Enhance Writing Skills with Word Q: Assistive Technology for All
Word Q, developed by QuillSoft, is an innovative writing software designed to assist individuals with diverse needs, including learning disabilities, mobility issues, and sensory impairments. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Word and other word processing tools, offering features like word prediction and audio feedback to enhance writing accuracy and confidence. By using Word Q, students can improve their writing skills, increase independence, and foster inclusion in educational environments. Explore how this powerful tool can transform the writing experience for students with varied learning challenges.
Enhance Writing Skills with Word Q: Assistive Technology for All
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Presentation Transcript
Word Q Introduction and Tutorial By Amy Broomall
What is Word Q? • Product of QuillSoft http://www.wordq.com/index.html • Assistive Technology writing software • Word prediction • Audio feedback • Editing features • Compatible with Microsoft Word and other word processing software
Why use Word Q? Modern technology has provided accommodations for: • Vision impairments • Hearing impairments • Medical disorders • Mobility issues Images from http://www.flickr.com/
Why use Word Q? • Provides writing accommodations for students with learning disabilities Click on picture to watch an interview with a student
Why use Word Q? • Serves as Assistive Technology for IEP accommodations • Improve productivity • Build confidence • Increase independence • Improve word choice, spelling, grammar • Promotes inclusion
Teacher Technology Standards Maryland Teacher Technology Standards • Standard III: Legal, Social, Ethical Issues • Standard V: Integrating Technology into Curriculum and Instruction • Standard VI: Assistive Technologies • Standard VII: Professional Growth http://www.mttsonline.org/standards/index.php .
Student Technology Standards Maryland Technology Literacy Standards • Standard 2.0: Digital Citizenship • Standard 3.0: Technology for Learning and Collaboration • Standard 4.0: Technology for Communication and Expression http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/techlit/
Launch Word Q • Log onto your computer, double click Word Q from the Accessibility menu • Connect headphones or speakers if using them, or adjust volume • Preview tutorial videos http://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/hiat/tech_quick_guides/wordq_QG.shtm
Create New User • Click next on the New User Setup Wizard • Open English US folder to choose vocabulary list • Choose Starter vocabulary list and click next
Create New User • Click next on the New User Wizard to save vocabulary • Enter your name in File Name box and click save • View name of new user on the Word Q button bar
Using Word Q • Button bar and yellow prediction box will appear • Click on options and open user on button bar • Open word processing software (Microsoft Word, Outlook, etc.) by clicking on Microsoft from the Application Menu then double click on Microsoft Word • Begin typing and choose word from the list of words from the prediction box
Features to Notice • Choose words by clicking on the word, typing the number of the word, or using the arrow keys • Listen for audio as you highlight each word • Look and listen for example sentences next to words with arrows • To view endings of base words, choose base word, click backspace and view word with multiple endings
Features to Notice • Listen for the sentence after ending punctuation is placed • Continue typing if word prediction is not needed • Press Esc to delete chosen word • Prediction box will disappear while you scroll through text with arrows
Independent Practice • Complete the independent practice activity • Save to public drive, 3rd grade under folder titled Word Q Practice Activity when finished
Additional Features Options button • My Words-Main Tab-add words to prediction box • My Words-Spelling Tab-review student’s spelling of previously used words • My Words-Topic Tab-create vocabulary lists for selected topics • Prediction-Word List, Prediction, and Selection Tab-customize the prediction box by limiting words shown, layout, and editing features • Speech Feedback-Voice and Feedback Tab-customize audio settings • Hot Key-allows use of F keys
Additional Features Words button • Click to show or hide prediction box or use Hot Key F9 Speech button • Turn audio on or off or use Hot Key F10 Read button • Highlight text and click read to hear what was typed or use Hot Key F11 Detailed information about additional features at http://amybroomall.wikispaces.com/ Click on the Advanced Features of Word Q link
Next Steps • Implement in classroom • Visithttp://amybroomall.wikispaces.com/ to learn more about Advanced features, view a how to video, and to participate in a discussion • Questions? • Evaluation
Need Help? Amy Broomall 3rd Grade Teacher Tuscarora Elementary 240/566-0086 amy.broomall@fcps.org http://amybroomall.wikispaces.com/ http://www.wordq.com/support.html
