Literacy and Numeracy Programs
by Gerry Kennedy
For Grades P- 6
Spectronics was established to source, supply and support technologies that assist people with special needs. Products are sourced from all over the world. The literacy and numeracy products that are listed in the Spectronics catalogue cater to people who have either physical or learning disabilities. Most products accommodate users who have are vision impaired, with features including background colour choice, text enlargement, speech output or screen magnification. Others can be used with third party products to enable appropriate access or greater ease of use. Many packages work together as total solutions. A few are stand-alone packages that meet specific needs.
The literacy and numeracy products listed cater to a range of age levels and abilities. Each package has been designed to address particular and focussed learning needs. Some titles will suit younger children in Kindergarten and pre-school, whilst others will be more suitable for upper primary grades. Suitability relies on schools evaluating the learning and access requirements of their integrated students and those with learning difficulties. By matching appropriate software and teaching methods, complimentary pre and post computer activities and resources can be constructed to gain maximum potential.
Literacy Software Packages
Word Processors
IntelliTalk (Now replaced by IntelliTools Classroom Suite) – is a simple talking word processor designed to work with IntelliKeys and Overlay Maker or it can be used just as a word processor. IntelliTalk has speaking, reading, and deleting features that make it uniquely suited for people with learning difficulties, or physical and communication impairments. (Mac and PC)
Write:OutLoud – is the flexible, user-friendly talking word processor with a talking spell checker. It is flexible and empowering. It looks and feels like a mainstream program, yet is easier to access and use. (Mac and PC)
Writing with Symbols (now replaced by Communicate: SymWriter ANZ and Communicate in Print ANZ) is the fun and easy-to-use symbol processor for MS Windows that lets you type and see the matching symbol. Writing with Symbols pops the text and corresponding symbol onto the screen and even speaks the word. Includes the Rebus collection of symbols widely recognised in the disability industry or you can purchase the set of 1670 COMPIC pictographs or other symbol libraries (including PCS from Mayer Johnston).
Productivity Software to Support Writing
Symbols to Sentences lets teachers and parents create electronic worksheets and other literacy activities. A companion program to Writing with Symbols, Symbols to Sentences is ideal for literacy training. Make the perfect worksheet for any student in your mainstream classroom. Teacher’s can print paper copies to be used off-computer as well. Ideal for creating cloze activities, and for matching, defining labelling and categorizing words.
Co:Writer is an easy-to-use intelligent writing assistant that works in conjunction with your word processing program. Co:Writer helps those who struggle with writing due to physical limitations, dyslexia or other learning disabilities. Co:Writer works with any word processor to make the writing process easier, faster and better for writers of all ages and ability levels. It can be customised to meet individual needs. (Mac and PC)
Clicker 5, by Crick Software, is the talking onscreen keyboard for MS Windows that gives you easy access plus communication. Clicker 5 replaces or works alongside the standard keyboard so users can type text, enter keyboard commands and speak phrases. Clicker 5 includes support for switch users to operate the program. Clicker 5 works with a mouse, touch screen, pointing device or switch to allow users to do word processing and communicate. It makes using an onscreen keyboard or scanning grid as easy as, but much more flexible, than using a mouse or keyboard.
Multimedia and Learning Tools
IntelliPics (Now replaced by IntelliTools Classroom Suite) – Children thoroughly enjoy using IntelliPics. They can make pictures move, grow, and multiply. They like to hear the computer speak with a familiar voice; your voice or their own. With IntelliPics, youngsters easily learn early concepts while older students give complete multi-media presentations on advanced topics. (Mac/PC)
Blocks in Motion – is the unique, open-ended, creative learning program that features onscreen manipulatives. Build with blocks, glue them together and animate them with motion. It’s a great tool for classroom activities. (Mac)
Basic Attainment software is suitable for early learners. It provides a multisensory learning experience. Colourful Concepts offers multimedia software package and matching manipulatives in a single package. The series has four programs: Colourful Words, Colourful Dimensions, Colourful Numbers, and Colourful Clips. The programs can be purchased separately. Each features eye-catching visuals, engaging audio, and is extremely easy to use. Teachers set difficulty levels on a student-by-student basis. Hands-on materials reinforce skills learnt.
