Benefit: Reading fluency, vocabluary and comprehension
Age / Grade Level: K-10
Computer System: Stand-alone and network version available for Windows & Mac
Training Availability: Yes (click here for more details)

Soliloquy Reading Assistant’s core concept revolves around a simple proposition: students will learn to read more fluently if someone listens to them read and provides guided oral feedback.

How it Works: Soliloquy Reading Assistant’s software provides students and teachers with a powerful automated helper that allows students to practice oral reading independently with immediate feedback—practice that builds reading fluency and comprehension. It uses proprietary speech recognition technology specifically tailored for children's voices.

More Information

• Soliloquy Reading Assistant (PDF flyer)
• Accessibility - settings and Section 508 compliance.
• Soliloquy Reading Assistant Scope and Sequence
• System Requirements
• Middle/High School Content
• Soliloquy Reading Assistant Demo

Benefit: Writing & composition
Age / Grade Level: K-12
Computer System: Check compatibility
Training Availability: Yes (click here for more details)

WordQ™ is a software tool used along with standard writing software. WordQ suggests words for you to use and provides spoken feedback to help you find mistakes. Users of all ages who have problems writing and editing, particularly those with learning disabilities (LD), can benefit from using WordQ. It features a carefully thought-out design with only essential functions that have demonstrated benefits to help students write.

SpeakQ plugs into WordQ and adds simple speech recognition. Conventional speech recognition systems are designed primarily as a productivity tool for persons who have no trouble writing (and dictating) or as an alternative hands-free access tool for persons with physical disabilities. WordQ/SpeakQ, on the other hand, is for those who can type but who have trouble writing and reading in the first place. They can benefit from a combination of word prediction, speech output and speech input to generate text when stuck with spelling and word forms, identifying errors, proofreading and editing. Such users may find it difficult or impossible to use other speech recognition products because of reading demands and complexity.

SpeakQ features a simple training interface where the computer prompts you by voice what to say. You can then dictate directly into any document or dictate into WordQ's prediction list. Your speech is combined with the word prediction. To keep it simple, there are no verbal commands. You only dictate text. Teachers in special education will appreciate its simplicity.

More Information

• Call 1-800-582-5051
• email vsteis@aol.com

SpeakQ

Benefit: Writing tool for visual learners
Age / Grade Level: Inspiration (Grade 5 - adult); Kidspiration (Grades K-4)
Computer System: Windows & Mac
Training Availability: Yes (click here for more details)

Inspiration and Kidspiration software are creative outlining and writing tools designed for people who are visual learners.

How it Works: The program allows users to create a web or picture of their ideas or concepts in the form of a diagram. Each idea or thought is placed in an icon that can be customized with clip art from the symbol library. Each concept icon is linked visually, with notes attached to expand upon the concept. Visually, users quickly prioritize and rearrange ideas. The visual diagram converts into a standard Roman numeral style outline, helping create clear, concise writing.

• Inspiration - screen sample
• Kidspiration - screen sample

Features & Benefits

• With its easy-to-use interface students focus on their ideas, not the process.
• Concept Mapping
• Webbing
• Outlining
• Organizational Skills
• Creating Storyboards Creativity

• Inspiration Demo (Shockwave file)
• Kidspiration Symbol Guide (PDF file)

Single license = $69
5 user lab pack  = $299
10 user lab pack  = $525
20 user lab pack = $895
50 user lab pack = $1,750
100 user lab pack = $2,600

Over 100 user licenses, call for pricing. Your school may qualify for lower pricing on purchases of 5 or more; call for details.

• Classroom Ideas Lesson Plan book $25.00
• Meeting Standards $25.00

Benefit: Writing & composition, hands-free computing
Age / Grade Level: 13 to adult
Computer System: Stand-alone and network version available for Windows & Mac
Training Availability: Yes (click here for more details)

Dragon NaturallySpeaking 8 is the most accurate speech recognition product Nuance has ever developed - delivering up to 99% accuracy! No other product delivers this combination of accuracy, power and ease-of-use - finally making speech recognition something every member of the family can use! No more "hunt and peck" typing - with Dragon NaturallySpeaking you will experience the fun and simplicity of using your voice to turn speech into text at up to 160 words per minute. Create e-mail, instant messages and surf the web - simply by speaking.

More Information

• Dragon Naturally Speaking Product Sheets (PDF file)

Dragon NaturallySpeaking 8 Professional
$795

Dragon NaturallySpeaking 8 Preferred
$199

Benefit: Math understanding & comprehension
Age / Grade Level: K-10th Grade
Computer System: Windows & Mac
Training Availability: Yes (click here for more details)

Understanding Math (UM) helps students learn and understand—not memorize and forget—the important math concepts they will need to grow and succeed throughout their school years. The UM software program was developed on the philosophy that learning math should be based on real experiences, and that a high-level of interactivity engages and stimulates learning. It is now available in Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. 

How it Works: UM consists of 10 topics divided into two grade categories (K-3rd and 4th-10th). Each topic covers core curriculums using graphic explanations, step-by-step examples, practice questions, topic tests, and cumulative checks. Listed below are the available topics by grade level:

K–3rd Grade

• Understanding Numeration PLUS
  There are five concepts taught in Understanding Numeration, covering 75 skills, using over 270 lessons. The concepts are: counting, operations, comparing & ordering, place value, and problem solving.

4 th –10 th Grade

• Understanding Fractions
• Understanding Integers & Whole Numbers
• Understanding Exponents
• Understanding Algebra
• Understanding Equations
• Understanding Graphing
• Understanding Percent
• Understanding Probability
• Understanding Measurement and Geometry

Features & Benefits

• Learning takes place from “concrete to abstract”
• Students will understand concepts rather than memorize
• Uses simple and clear math language
• Programs are interactive to engage and stimulate learning
• Concepts are introduced with “real world” scenarios and colorful graphics
• Answers are never given — “a mistake is a chance to learn”
• Self paced for struggling and advanced math learners
• Supports teachers by being adaptable to many learning situations, a flexible learning resource, assists classroom planning with lessons and printable worksheets, and tracks students’ performance and progress.
• Meets No Child Left Behind requirements.

More Information

• Understanding Math PLUS
  Topic List (PDF file)

Call for details.

IntelliTools provides technology to help struggling students learn to their fullest potential: serving students in PreK-8 who use assistive technology, have IEPs, have limited English proficiency, or need additional instructional support for any reason.

Our research-based products help you teach reading, writing, and mathematics, plus provide access to the computer. Use IntelliTools products to teach core concepts, provide patient practice, give immediate feedback, and track student responses.

IntelliTools Classroom Suite conforms to the principles of universal design for learning—multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement—to help students who are struggling with challenging concepts in math, reading, and writing.

The tools incorporate multimedia modeling, animation, and auditory support to assist students with challenging concepts. They take advantage of the infinite patience of the computer to provide as much time and practice as each student needs.

IntelliTools Classroom Suite supports the different ways students become engaged and motivated, whether through speech feedback, larger text, or the use of color. Students also benefit from instant natural feedback, and teachers can keep track of student progress.

IntelliKeys USB plugs into the computer's USB port and provides access for anyone with physical, visual, or cognitive disabilities who has difficulty using a standard keyboard. In combination with its many overlays, it is the most flexible alternative keyboard available, providing individualized support for young students, struggling learners, and ESL students.