Free Resources from the Net for EVERY Learner » Access

LetMeType – Free Word Prediction on MyStudyBar 2

Paul Hamilton — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:34:15 +0000

[eType is another option for free word prediction that you may wish to check out. I wrote about it HERE.]

Last month I wrote about MyStudyBar, a suite of literacy tools for the PC. This loads as a floating toolbar so the tools can be available to the user from within any program. The toolbar can be downloaded and run from a USB flash drive on any computer. This week, Craig Mill of RSC, has announced the release of Version 2 of MyStudyBar.

In this post, I want to draw attention to the powerful free word prediction application, ‘LetMeType’, that is part of MyStudyBar. I’ve long been eager to know of effective free word prediction; and this seems to fill the bill. Word prediction is a tool that I believe ought to be introduced to all learners. Typically, only individuals with identified learning difficulties are given the opportunity to use it, but there are many others who would find word prediction helpful!

I’ve embedded Craig Mill’s tutorial screencast about ‘LetMeType’ here because I couldn’t possibly do a better job of describing it. I recommend that you view the video in full screen mode.

Firefox, Firefox! Why do you update so often?!

Paul Hamilton — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 06:08:21 +0000

Firefox, I’ve loved you well since since the day we first met back in 2003. I’ve been a loyal lover, too, and content to overlook your minor flaws. I’ve proclaimed your praises far and wide. So, why oh why do you insist on trying so hard to improve yourself? Your frequent upgrades are driving me mad!!!

[CAUTION: This post is a rant! There is eventually helpful advice here, but I have some frustration to get off my chest first.]

Firefox is my preferred browser because I believe it to be the browser that offers more to make the Internet accessible to all users than any other browser. This is the result of numerous built-in features and addons–especially addons. I’ve written about some of these addons in numerous posts, as you’ll see if you type Firefox into the search bar at the top of this page. There’s no disputing that I’m really a very big Firefox fan.

At the moment, I’m a frustrated Firefox fan! That’s because Firefox has updated to a new version–AGAIN! This means that some of the addons that I most appreciate won’t work with the latest version. That, in turn, is because the good people who develop the addons, often out of the kindness of their hearts, have to spend time updating their addons to make them compatible with the updated Firefox. This is a process that has been repeated too many times for me to keep track of.

At the moment, three of my favorite addons won’t work with the latest version–CLiCk,Speak, HyperWords, and the IE Tab. This is particularly annoying to me because one of “my” school districts is finally willing to begin making Firefox available to learners.

The good news is that the incompatibility situation is only temporary. In time, the addons will almost certainly be updated and made compatible. There’s also a temporary solution to tide us over. We do not need to install the latest version of Firefox.

If we’ve installed the latest version of Firefox and our addons won’t work, we can uninstall it. (We won’t lose our bookmarks or other personalized data.) Then we can go to Oldapps.com to download a previous version of Firefox and install that.

There! Now that I’ve got all that off my chest, I feel much better.

MyStudyBar — Study Tools in Your Pocket!

Paul Hamilton — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:17:20 +0000

I’ve raved here repeatedly about AccessApps from RSC–the suite of free digital tools that can be downloaded and run from a flash drive. It’s difficult to overstate the power of having the tools you need available to you wherever you are, regardless of what computer you use. Now Craig Mill, of RSC, has done it again with another portable suite of study tools.

MyStudyBar is a floating toolbar of free open source applications that can be downloaded and then easily installed on a flash drive for use on any Windows computer. In his introductory video overview, developer Craig Mill makes the important point that although these applications are intended primarily for learners with “literacy difficulties”, the tools have the potential to support ALL learners. To this proponent of UDL, Craig’s statement really resonates.

The MyStudyBar toolbar offers applications for mind mapping, screen masking, word prediction, a talking dictionary, text to speech, and voice recognition. (The voice recognition requires the built-in speech recognition that comes with Windows Vista or Windows 7.) I’ve embedded Craig Mill’s overview video here. In follow up posts, I’ll discuss each of the tools on MyStudyBar.

It is worth mentioning, that MyStudyBar does not have to be run from a flash drive. It can also be installed on any PC and run from the desktop.

DSpeech – Text-to-Speech on Access Apps

Paul Hamilton — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:14:45 +0000

It’s impossible to keep track of all the free text-to-speech options that are available. Some of these are downloadable programs that will work off line, while others are online applications. My favorite app for reading online content is the Firefox addon CliCk,Speak. CliCk,Speak, of course is a cross-platform application becuase it works inside the browser.

For reading online content with Internet Explorer, the best option I’ve found is the free Natural Reader toolbar, which will also read in Microsoft Outlook, OpenOffice, Google Docs, etc. A huge bonus with Natural Reader is that this software is available for both the PC and Mac. I believe the best text-to-speech option for reading content in Microsoft Word, at least on a PC, is the free and versatile WordTalk toolbar.

