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Terry Hamman and Randy Meyer
AlphaSmart
www.alphasmart.com
Can technology make an impact on the writing process when
there are not enough computers for students? Most classrooms or
schools do not have a computer for every student. The AlphaSmart
keyboard can give access to all students who keyboard in a simple
and affordable technology package.
Writing occurs across the curriculum and changes as students
develop. The first three grades are typically spent with students
learning to write. Beginning in the fourth grade, students write
to learn. Students in special education frequently do not fit
this time frame but teachers who work with these students must be
aware of this progression. There are times when a student is
still learning to write but is being pressured to write to learn
and this typically results in frustration and failure.
Writing is a very difficult task for many students for many
reasons. For some students the use of a keyboard is much simpler
both physically and cognitively than paper and pencil. An
electronic format is much more forgiving and fluid than the paper
and pencil method. Teachers and schools struggle with providing
the needed technology to all students fairly and equitably. The
AlphaSmart is not a replacement for a computer but is a companion
and can be used in many situations where computers aren’t
accessible or there simply are not enough. Information can be
printed directly from an AlphaSmart as well as sent from an
AlphaSmart to a computer and sent from a computer to an
AlphaSmart quickly and easily.
In this session the participants will learn how to connect and
send information from an AlphaSmart to a computer. They will also
learn to how use the Get Utility and send information from the
computer into the AlphaSmart. The AlphaSmart 3000 has a new
feature called SmartApplets. This allows a user to add programs
or applications which provide additional functions. Participants
will use Co:Writer – a word prediction program; KeyWords
– a language based keyboarding program; and Quiz Maker
– a program that allows teachers to design and administer
tests and quizzes on an AlphaSmart.
Participants will also learn how to adapt the AlphaSmart 3000.
The keyboard can be arranged in several different formats
including QWERTY, Dvorak, and for one handed keyboarding with
either the right or left hand. Sticky keys as well as auto repeat
can be utilized. In addition there are several keyguards that can
be purchased to add to the AlphaSmart.
There are many reading and writing strategies that are
successful when used consistently. Technology can be a
significant tool in all of these strategies and curriculums.
Techniques to integrate technology as well as classroom
management techniques will be shared and discussed.
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