Spectronics Update

In this Issue

7th June 2007

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1. Inclusive Learning Technologies Conference® 2008 Preliminary Program now available
2. New position available at Spectronics - Literacy Support Technology Adviser!
3. New Palmtop3 and iChat3 - Portable handheld communication devices from DynaVox - Pre-orders being taken now!
4. Clicker Paint - the educational paint program for Clicker 5!
5. Browsealoud Version 4 now speech-enabling websites with Australian voices
6. What is the difference between Browsealoud and textHELP Read&Write GOLD?
7. MathTalk/Scientific Notebook - Voice recognition for maths!
8. MiniMo and MightyMo software upgrade
9. Other useful stuff to know about!

Inclusive Learning Technologies Conference® 2008 Preliminary Program now available

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We are excited to announce that the first draft of the program for our Inclusive Learning Technologies Conference® in May 2008 is now available! View it online at www.spectronicsinoz.com/conference/2008/timetable.asp or download a PDF file detailing the conference program and session abstracts from www.spectronicsinoz.com/conference/2008/pdfs/Spectronics_ILT_Conference_2008.pdf

In brief, the following sessions to be presented by our three Keynote Speakers have been confirmed.

Caroline Musselwhite

• Full Day Preconference Workshop:
  WHO’S REALLY TALKING? “Who’s Cute”, and Other Social Scripts for AAC Users
• Plenary Session:
  POETRY POWER! Using Poetry to Support Language and Literacy
• Conference Sessions:
  
  • Emergent to Transitional to Conventional Literacy: Moving through the Beginning Literacy Framework
  
  
  • PHONICS PHUN or Today is NOT Brought to You by the Short Vowel ‘O’!
  
  
  • What’s to Read?
  
  
  • Communication All Day Long: Communication Circles, Topic Setting and MORE!
  
  
  • Guided Reading: The Before / During / After Approach!
  
  
  • Write On, Right Now: Emergent Writing
  
  
  • Songboards for Language, Literacy and Learning: Theory to Practice!

Kelly Fonner and Scott Marfilius

• Full Day Preconference Workshop:
  Assistive Technology Supports for Reading Comprehension and Study Skills
• Plenary Sessions:
  
  • Exploring Universal Access to the Curriculum through Technology in the Classroom
  
  
  • Using Data to Measure the Effectiveness of Assistive Technology Products and Services

• Conference Sessions:
  
  • Creating Electronic Books with Assistive Technology Tools
  
  
  • Creating Accessible Examinations and Assessments – To Accommodate ALL Students
  
  
  • Assistive Technology Supports in Maths for Students with Physical Disabilities
  
  
  • Assistive Technology Supports in Maths for Students with Learning Disabilities
  
  
  • Organisers, Outliners, Schedules and Memory Aids
  
  
  • AT Supports for Students with Autism
  
  
  • Beyond the Basics: Assistive Technology and Learning Disabilities
  
  
  • Mastering Microsoft Word – Taking the Tips and Tricks to Support Students even Further!
  
  
  • PowerPoint: Pushing it to the Limit
  
  
  • Be a Mr Wizard: Assistive Technology Supports in Science

More presenters, sessions and Hands-on Lab Workshops will be finalised for the program in October 2007 after the call for papers closes on 30th September. Please email Lisa Meyer on lisa@spectronicsinoz.com if you would like to be added to the list of people to be kept up-to-date as our exciting conference plans come together!

New position available at Spectronics - Literacy Support Technology Adviser!

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Spectronics is seeking a new person to join the busy support team based in our office on Brisbane’s south side. We are looking for someone to fill the role of being an adviser and trainer in the application of technologies to support students who struggle with literacy because of disabilities or learning difficulties.

What do we need our new Literacy Support Technology Adviser to do?

Work with our small but enthusiastic team of technology advisers and trainers to:

• Assist teachers, therapists and parents contacting the Brisbane Spectronics office seeking advice on technology options suitable for supporting students experiencing literacy difficulties – because of learning difficulties or disabilities (such as autism)


• Compile and send requested information to customers after phone-based discussions


• Provide training sessions in use of literacy support technologies on request


• Present workshops at conferences focusing on technologies to support students with literacy difficulties


• Be able to travel to provide these training and workshop/conference services across Australia and (less frequently) New Zealand.

What type of person are we seeking?

We need a highly organised “can do” person – motivated to help students who struggle with literacy and inspiring others to use technologies to do so.

