Software for Students

1

• Software for Students
• with Special Needs
• - Introduction

2
Categories of Software

1. Reinforcement (Drill Practice Software)
2. Interactive Books (Talking Stories)
3. Content-free Software
4. Exploratory Software
5. Reference Software
6. Assessment Software
7. Access Tools / Software

3
Reinforcement Software

• Used to reinforce basic skills through repetition
  and practice.
• Numeracy Software early numeracy skills, more
  advanced mathematical skills
• Literacy Software early literacy skills, sight
  word recognition, phonological skills and
  reading comprehension.

4
Reinforcement Software

• Benefits
• Helps to develop skills and reinforce concepts
  and knowledge
• Provides repeated practice on previously learned
  skills
• Gives immediate, consistent feedback in
  non-judgemental fashion
• Concerns
• Should be used to complement teacher instruction,
  not replace it
• Skills are often presented in isolation

5
Reinforcement Software

• Examples include
• All My Words
• First Keys
• Fuzz Buzz
• Lexia
• Reading for Literacy

6
Reinforcement Software

• examples contd
• Speaking for myself
• Starspell
• Type to learn
• Wordshark / Numbershark

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Reinforcement SoftwareIntegrated Learning system
(ILS)

• Computer-based system that manages delivery of
  curriculum
• Presents learners with a question, records the
  response, gives instant feedback and
  automatically selects new questions
• Provides feedback and detailed records

8
Reinforcement SoftwareIntegrated Learning system
(ILS)

• Results are highly context dependent
• Level of teacher intervention is critical factor
• Teachers involvement with system is major factor
  to student gains
• Where pupils use ILS in isolation from their
  teacher and from the rest of the curriculum, both
  learning gains and motivation are likely to be
  poor.

9
Reinforcement SoftwareIntegrated Learning system
(ILS)

• Examples include
• The Academy of Reading
• Global Integrated Learning System
• RM Maths
• Tomorrows Promise

10
Interactive Books

• Animated books that bring stories to life.
• Usually two modes
• Passive- watch and listen as story is read
• Interactive- click and explore
• Cater for a range of levels (non-readers to older
  students with reading difficulties).

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Interactive Books

• Benefits
• Links written word with spoken words (strengthens
  word recognition)
• Improves vocabulary, word attack skills, fluency
  and comprehension.
• Gives students the opportunity to practice
  reading the same text more than one time.
• Concerns
• Edutainment value vs. Educational value

12
Interactive Books

• Students who benefit from this type may include
  those with
• Reading Difficulties
• Visual Impairments
• Speech and Language Difficulties
• Non- English Speaking Pupils

13
Interactive Books

• Examples include
• Living Books (e.g. Grandma and Me)
• Oxford Reading Tree
• Start to Finish
• Ukandu Interactive Reading Series
• Wellington Square