Free online text-to-speech options include AudioPal, iSpeech, YaKiToMe, vozMe, and probably more. Today I want to write about the downloadable stand alone option that is included as part of the AccessApps suite that can be run on any PC from a pen drive.

DSpeech is free text-to-speech software for the PC, that offers a set of useful features in an intuitive user interface. DSpeech is similar im many respects to ReadPlease (2003) and Speakonia, which I wrote about here more than three and a half years ago. Overall, I think DSpeech would be my top pick of the three. Of course, the only opinion that really counts is that of the user, so please try all three.

With DSpeech, text can either be typed directly into DSpeech, or it can be pasted in from the clipboard. A plugin is available for opening pdf files in DSpeech. DSpeech creator Dimio’s website indicates that DSpeech is available in 13 languages besides English.

With DSpeech, it’s easy to change the voice, volume, pitch and reading rate while reading. I was pleased to note that DSpeech automatically used my default text-to-speech voice. A set of keyboard shortcuts has been pre-programmed. DSpeech will turn text into audio files (MP3, WAV, or OGG).

I didn’t test this feature, but apparently you can combine voices when text includes dialogue between characters. A basic voice recognition system has also been built into DSpeech, and this enables the user to construct a dialogue in which he or she participates.

Here’s a view of the DSpeech user interface.

LearnOutLoud (online resource)

Paul Hamilton — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:12:40 +0000

I really like the name of the website I’m writing about today. It’s a name that points to the reality that there are multiple ways of learning. For many individuals, it is essential to hear text read aloud, but I’m convinced that all learners benefit when multiple means of accessing information are available.

LearnOutLoud is a website that offers an extensive and eclectic collection of well cataloged audio and video that can be convieniently browsed. You can serch the site by author, title, or category. The main site is commercial, and titles are available to purchase by download or on a variety of physical media (CD, DVD, cassette). Online streaming and podcast subscription are other options that are available from LearnOutLoud.

LearnOutLoud also provides access to a large collection of free audio and video resources, and this is not just an afterthought. As much effort appears to be invested in support of free audio and video as in the money-making side of the venture. The free titles available here go way beyond classic literature in the public domain. Again, the collection is extremely well organized and easy to search.

While LearnOutLoud is a website geared toward adult learners, children have not been left out. There is a sister site called KidsLearnOutloud. Here, you can browse resources by age level. Again there is a subsection of free resources for kids.

ReadTheWords.com (online resource)

Paul Hamilton — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 04:44:17 +0000

Effective text-to-speech options have proliferated in recent years. A couple of days ago, Richard Byrne pointed us to yet another one that is worth knowing about. The developers indicate that their initial purpose was, “to assist students with learning disabilities with their studies, by means of auditory learning and auditory processing.” In keeping with the principles of UDL, the developers have discovered that the demand for their text-to-speech service extends way beyond the world of students with learning disabilities.

ReadTheWords.com is a free and extremely versatile online text-to-speech service which allows you to enter text with the keyboard, to copy and paste it, or to upload text files in a variety of formats from your computer or from other websites.

Speech is generated quickly, and you then have a choice of 15 high quality voices whose reading rate can be varied easily. You can listen online, download an mp3 file for use offline, or embed your speech file elsewhere online. It was very straightforward to embed the audio player from ReadTheWords.com on a wiki page. Unfortunately, it isn’t so straightforward on edublogs, and I haven’t been able to embed it here on my own blog.

ReadTheWords.com offers text-to-speech in French and Spanish as well as in English.

Fx Software (downloadable programs)

Paul Hamilton — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:38:39 +0000

There are many things I love about the internet, but there is nothing I appreciate more than the way it connects people who have shared interests. I think the word “share” sums up what is best about the net. Last week, in response to the post I wrote about Accessibar, Chris Stringfellow wrote to let me know of a set of tools that he has developed to make computer use more accessible. These are tools that Chris wants to share with the world, so I’m happy to help spread the word.

Fx Software is a website that offers free downloadable software. There are two categories–Assistive Software and Other Software. It is the Assistive Software that is of particular interest here. In this category there are 11 free downloads with the potential to make computer use and internet browsing more accessible for individuals who face special challenges.

Assistive software titles include:

KwikLoupe — simple screen magnifier
RapidSet — allowing you to conveniently change font and/or background colour
Mouseketeer — mouse clicking/dragging
Vu-Bar 4 — tool for keeping a single line of text in view
Sonar 4 — provides a permanent ring around the mouse pointer
Edgeless — causes mouse pointer to wrap around screen
KeyCounter — keeps track of number of keystrokes to suggest need for rest
mmFollow – adds cartoon character to mouse cursor
Washer – adjusts screen for varying conditions of colour blindness
Bigger Cursors — set of large colourful cursors
Chunky Cursors – set of large chunky colourful cursors

Last week I wrote a post about Accessibar, which enhances the accessibility of web browsing in Firefox. Some of the tools offered here by Fx Software will also make web browsing more accessible. The programs from Fx Software, however, are designed to support all computer use, not just internet access.