Other desirable skills include:

• Teaching or Speech Pathology background – with experience in mainstream inclusive education or special education settings


• Experience with one or more of the more popular literacy support technologies supplied by Spectronics – such as textHELP Read&Write, Clicker, Boardmaker or the AlphaSmart range of portable word processors


• Experience working with students with literacy difficulties – because of learning difficulties, disability (such as autism) or ESL


• Genuine interest in the area of literacy support


• Genuine desire to assist teachers, therapists and technology end-users to find the information they are seeking by guiding them through our various sources of web-based and print information


• Willingness to be flexible in adapting to the changing needs of a small but dynamic company.

Please forward your resume with covering letter to Barbara Landsberg, Marketing Manager, Spectronics on barbara@spectronicsinoz.com or to Lorraine Cameron, Operations Manager, Spectronics on lorraine@spectronicsinoz.com or post to: Spectronics PO BOX 88 ROCHEDALE QLD 4123

New Palmtop3 and iChat3 - Portable handheld communication devices from DynaVox - Pre-orders being taken now!

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You may have noticed a new addition to our range of speech generating devices on the Spectronics website – the exciting Palmtop3 and iChat3 from DynaVox! These truly portable handheld devices pack a lot more power than the previous models and have a range of innovative new features.

Both the Palmtop3 and the iChat3 offer users a range of pre-made page sets which can be modified to suit your needs. Alternatively, there is enough memory to design your own page sets from scratch if you prefer. All 11,000 PCS symbols (as used in the Boardmaker software program) are now included, but both devices also allow the user to select from whole words or to spell words independently.

Both devices are shipped with UK DECtalk voices and some of the new Acapela HQ voices – with both British and American accents. Both now offer improved battery life – using an integrated second battery to provide over eight hours of uninterrupted speech (although typical usage will result in considerably longer battery life).

Differences between the Palmtop3 and iChat3?

The main difference between the Palmtop3 and iChat3 is the different number of communication configurations. The Palmtop3 offers features to assist those who already have good literacy skills to communicate faster using a range of different on-screen keyboards, such as UK spelling word prediction, abbreviation expansion and ambiguous keyboards.

The iChat3 is primarily designed for those who need symbols to communicate and who have minimal or no literacy skills to expand their communication. The iChat3 does not support switch access whereas the Palmtop3 supports single and multiple switch access (with the addition of an optional switch kit).

For more information about these devices please contact Jane Farrall, Spectronics’ Speech Pathologist and AAC Support Services Manager on jane@spectronicsinoz.com or visit our website at www.spectronicsinoz.com/product.asp?product=25702 for Australia or www.spectronics.co.nz/product.asp?product=25702 for New Zealand!

Clicker Paint - the educational paint program for Clicker 5!

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Clicker Paint is a FUN child-friendly paint and drawing program for ALL students. But, unlike other paint programs, is also great for teachers to use to design educational activities for students to complete. Works seamlessly within Clicker 5, enabling students to illustrate their Clicker 5 writing and talking books etc. Click a button and the picture is automatically transferred to their Clicker Grid! Also can be used as a standalone program without Clicker.

Excellent tool for EVERY classroom and Early Childhood Centre!

• Customisable, child-friendly painting tools mean that children have access to incredibly powerful tools that are very easy to use. Displaying only the tools appropriate for the child or task is perfect for differentiation.


• SMART Board aware! Clicker Paint reacts intelligently to the different colours of the SMART Board pens and automatically chooses the eraser tool when the SMART eraser is lifted.


• Speech supported buttons allow children to work independently.


• A range of activity templates that address specific learning objectives from across the curriculum make it easy to tailor activities to the needs and the ability of the student. Ideal for assessment purposes.


• Supported by free resources at LearningGrids.com, updated fortnightly.


• Switch accessible for use by students with physical disabilities. Using ‘sticky points’ for scanning the canvas, it enables access for all users. Before Clicker Paint, it was virtually impossible for switch users to engage in painting activities.

To quote Liz Briggs, of Hillshott Infant School in Hertfordshire, UK:

“I have been lucky enough to be using Clicker Paint in my classroom and have found it very enjoyable. As ICT Coordinator for the school, I can see that it is going to be a very useful tool for the whole school across all subject areas. It can be set up by the teacher to be as complex or as simple as is appropriate for each child. It also enables the teacher to differentiate according to ability which is a great feature in a classroom with many different ability levels.”

To find out what Clicker Paint can do, follow the Clicker Paint Guide!

• Download the Clicker Paint Guide PowerPoint presentation from www.cricksoft.com/uk/products/clickerpaint/guide/ClickerPaint.ppt


• Download the Clicker Paint Guide PDF file from www.cricksoft.com/uk/products/clickerpaint/guide/ClickerPaintGuide.pdf


• Or if downloading files is a problem – view the Clicker Paint Guide online at www.cricksoft.com/uk/products/clickerpaint/guide.htm

Visit the Spectronics website for more information or contact Mele Olivetti, Sales and Marketing Assistant at Spectronics, on mele@spectronicsinoz.com or phone (07) 3808 6833 to send you a comprehensive information kit, CD and Crick Software catalogue for your files!

