Students often dislike writing because they stumble with some part of the writing process.  In this class, you'll learn how technology tools can relieve writing anxieties connected with generating and organizing ideas, finding the right words, editing, and correcting spelling and grammar. You will also learn of options for generating written text more quickly and managing large writing projects. This class includes live demonstrations.

Who should attend:  Content is primarily aimed at parents and teachers; however, interested middle and high school students are welcome to attend.

Participants will also learn:

- How to decide if a student is a good candidate for speech recognition

- How to use templates to model good writing form

- How text-to-speech software can improve editing

- How to break writing projects into more manageable "chunks"

- The importance of matching technology to a student's abilities, task and setting 

Technology tools to be discussed and/or demonstrated include:

 - Forte & Neo 2 (portable word processors)

- Speech recognition for Windows PCs, Macs, iPads and smartphones

- Ginger Software and Ghotit (contextual spelling and grammar checkers)

- Inspiration, Kidspiration, Draft:Builder and XMind (outlining & mind mapping software)

- Software to improve keyboarding skills

The instructor for this course will be:

Shelley Haven, ATP, RET, Assistive Technology Consultant
Specializing in matching students with technology that addresses learning differences. Shelley consults with students, parents and educators. Previously, she directed assistive technology for Stanford University and helped establish the Schwab Learning Center at Stanford.