[senco-forum] Alphasmart

Hi everyone,

This is linked to the Alphasmart thread. We have a 12year old boy with
dyslexia who really hates writing. He is interested in trying technology
to support his literacy. His parents are happy to fund anything that can
help him with writing assignments and taking notes as long as he uses
it- he has a histry of losing enthusiasm quickly!! Laptops did not work
-too cumbersome..
We are researching AlphaSmarts with Co-writer and Write aloud - what
exactly do these additional software do in terms of supporting him in
the classroom and for homework? We are looking for independence.
I have visited the Don Johnston's website but appreciate further
feedback as to what/how they can support this student. Parents do not
mind how expensive it is their main priority is will it work for him.

Thank you,

Michelle

-----Original Message-----
From: senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk
[mailto:senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk] On Behalf Of
Olanys at aol.com
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2006 7:55 PM
To: senco-forum at lists.becta.org.uk
Subject: [VIRUS FREE]Re: [senco-forum] Alphasmart

Tha Alphasmart Neo has its uses but there are drawbacks like the small  
screen. There is a version called the Dana which has a larger screen and
is much  
more versatile and is also wireless. I have no commercial interest but
know my  
son couldn't get on with the Neo. We now have a laptop and he found the 
keyboard  difficult to use at first, as did I, one of the features of
the Neo that  
also bothered him, another skill to learn even for a child very able on
a  
standard PC keyboard and something else to consider - allowing time for
them to  
familiarise and learn how to use it, before use in a classroom
situation.

Best wishes,
Aly

Chair Auditory Processing Disorder in  the UK/APDUK
www.lacewingmultimedia.com/APD.htm 
www.apduk.org

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