Word Processing with Speech Synthesis and Word Prediction: Effects on the Dialogue Journal Writing of Students with Learning Disabilities

1998 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles A. MacArthur
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Word Processing ◽  
Speech Synthesis ◽  
Word Processor ◽  
Students With Learning Disabilities ◽  
Word Prediction ◽  
Dialogue Journals ◽  
Dialogue Journal ◽  
Writing Problems ◽  
Journal Entries

Five students, ages 9 and 10, with learning disabilities and severe writing problems wrote in dialogue journals to their teacher. They used a standard word processor during baseline phases and a word processor with speech synthesis and word prediction features during treatment phases. The special features had a strong effect on the legibility and spelling of written dialogue journal entries for four of the five students. During baseline, the writing of these four students ranged from 55% to 85% legible words and 42% to 75% correctly spelled words. All four increased their percentage of both legible and correctly spelled words into the 90–100% range.

Effects of Speech Synthesis on the Proofreading Efficiency of Postsecondary Students with Learning Disabilities

1995 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marshall H. Raskind ◽  
Eleanor Higgins
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Speech Synthesis ◽  
Written Language ◽  
The Other ◽  
Read Aloud ◽  
Synthesis Condition ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Postsecondary Students ◽  
Students With Learning Disabilities ◽  
Synthesis System

This study investigated the effects of speech synthesis on the proofreading efficiency of postsecondary students with learning disabilities. Subjects proofread self-generated written language samples under three conditions: (a) using a speech synthesis system that simultaneously highlighted and “spoke” words on a computer monitor, (b) having the text read aloud to them by another person, and (c) receiving no assistance. Using the speech synthesis system enabled subjects to detect a significantly higher percentage of total errors than either of the other two proofreading conditions. In addition, subjects were able to locate a significantly higher percentage of capitalization, spelling, usage and typographical errors under the speech synthesis condition. However, having the text read aloud by another person significantly outperformed the other conditions in finding “grammar-mechanical” errors. Results are discussed with regard to underlying reasons for the overall superior performance of the speech synthesis system and the implications of using speech synthesis as a compensatory writing aid for postsecondary students with learning disabilities.

Knowledge Acquisition and Technology-Supported Projects in the Social Studies for Students with Learning Disabilities

1996 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia M. Okolo ◽  
Ralph P. Ferretti
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Social Studies ◽  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Word Processing ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Revolutionary War ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Students With Learning Disabilities ◽  
The Social ◽  
Based Instruction

All citizens are expected to participate in the processes of democratic decision making in the postschool years, and the goals of social studies education have long included the preparation of an informed citizenry. However, surveys show that social studies instruction is often not provided for students with disabilities, and those that receive instruction do poorly compared to their nondisabled peers. Students' poor performance is exacerbated by the reliance on “inconsiderate” textbooks that are often poorly organized, lacking in content, and devoid of important background information. Project-based instruction is an alternative to the exclusive reliance on textbook-based instruction in the social studies. Students investigate a problem or question and develop artifacts based on these investigations. In this study, students with learning disabilities, working under two different conditions, developed projects about factors that precipitated the American Revolutionary War. Students in both conditions worked cooperatively to learn about some aspect of the Revolutionary War, and they then contributed to the construction and presentation of a group report about the topic. However, students in one group had access to word processing tools, and the other had access to word processing and multimedia presentation tools in developing their projects. Analyses of students' knowledge revealed a substantial improvement in both conditions after the completion of the projects.

Evaluation of a Writing Instruction Model that Integrated a Process Approach, Strategy Instruction, and Word Processing

1995 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 278-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles A. MacArthur ◽  
Steve Graham ◽  
Shirley S. Schwartz ◽  
William D. Schafer
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Writing Instruction ◽  
Word Processing ◽  
Strategy Instruction ◽  
Process Approach ◽  
Writing Strategies ◽  
Students With Learning Disabilities ◽  
Classroom Structure ◽  
School Year

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a model of writing instruction that integrated word processing, strategy instruction, and a process approach. Teachers established a social context for writing in which students worked on meaningful tasks, shared their writing with peers, and published their work for real audiences. The classroom structure supported extended cycles of planning, drafting, and revising. Teachers supported the development of writing strategies through conferencing and explicit instruction in strategies for planning and revising. Word processing supported fluent production of text, revising, and publishing. The experimental model was implemented for a full school year in 12 classes with 113 students with learning disabilities. Students in the experimental classes made greater gains in the quality of their narrative and informative writing than 94 students with learning disabilities in 10 control classes.

Dialogue Journals for Students with Learning Disabilities

1991 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 28-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martha Gonter Gaustad ◽  
Trinka Messenheimer-Young
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Students With Learning Disabilities ◽  
Dialogue Journals

Word Prompt Programs

1997 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 57-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa A. Wood ◽  
Joan L. Rankin ◽  
David R. Beukelman
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Current Literature ◽  
Word Processing ◽  
Computer Software ◽  
Written Language ◽  
Written Communication ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Basic Word ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Language Needs

Word prompt programs are computer software programs or program features that are used in addition to basic word processing. These programs provide word lists from which a user selects a desired word and inserts it into a line of text. This software is used to support individuals with severe speech, physical, and learning disabilities. This tutorial describes the features of a variety of word prompt programs and reviews the current literature on the use of these programs by people with oral and written language needs. In addition, a matrix that identifies the features contained in eight sample word prompt programs is provided. The descriptions of features and the matrix are designed to assist speech-language pathologists and teachers in evaluating and selecting word prompt programs to support their clients' oral and written communication.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document