Writing Right

CoWriter
http://www.donjohnston.com/products/cowriter/index.html

CoWriter is a predictive word software program that allows the user to write entire sentences by typing only a few letters. It is so effective because it uses “Linguistic Word Prediction” so it uses “grammar-based intelligence”, meaning it can predict words within the framework of a valid sentence and is more flexible than traditional word prediction programs. This program works with other writing applications from Microsoft Word, to Emailing. CoWriter is very beneficial for those who have poor handwriting, who struggle with phonetic spelling, who have difficulty typing, or who struggle with written expression. Again, the website includes links to a demo, and testimonials, and claims teachers can be trained in 30 minutes. If you click on the link below, you can view before and after samples of writing from students who try CoWriter.
http://www.donjohnston.com/media/flash/cowriter_student_samples/index.html
The software is rather expensive and ranges from $290.00 per computer (for 1 – 4 computers) to $145.00 per computer (for 50+ computers).
http://ssrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/jrenouf/CoWriter.htm
The South Shore Regional School Board has put together a series of short PowerPoint presentations that demonstrate a number of topics from a brief introduction to the CoWriter, to using topic dictionaries and changing your speech options.

WordQ
http://www.goqsoftware.com/en/

Similar to CoWriter, this software program suggest words to use, and then provides spoken feedback, to better identify any errors. The program has many advantageous features such as learning words you like and predicting these faster, and reading exactly what you write (making it easier to identify poor grammar or punctuation). It also appeals to youth, as the website remind users that WordQ can read websites, including Facebook and Twitter. Those interested can watch video tutorials, available on the website, and try a thirty day demo. The listed price is $199 per license, and the website states the price lower with the number of licences purchased.

Clicker 5
http://www.cricksoft.com/us/products/tools/clicker/home.aspx

Clicker 5 is a writing support tool that allows users to compose sentences without writing or using the keyboard, simply by clicking on words or phrases. This program displays both symbols and text and the words are read aloud, enabling learners to make connections between images and words. Clicker 5 is a beneficial tool for these with dyslexia, low vision, physical disabilities, and various learning disabilities because it: breaks tasks down into manageable steps; is multisensory and keeps children motivated; comes fully accessible with switches; and has special high-contrast colour options with the choice of zooming in. Interestingly enough, this software application is more expensive for each individual license, compared to other programs ($249.00 per license), but there is the option of having unlimited access for a single school for $2,000. Therefore, if you want it on eight or more computers, it makes financial sense to get unlimited access. There is a video on the website with additional information for those interested. As well, a graduate student by the name of Rose Racicot completed her M.Sc. Thesis on Clicker 5, and you can read her dissertation for further information:
http://www.cricksoft.com/Files/research/RACICOT_Thesis.pdf

Write OutLoud
http://www.donjohnston.com/products/write_outloud/index.html
Don Johnson does it again with the Write Outloud software application, designed as a simple text to speech option. Although there are many text to speech programs, Write OutLoud is a good fit for students who have only moderate grammar and spelling challenges, and who write better with auditory support. Words are read as they are written, and the program has a dictionary, spell checker, and even a homophone checker. Again, there is a tutorial online, and teachers can be trained in 30 minutes. As with all Don Johnson products, the more you buy, the more you save ($84.00 for a single license, compared to $42.00 for fifty or more licences).

Ghotit
http://www.ghotit.com/home.shtml
What I like most about this program, is that you can try and use it for free. If you visit the website above, you can copy and paste text into a box, and the program will autocorrect for you. Each incorrect word is highlighted; when you click on the word, there is a list of suggestions, and each has the definition attached so you can be sure to select the proper word. This is much more effective than the typical spell checker on Microsoft Word, and students can use it for free at home or at school.