Browsealoud Version 4 now speech-enabling websites with Australian voices

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Browsealoud reads web pages aloud. It makes using the Internet and understanding text on websites easier for people who:

• Experience literacy and reading difficulties


• Have learning disabilities (or dyslexia)


• Speak languages other than English at home


• Struggle with low vision affecting web page reading

What does Browsealoud do?

• Reads aloud all web content of “Browsealoud-enabled” sites with clear customisable voices (including Australian voices being added this week)!


• Reads aloud web-based PDF files, accessible Flash files, Alt Tags and more!


• Magnification Display Option – allowing text to be displayed as an enlarged and highlighted “ticker-tape” running across the top of the page (as illustrated above)


• Allows web-based text to be converted to MP3 audio files for listening on computers or portable MP3 players (like iPods)


• Finds and reads aloud definitions of highlighted words from an online dictionary

Webmasters – what do you need to do to speech-enable your website?

• Nothing! Just purchase a Browsealoud subscription and place a link on your site directing people to download the free Browsealoud web reader – that’s it!


• No webmaster development time is required – Browsealoud’s client plug-in technology ensures a webmaster has no software to install on a webserver


• No security impact on the site! Browsealoud has been designed with your website’s security in mind. Making your site Browsealoud-friendly is done remotely, so you don’t need to make any changes to your site and it won’t affect your website’s security.


• No broadband/speed impact! The Browsealoud program does not connect with your web servers at any time. All text-to-speech processing is carried out on the visitor’s own computer. All updates of the program are handled by downloads from the Browsealoud servers.


• Automatically speaks new content when you update your site


• For a list of the many websites already Browsealoud-enabled visit www.browsealoud.com.au/browsealoud/?page=25589

Want to learn more?

• View the online Browsealoud 4 Video Tours



• Request a trial of Browsealoud on your website at www.browsealoud.com.au/browsealoud/?page=25582


• Download Browsealoud 4 to trial for yourself!


• Or contact Rod Caldwell on email rod@browsealoud.com.au or phone him on (07) 3808 6833 or Mobile 0417 640 168 for more information about this exciting new advance in website accessibility!

What is the difference between Browsealoud and textHELP Read&Write GOLD?

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What is the difference between Browsealoud and textHELP Read&Write GOLD? How do you choose which one is best? We have been asked these questions many times at presentations this year!

So what is the difference between the two programs?

1. Browsealoud will only read aloud websites for which the web owners have paid a yearly subscription for their site to be “speech-enabled”. textHELP Read&Write GOLD will read aloud ALL websites.


2. Browsealoud will only read web content and files of other formats hosted on a speech-enabled website. textHELP Read&Write GOLD will read all documents – both on and off the Web.


3. Browsealoud can be used to make MP3 audio files out of web-based content only. textHELP Read&Write GOLD will make MP3 files out of text in all documents – both on and off the Web.


4. Browsealoud can be used at NO cost to the end-user as all costs for speech-enabling are met by the website owner and the end-user can download the Browsealoud website reader for free. In contrast, a full copy of textHELP Read&Write GOLD needs to be purchased by each end-user.

How do you choose which one is best?

Browsealoud and textHELP Read&Write GOLD meet quite different needs. If you simply want to make the content of your website accessible to ALL visitors, Browsealoud is all you need. Any person with literacy difficulties visiting YOUR site will definitely benefit. And you will benefit by having your web content accessible and understandable by MANY more web visitors.

However, if you are a student experiencing literacy difficulties, or if you are responsible for support of these struggling students, it is very likely that you will need to consider the many additional supports offered by textHELP Read&Write GOLD.

MathTalk/Scientific Notebook - Voice recognition for maths!

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MathTalk/Scientific Notebook is a combined package made up of MathTalk and the Scientific Notebook advanced level maths software program. MathTalk provides voice input for Scientific Notebook, so that you can enter even the most complex mathematics and compute solely by using voice commands. You can use voice input to complement the keyboard and the mouse to speed the entry of text and mathematics, or you can use it to fully replace the keyboard and the mouse.

All of the following functions can be “driven” by voice on the computer:

• Pre-Algebra (Fractions, Integers, Variables)


• Algebra (eg. Quadratic Formula)


• Trigonometry (Sin, Cos, Tan)


• Calculus


• Statistics


• Graphing (Yes – even graphing by voice!)

Despite the complexity of the mathematical functions covered, users can learn how to dictate using MathTalk quite quickly with the Training Modules and guides to Training of Initial Commands supplied with the program.