Living Books – by Broderbund. Each Living Books CD-ROM tells a classic children’s story, with characters who sing, dance and make mischief on the computer. Kids can read along with the narrator even choosing a different language if they like. More than 40 awards attest to the quality of Living Books’ sound, animation and ease-of-use. Living Books Instant Access Sets: Instant Access overlays are available to work with IntelliKeys; that means each page of every Living Book is now instantly accessible. Children can play independently, without interruption. Simply slide one of three custom overlays into IntelliKeys and start up your Living Book program. The overlay automatically works with every screen of the Living Book. The student is in control!
Thematic Programs
Phinneas Frog (by Widgit). As well as the basic adventure, the program contains four logic games with randomised solutions. The program is switch accessible. Develops a variety of skills including listening, reading, map-making, strategy skills and logical reasoning. Directions are voiced as well as the clues. (PC only)
Edmark Software – is a collection of Award Winning titles with each program aimed at developing particular skills. Areas include creative problem solving, reading, mathematics and science skills. Instant Access Overlays for Edmark Software – overlays specifically designed for activities in each software program are available to work with IntelliKeys. Students simply place the overlay on IntelliKeys and it automatically works with the Edmark program. These new overlays are compatible with both the disk and CD-ROM versions of each title.
Language Development Software
Making Sense (by Widgit) provides many language development opportunities by asking students to complete sentences in response to attractive full coloured images. A very large number of sentences are provided developing use of nouns, verbs, prepositions, as well as understanding of colour, word sounds and correct contexts. (PC only)
Simon Sounds It Out (by Don Johnston) Phonics practice for learning disability software. It is ideal for learning letter sounds and words. Graphics are pleasing and appropriate for all ages. Vocab is second grade level. (Mac)
Simon Spells (by Don Johnston) A spelling tutor that helps learning and tracks progress. Words suit K-3 grade level ability. Each spelling list has 3 parts: pre-test, practice mode and spelling test. Ideal for those with learning disabilities. (Mac)
WordWise Software combines words, pictures and two-way speech. Realistic and contemporary graphics stress everyday vocabulary. Features includes: attractive art, voice recording, human quality speech, and quiz, presentation and print-out options. Create a work list for each student, save it and add new words anytime. Six programs include 80 words a piece. (Mac only)
Picture Cue Software. Five life-skill software programs teach words students need to know to perform everyday activities. The five programs cover personal care, housekeeping, dining out, scheduling and shopping skills. (Mac)
Numeracy Software Packages
Big:Calc. It’s big it talks and it scans. Big:Calc is a Macintosh calculator program designed specifically for people with learning, visual and physical disabilities. Featuring big, colourful number buttons and high-quality speech, Big:Calc is fun and easy to use. It works alone or with database, spreadsheet or other maths programs. (Mac only)
GridIt (by Widgit) develops early mathematical skills, eg. counting, estimating, predicting, logical thinking, describing movement. It involves solving mazes and puzzles. Ideal problem solving activities. (PC only).
Show Me Math Software is ideal for first time or remedial instruction. Students learn in three critical areas, addition/subtraction, multiplication, and division. Programs are available individually or as a set. Each program features assessment and instructional modes. It is very easy to use and has large, clear characters. (Mac only)
Learning to Tell Time – These pre-designed overlays work with either IntelliKeys or switches, using IntelliPics software. They explore concepts of time, including activities such as analogue and digital clocks, a.m. and p.m., “What time is it?”, telling time by hour, half and quarter hour intervals as well as exploring daily events. (Mac)
Access to Math – This is an onscreen maths worksheet generator. Students can access four operations maths problems using either mouse, keyboard or switch. Teachers can make worksheets, with students completing them on computer or on printed hard copy. Teachers can review student’s progress and track progress. (Mac only)