One type of assistive technology is a Talking Word Processor. This device is a writing software program to provide speech feedback as the student writes and echoes each letter as it is typed and each word as the spacebar is pressed. This is best used with students with learning disabilities. It helps the students with their writing and reading. It helps them to better comprehend and organize. They also have other adjustments in which the student can make such as; enlarging the print, changing the font type, and highlighting words as the student is reading. This program can be used for elementary school students, middle school as well as high school students. This program helps them write letters, essays, stories, or any type of writing activity. It helps them with the spelling and mechanics of writing. One popular software for a Talking Word Processor is Write:OutLoud.
Another type of AT is Assisted Literacy Software. This helps students develop their literacy skills and is great for students with disabilities especially dyslexia. One brand is called CALS Computer Assisted Literacy Solution. CALS help develop phonemic awareness, decoding and comprehension, and fluency. This is used in younger grades in elementary schools.
Watch the short video to learn more about CALS!
I enjoyed researching and learning about different types of assisted technology devices. I feel as though they seem easy to use for all different types of learners. Once the teacher is trained how to use the program he or she can easily show the class how to use the program and integrate it into day to day lessons. I would be excited to use this in my own classroom. It is interesting to learn about the different devices and what they are used for. After doing some research I feel as though I have more resources in my teacher tool belt to use when I become a teacher in the future.
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