Using Word Prediction Software to Increase Typing Fluency With Students With Physical Disabilities
By Tumlin, Jennifer; Wolff Heller, Kathryn; Journal of Special Education Technology, Vol. 19, No. 3, pp. 5-13Publication Date: Summer 2004
Study conducted to examine the use of word prediction software to increase typing speed and decrease spelling errors for students who have physical disabilities that affect hand use. Four students with physical disabilities participated in the study. The participants had been diagnosed with either cerebral palsy or brain injury, both of which affected the fine motor coordination of their hands. Co:Writer word prediction software was utilized in the study because of its ease of use, highly visible word choices, and simple selection of targeted words. Following instruction on how to use Co:Writer, the participants were instructed to type a short paragraph about daily events during two-minute trials. The participants’ perception of the effectiveness of word prediction software was examined in a qualitative portion of the study, while typing rates and spelling accuracy were examined as quantitative measures. Two participants were found to improve their typing rate using the software, while one participant had mixed results. The participant with the fastest pre-study typing speed actually demonstrated a decrease in typing rate with word prediction software. The study indicates that the effectiveness of word prediction software to increase typing speed may vary due to the severity of physical disability or pre-intervention typing rate. Implications for further research are discussed.
Assistive Products Discussed: CO:WRITER 4000
Published by: Exceptional Innovations (Website:http://www.exinn.net)
Technology and Media Division (TAM) of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) (Web Site: http://www.tamcec.org )
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J48471
