Specific Learning Difficulties - ICT to Reinforce Learning
ICT can help pupils with Literacy difficulties with:
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Access to the curriculum
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Alternative forms of recording written information
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Opportunities to Improve and practise Literacy skills
It is always worth considering the best use of existing technology.
However, the most important thing about ICT is choosing what is most appropriate for a pupil, taking into consideration their individual needs at that time.
Good programs can be:
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personalised to meet individual needs
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used to assess progress
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fun and motivating
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Adaptable to suit the pace of the learner
With the right support, pupils can:
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work independently on tasks
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be less frustrated
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gain confidence and be prepared to have a go
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demonstrate what they know
ICT Reinforcement
| Company | Description | Website |
| Nessy | Reading and spelling program with game-based interactive and printable resources |
http://www.nessy.com/uk/product/nessy-reading-spelling |
| Lexia | Phonics led reading skills development software aimed at Primary and Secondary schools. Can be used to provide personalised practice activities. |
www.lexiauk.co.uk |
| Wordshark | Latest version (Wordshark 5) uses a variety of computer games to support reading and spelling. Aimed at Primary and Secondary pupils. |
www.inclusive.co.uk/wordshark |
| Oxford Owl |
From UOP, website which with activities to support learning at home and school including a selection of free eBooks (also available for tablets). |
www.oxfordowl.co.uk |
Assistive ICT
| Company | Description | Website |
| Clicker 6 | Provides reading and writing support. Word processor includes word predictor, text read back, record option. Provides readymade activities to support all curriculum areas through 'Learning Grids' with option to produce your own personalised activities with word and picture banks. |
http://www.nessy.com |
| Write Online | Produced by the makers of Clicker 6 and offers similar support but is aimed at older pupils. Provides word banks, text read back and word prediction. Also has ready made Learning Grids. |
http://www.lexiauk.co.uk/ |
| Write Out Loud 6 | A talking word processor designed specifically to support struggling writers. it will speak out letters, words, sentences and paragraphs in any combination as the student types, providing real time auditory feedback. |
http://www.inclusive.co.uk/wordshark |
| Penfriend | A predictive word processing program. | |
| Smartpen | Intended for use by older pupils - adults, a smartpen is a high-tech writing tool that records spoken words and synchronises them with notes that users write on special paper. it allows pupils to record everything a teacher says and later replay any part of a lesson by tapping the pen's tip on words they have written themselves. |
Various makes available |
| Dragon | Converts spoken words to text on computer screen. Voice commands can be used to edit and format text search the web or send email. May be useful for older pupils - needs initial support and training. |
http://www.lexiauk.co.uk/ |
| Tools that make Microsoft Word talk |
Claro Read |
https://www.clarosoftware.com/ http://apps.texthelp.com/ www.dolphin.co.uk |
| Spellcheckers (and thesaurus) |
Franklin versions are the most Dyslexia friendly with lower cased view and phonic friendly spelling. Need a reading age of 7 years to access information. |
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| Free downloadable spellcheckers (Full versions of both can be bought from the same websites) |
Ginger software can also be used on mobile phones Ghotit is an online application |
www.gingersoftware.com http://www.ghotit.com/ |
| Planned Tools Mind mapping tools with speech |
Kidspiration Sparkspace |
www.inspiration.com/kidspiration www.spark-space.com |
| Tools to reduce visual discomfort |
Change background colour and font colour on IWB. Use IWB tools such a spotlight, magnifier, zoom, etc. Use MS Word tools to alter format, line spacing, etc. Windows accessibility tools to personalise all Windows settings. |
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| Dedicated tools to reduce visual discomfort |
Virtual Reading Ruler Claro Read tolls screen ruler, etc from Claro software | http://www.crossboweducation.com |
Key Documents
| Title | Date | Size |
| 12 ways to support pupils using Microsoft Word 2007 | ||
| iPad Apps |