New Research Helps Teachers Find The Right Tools To Support Their Learners

Teachers at BETT will be looking for the latest tools for learners with special needs. But as they listen to the competing claims of different companies, how will they decide which of their pupils might benefit from the various writing aids?

Claro Software is coming to their rescue with Supportive Writing Technology. This free research book will take them through the benefits of different applications, from simple word banks to speech recognition. It will also show teachers how to assess pupils, how to identify the right technology and will give them a clear picture of the benefits for the learner.

Supportive Writing Technology is a revised version of the book of the same name written by Paul Nisbet and colleagues at the University of Edinburgh CALL (Communication, Access, Literacy and Learning) Centre. It is the first of a planned series of White Papers on the Claro website (http://www.clarosoftware.com ) which will show how to overcome barriers to learning.

Supportive Writing Technology looks at tools such as mind maps for improving organisational skills and shows how spell checkers and talking word processors can make proof reading more effective. It also offers guidance on how to develop a teaching programme to motivate reluctant writers and examines the benefits of word prediction, on-screen word banks and speech recognition.

Dave Stevens, commercial director at Claro, said, “There is a wealth of research about the benefits of particular technologies but teachers don’t always get a chance to read it. At Claro we want to make some of the key findings available in an easy to access form so our customers can keep up to date with the latest thinking.”

Editor’s Notes
Claro Software is a rapidly growing, innovative software company that develops and licenses Assistive Software, including speech technology, image technology and touch technology. With Windows and Mac versions, mobile USB stick options and network delivered solutions, they aim to provide the best choice for the user.