1. Software for Students with Special Needs - Introduction

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. Reinforcement Software
Used to reinforce basic skills through repetition and practice.
Numeracy Software – early numeracy skills, more advanced mathematical skills
Literacy Software – early literacy skills, sight word recognition, phonological skills and reading comprehension.

4. Reinforcement Software
Benefits
Helps to develop skills and reinforce concepts and knowledge
Provides repeated practice on previously learned skills
Gives immediate, consistent feedback in non-judgemental fashion
Concerns
Should be used to complement teacher instruction, not replace it
Skills are often presented in isolation

5. Reinforcement Software
Examples include:
All My Words
First Keys
Fuzz Buzz
Lexia
Reading for Literacy

6. Reinforcement Software
examples cont’d
Speaking for myself
Starspell
Type to learn
Wordshark / Numbershark

7. Reinforcement Software Integrated Learning system (ILS)
Computer-based system that manages delivery of curriculum
Presents learners with a question, records the response, gives instant feedback and automatically selects new questions
Provides feedback and detailed records

8. Reinforcement Software Integrated Learning system (ILS)
Results are highly context dependent
Level of teacher intervention is critical factor
Teachers’ involvement with system is major factor to student gains
Where pupils use ILS in isolation from their teacher and from the rest of the curriculum, both learning gains and motivation are likely to be poor.

9. Reinforcement Software Integrated Learning system (ILS)
Examples include:
The Academy of Reading
Global Integrated Learning System
RM Maths
Tomorrow’s Promise

10. Interactive Books Animated books that bring stories to life.
Usually two modes:
Passive- watch and listen as story is read
Interactive- click and explore
Cater for a range of levels (non-readers to older students with reading difficulties).

11. Interactive Books Benefits
Links written word with spoken words (strengthens word recognition)
Improves vocabulary, word attack skills, fluency and comprehension.
Gives students the opportunity to practice reading the same text more than one time.
Concerns
Edutainment value vs. Educational value

12. Interactive Books Reading Difficulties Visual Impairments
Students who benefit from this type may include those with:
Reading Difficulties
Visual Impairments
Speech and Language Difficulties
Non- English Speaking Pupils

13. Interactive Books Examples include: Living Books (e.g. Grandma and Me)
Oxford Reading Tree
Start to Finish
Ukandu Interactive Reading Series
Wellington Square