclopaedias, atlases, subject specific information Benefits  Students more likely to retain information that is presented in a variety of media

7 Reference Software Examples include:  Encarta 2000 Reference Suite  Eyewitness Encyclopedia of Science  Kingfisher Micropedia  Oxford Talking Infant Atlas

8 Assessment Software Used to assess student attainment and identify learning difficulties Consist of variety of tests to identify student’s strengths and weaknesses Benefits  Can be helpful in early identification of learning difficulties including dyslexia  Use results to individualise instruction and develop individual education plans  Monitor progress on a regular basis

9 Assessment Software Examples include: Lucid COPS (Cognitive Profiling System) 4-8 years old LASS (Lucid Assessment System for Schools) Accelerated Reader / Accelerated Math Star Reading Star Early Literacy