(click on one for a more detailed explanation)
1. To assist students in developing skills they lack
2. To supplement the skills they have or make up for skills they lack
3. To assist the teacher with tracking and programming
Our board has just recently made available to our school the Premier suite, which has quickly become a staple in servicing our exceptional pupils.
Word-processing: Students often feel their ideas and words flow more freely when typing, rather than having to worry about handwriting. This word-processing function also cuts down on the monotony of the editing process: an entire draft does not have to be re-written, changes can be made and then the updated document is printed in a fraction of the time.
Voice Recognition Software: allows students to express their ideas orally. This minimizes distractions such as typing, spelling, grammar, etc...
The Read-Aloud function: allows students to have their work read back to them to facilitate the identification of errors. Finally, the read-aloud capability helps students to better understand the text they find when researching.
The Talking Calculator: Assists with reading numbers by reading out loud. Also ensures numbers are read correctly, re-enforcing place value and some number sense.
1- Smart Ideas- Concept Mapping and Mind-Mapping
2- Premier Suite: speech �> typing......or ..... typing �> speech
3- IEP Engine (necessary for IEP creation & update)
4- GSP � for Geometry, (esp. angles, etc) and measurement (area, perimeter, volume)
5- Word Processors � WordPerfect, MS Word, Wordpad, etc�
6- MS Paint, KidPix - can demonstrate Art concepts, despite physical difficulties.
7- Claris Homepage, Corel Presentations - alternate forums for displaying understanding
8- TABS v3.0 - provides nets for 3D geo shapes
9- Websites: www.dictionary.com provides an on-line dictionary & thesaurus (to assist students with their writing, and reading) and www.amathsdictionaryforkids.com are great!