MathTalk/Scientific Notebook is a potentially useful option for supporting students with learning difficulties or physical disabilities who are studying maths from early secondary school through to post-secondary level. The ‘echo’ and ‘readback’ features are particularly useful to support students with learning difficulties.

NOTE: MathTalk voice input requires Dragon NaturallySpeaking and will work with all versions from 7 to 9 Standard, Preferred, or Professional – but these need to be purchased separately as they are not included.

For more details about MathTalk/Scientific Notebook visit www.spectronicsinoz.com/product.asp?product=25680

Or view the Video Demos at www.metroplexvoice.com/demos.htm or contact Mele Olivetti, Sales and Marketing Assistant at Spectronics, on mele@spectronicsinoz.com or phone (07) 3808 6833 to post you a CD which contains all of the MathTalk/Scientific Calculator Video Demo files.

MiniMo and MightyMo software upgrade

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A new version of the software for the MiniMo and MightyMo speech generating devices from DynaVox is available as a free upgrade now – taking the devices up to Version 1.04.

Highlights are:

• Backup procedure has been improved to add other user-created data files (images, user symbol data, user recordings, user preferences, etc) in the saved backup.


• Audio recording process now gives more control over when a recording begins and ends – the user now holds the record button down while they are making the recording.


• Title bar contents have been rearranged and enhanced – now contains two new buttons: Back Page button and Home Page button.


• Sound Picker menu structure and content have been rearranged – rename and delete capabilities have been added.


• IR browser menu now includes options to test, rename, and delete IR commands.


• Scanning selection method now includes an outline highlight option.


• Click audio feedback has been reintroduced into appropriate selection methods.

This has been a popular upgrade already! So if you would like to arrange for any of your MiniMos or MightyMos to be upgraded, please contact Mikaela Kroesen in our Brisbane office on mikaela@spectronicsinoz.com or phone (07) 3808 6833, or contact Jane Farrall in our Melbourne office on jane@spectronicsinoz.com or phone (03) 9848 4812.

Click here to view a document (PDF) which details the full list of changes and additions.

Other useful stuff to know about!

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• textHELP Read&Write licensing for students accessing the school network from home computers

  Once a school has purchased a whole of site licence for textHELP Read&Write, we are often asked if the software can be installed on all of the students’ computers as well as those owned by the school. Unfortunately, this is outside the terms of the licence. If a student wishes to install a copy of the software on their own computer – they need to purchase a separate copy of the textHELP Read&Write GOLD software. While students attending primary or secondary schools which have purchased an Unlimited Site Licence, are entitled to buy the software at the discounted Student Licence priced at 30% off retail price, this can still be difficult for some students’ families to afford.

  So the following information may be helpful for some schools!

  Many school’s students now “log-in” to the school network to access and use software owned by the school to complete their homework and assignments. Typically they might be using AutoCAD software, Microsoft Office tools, design, graphics and publishing tools, maths and programming software and more. But none of this software is actually “installed” on their home computers. It is only accessible once they have logged in with their student ID details. If textHELP Read&Write software is accessible to students in this way – and no longer available to them when they log off from the school network, there is no violation of the terms of the licence.

• Advice on updating New Zealand version of Boardmaker to “see” the 2000-2006 Addendum and New Zealand symbols

  If you purchased your Boardmaker Addendums before December 2006 and you have your search language in Boardmaker set to English (NZ), you may find that Boardmaker Version 6 is unable to see some of the symbols in the Addendums and in the New Zealand symbol set. However, the good news is that we have worked with Mayer Johnson to come up with a fix!

  For instructions on how to fix this glitch visit www.spectronicsinoz.com/library.asp?article=25701 or download the info in PDF format from www.spectronicsinoz.com/downloads/faqs/BM-updating-addendumsNZ_May07.pdf. Thanks to Jane Farrall for following up on this one!

• Word Prediction Software Comparison Chart – Fully updated for 2007

  As with all of our software – Word Prediction programs keep being updated and improved! To help you keep up with the changes, Penny McCulloch, our Special Ed and Learning Difficulties consultant, has updated our Word Prediction Software Comparison Chart and it is available on our web at www.spectronicsinoz.com/library.asp?article=22248
  Thanks Penny!

• Journal of Technology, Learning and Assessment (JTLA)

  JTLA is a free online journal, published by the Technology and Assessment Study
  Collaborative at Boston College in the USA. Permission is granted to copy any article provided that the Journal of Technology, Learning and Assessment is credited and copies are not sold. Not all articles are relevant – but some are useful covering topics like Individualizing Learning Using Intelligent Technology and Universally Designed Curriculum and Does it Matter if I take My Writing Test on Computer?

  Visit http://escholarship.bc.edu/jtla/ for more details.