I have not had a chance to download and test all of the Fx Software titles, but I’ve been favourably impressed by the ones I have downloaded. The programs download quickly because they are small. They are also easy to install. I particularly liked the potential of Vu-Bar 4 for some individuals who face reading challenges as a result of a learning disability.

Accessibar (Firefox Add-on)

Paul Hamilton — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 03:51:38 +0000

I wish classroom educators were not so stuck on using Internet Explorer. Firefox is a superior web browser in almost every respect, and this is especially true for individuals with special needs. Kate Ahern recently mentioned another add-on for Firefox that offers a set of convenient tools to enhance accessibility.

Accessibar is a toolbar that can be installed as an add-on for the Firefox browser with a set of tools to make the internet more accessible for people with special needs. Accessibar is especially useful for those with low vision. As with all toolbar icons in Firefox, the toolbar shown below can include text that names the function of the icon. All of the Accessibar functions can also be activated with keyboard shortcuts that can be configured by the user.

In the words of the toolbar’s developers, here’s what the Accessibar tools will do for you.

Web page fonts and background colors can be changed from a selecton of 70 colors on current session
Icons with configurable shortcut keys to increase and decrease Font size.
Line spacing can be increased or decreased to five different spacing settings incrementally.
All images (including Flash) displayed on a web page can be selected as being hiden or shown.
All changes made to web page display can be restored to original page settings by pressing “Restore Page“.
Changes made to the currently displayed web page persist until “Restore Page“ is selected.
Integrated Text To Speech reader. Reads out strings hovered over as well as focused elements.
Reader settings can be configured allowing the selection of the voice, volume, speaking rate, pitch, and voice range.
Toolbar functions have configurable Hotkeys (keyboard shortcuts).

I tested Accessibar’s text-to-speech function, and I found it to work reasonably well. It does an especially good job of reading links and buttons. As a sighted reader, however,I much prefer to use CLiCk,Speak for reading passages of text. I wonder if it might be the same for individuals with low vision if they are able to use Accessibar’s tools to enable them to see the web page effectively. I added the CLiCk,Speak buttons to the Accessibar toolbar. The only drawback is that there are no keyboard commands for the CLiCk,Speak buttons.

Access Firefox (online resource)

Paul Hamilton — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 17:41:46 +0000

Welcome to this Treasure Chest of Free Stuff!

FREE online resources and downloadable programs for learners.

About 3 years ago, my son told me I should get with the program and switch to Firefox. Since then, I’ve become a diehard fan and promoter of the browser. Because I work in the field of assistive technology, I especially appreciate the add-ons that have been written for Firefox to make the internet more accessible for people with special challenges. I’ve written here about CLiCkSpeak, FireVox, and Mouse Gestures. Today I’m highlighting a website whose sole focus is the accessiblity features of Firefox.

Access Firefox The raison d’etre for this site is clearly stated in its tagline: “Because the Internet is for everyone.” That resonates with me. The internet has created gateways to the world and facilitated connections that simply had not been available to many people with special needs before.

Access Firefox has catologued a significant list of Firefox extensions and themes that enhance Firefox accessiblity. The site offers assistance for anyone who needs to figure out how to download and install these add-ons. Access Firefox is also doing its bit to promote ongoing development of add-ons that facilitae access.

Ken Saunders, the site’s creator, is legally blind; and the majority of resources listed on Access Firefox are for individuals who are either blind or who have low vision. CLiCkSpeak, however, is an example of an add-on for sighted individuals with reading challenges. Mouse Gestures is an add-on that makes the internet accessible to individuals with physical challenges that keep them from using a typical hand-operated mouse.

The accessibility features that are being written for Firefox illustrate the power of open source software and of communities that form in response to specific needs.

Papunet Games (online resource)

Paul Hamilton — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 15:16:35 +0000

Learners of all ages and abilities need access to the internet! The number of reasons is growing exponentially as quality educational websites arrive on the scene. Here’s another incredible resource. This one is especially valuable for individuals who cannot use a mouse or keyboard.

Papunet Games is a website with an engaging set of activities designed specifically to work well for individuals who use switches to access a computer, including those who use two switches for step-scanning. The range of activities is extensive, and there are varying levels of challenge within many of the activities.

Among the numerous high quality puzzles and games on the site, what I found especially exciting was the set of “drawing activities”. These activities offer an opportunity for children who cannot hold a crayon or paint brush to paint or colour with their switches. The art work created on the computer can then be printed out, perhaps for Mom to put up on the kitchen wall.

The site is uncluttered and ad-free. It is also worth noting that the activities on Papunet are great for kids who can use a computer mouse. The site can therefore be used to facilitate inclusion.

I’ve recently discovered a couple of other sites with worthwhile online activities designed for switch-users. I’m not sure when I’ll get a chance to blog specifically about them, so I’ll just include links here: HelpKidzLearn from Inclusive Technologies and CBeebies from the BBC.