High Tech Software for the Writing Process

What is High Tech.?

High Tech. Software can be described as the most cutting edge software that is out there. It is generally very expensive computer software that has the ability to store and retrieve information. 

Below are some examples of high tech software that can assist students with writing difficulties. 

Co-Writer

• Supports lower level content skills and lower level mechanical skills
• It is used as a word predictor and can be opened with any application on your computer to help you spell. Can be used with anything from Word to Facebook! Great for students who have difficulties with getting their ideas down on paper due to spelling, grammar or sentence structure issues.
• It is compensatory for those students who have a learning disability but remedial for those who just have a hard time with spelling, grammar and sentence structure and need assistance. 
• $773.00 per computer when purchased for 1-4 computers (as part of the SOLO pack) or $290.00 for just Co-Writer, per computer. 

Write: OutLoud

• Supports high level content skills and lower level mechanical skills
• Text to speech software that provides audio and visual support. It has tools to revise and edit and a built in spell checker that recognizes phonetic spelling. It also has a built in dictionary. 
• Great for reluctant writers who have a hard time matching what they are thinking, to what they are writing. Also great for those who may have visual impairments and can hear the letters as they type them.
• Compensatory
• $773.00 per computer when purchased for 1-4 computers (as part of the SOLO pack) or $84.00 for just Write:OutLoud, per computer. 

Draft:Builder

• Supports lower level content skills 
• Helps students generate and organize ideas. Provides written prompts as well as visual and auditory cues. 
• Great for students who have a hard time with organization and those who are unable to follow the writing process (drafting, organizing, note-taking).
• It is compensatory, but could also be remedial for those who need support in learning how to become a good writer. 
• $773.00 per computer when purchased for 1-4 computers (as part of the SOLO pack) or $139.00 for just Draft:Builder, per computer. 

Dragon Naturally Speaking

• Supports high level content skills as well as upper level mechanical skills
• Allows students to talk into the computer and have their words converted to speech. 
• Great for students with learning disabilities, ESL students, those that are physically challenged, or for those who just have a hard time getting their ideas onto paper. 
• It is compensatory in terms of writing but could be remedial for reading as it requires students to read out loud and practice. 
• I could not find an exact price. I believe its roughly between $70-$300.

SMART Ideas

• Supports high level content skills
• Creates multilevel and curriculum related concept maps that are very visual and allow you to link multimedia and attachments. Able to brainstorm, organize concepts and plan projects. Interactive with the Smart Board. 
• Great for students who need support with organization or help with study skills.
• Compensatory
• Could not find a price, it says that you need to contact resellers.