Picture It, PixReader and PixWriter
By Rucker, Chauncy N.; ConnSENSE Bulletin, Vol. 4, No. 1Publication Date: February 2002
Article describes three programs from Slater Software: (1) Picture It, (2) PixReader, and (3) PixWriter. Picture It is primarily a teacher’s tool, and it allows the user to put text into a new document and automatically pair graphics to the words. For example, the word “write” can be coupled with a picture of a hand holding a pencil to a piece of paper. The user can add graphics from the program’s database of 3,700 pictures. By using the program, which pairs a picture with a word or concept, teachers can make illustrated storybooks, vocabulary cards, and other materials to reinforce concepts. PixReader adds speech to the files created in Picture It. When the Picture It file is opened in PixReader, the computer displays and reads the document. Students can follow the highlighted words as the document is read, or they can select individual words or graphics with a mouse or touch screen. Text and graphics can be enlarged, and voices can be altered to meet personal preferences. PixWriter is a talking word processor program. The teacher or child simply enters a word, presses the space bar, and a vocabulary button automatically appears with the word and graphic in the matrix at the bottom of the page. After enough words have been entered in the matrix, a child can select a button to write a word.
Assistive Products Discussed: PICTURE IT
PIXREADER
PIXWRITER
Published by: ConnSENSE (Connecticut's Special Education Network for Software Evaluation) (Website:http://www.connsensebulletin.com)
NEAT (New England Assistive Technology) Marketplace (Web Site: http://www.neatmarketplace.org )
A.J. Pappanikou Center for Developmental Disabilities (Web Site: http://www.uconnucedd.org )
Connecticut Tech Act Project (Web Site: http://www.cttechact.com )
Link to text: http://www.connsensebulletin.com/slatersw.html
