Word+Prediction

=**Word Prediction**= Word Prediction can also assist students with LD. Here is a review of a word prediction program called WORD Q Word prediction provides the users with a word once a letter is typed. The user can then choose one of the suggested words OR keep typing to see other words or make no choice. Words in the list can be read to the user.

**Company:** Developed by Bloorview Kids Rehab and Marketed by Quillsoft
Review Written by Melanie Campbell, EDET 735 Spring 2008

**Specifications:**
WordQ 2 Upgrade from WordQ 1.x 1//-Computer $185.00 $60.00 5-Computers $832.50 $175.00 10-Computers $1,480.00 $250.00 K-12 Unlimited School Site $1,480.00 $250.00//

**System Requirements:**
WordQ is developed for use with Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000 or XP. Windows® PC with 500 MHz or higher processor speed Windows® 98, Me, NT (SP6+), 2000, or XP 128 MB RAM or more (256+ MB preferred with installation of high quality speech) 200 MB+ of available hard-disk space Sound card and speakers or a headset

**Instructional Purpose/ Objective/ Program Use:**
WordQ is a simple and user-friendly software tool that is designed to interface with other writing software (Microsoft, Notepad, Wordpad, & Outlook) and assist persons with learning disabilities who have trouble with the basic mechanical aspects of writing – spelling, word form, word order. WordQ also provides spoken feedback aimed to help individuals find mistakes but does not correct grammar mistakes or write for the user. WordQ increases a user’s productivity, independence, self-confidence, and motivation. Individuals who may also benefit from this software tool include those who are learning a second language, e.g., (ESL students).

**Content:**
WordQ is word prediction software that anticipates what an individual might write and suggests a list of correctly spelled words from which users can choose. WordQ allows individuals to customize their vocabulary predictions based on an individual’s level. Users begin by first using a “blank” vocabulary mode. This allows the user to write using only a small vocabulary set. The starter mode is for people who are learning to write and includes about 5,000 words commonly used by writers up to grade three. The intermediate mode is for users who are writing at an intermediate level and includes about the 10,500 words commonly used by writers between second and eighth grades. The advanced mode is for users who are writing at the advanced level and includes about 15,000 word commonly used by writers at a seventh grade level or above. . In addition to the various built-in different vocabulary level modes, users who write/type more confidently can also choose to leave the prediction box hidden most of the time. The next example of a word prediction box shows word choices if I typed **t.**  The Word Q tool box is simple and uncluttered and offers users functions: Options, Words, Speech, and Read. The Options menu allows users to manipulate some default settings like change the font, layouts, speech speed, pitch, etc. The user has complete control over the amount of assistance provided. Users can choose to use on the Word prediction feature or the Speech (read as you type) feature, or a combination of both. The Read option allows the entire highlighted text to be read back to the writer.

**Instructional Design:**
WordQ allows the user complete control and provides a customized learning experience. Reinforcements are provided and are based on the writing level of the student. Individuals can choose to use one of the preset vocabulary modes (starter, intermediate, and advanced) or he/she may build their own vocabulary banks. The sequencing of the various modes appears to be appropriate and based on learner vocabulary at grade levels. WordQ also allows users to personalize the prediction box their individual needs and preferences. Color, font style, and size can be manipulated in order best meet the needs of the user. WordQ automatically sets the color of the text and prediction box according to Windows settings that are adjusted if users have a visual impairment. However, color of the text can still be manually manipulated.

**Appearance:**
WordQ is a simple software tool that is free of distracting visuals and sounds. Graphic use is minimal and displayed at appropriate times only. Individuals can choose whether or not to enable the sound feature. A high-quality natural sounding text-to-speech voice is employed so that text is more clearly heard and understood. Users can also choose whether or not to have the word prediction blank float along as they type or remain still. Material is displayed clearly and users can easily select the word from the prediction box.

**Ease of Use:**
WordQ is easy to download and simple screen directions prompt the user in the installation process. WordQ software can be installed directly on an individual’s PC or on a network with a separately licensed copy for each user’s network space. A “Help” button is found under Options and directs the user to the WordQ User Guide, End User License Agreement, or About WordQ for further information and assistance. Since WordQ is solely word prediction software, no printing setup or instructions are applicable.

**Strengths and Weaknesses:**
WordQ is an excellent word prediction tool. It is user-friendly and simple to use and even interfaces nicely with other Windows based word processing programs or graphic organizers Inspiration 8 and Kidspiration. Although this software tool is designed specifically for students who have writing disabilities, WordQ can provide powerful assistance to any writer at any stage, struggling or not. The “read” feature is especially helpful when proofing text and looking for mistakes in grammar and punctuation. The ability to tailor the software tool to meet the needs of the individual student and provide appropriate scaffolds to help the user improve their writing ability is an additional strength of WordQ. No weaknesses in the software tool were readily identified.

**Links to Learning Disabilities Resources:**
[|Online LD Webpage] [|LD Resources] [|Technology, Reading Learning Diversity Conference] [|Adaptive and Assistive Technology Rehabtool Webpage]

**Links to Research concerning Text-to-Speech Assistive Technologies:**
[|Research Article on Choosing Word Prediction Software] [|Research Article on the Importance of Word Prediction and Speech Feedback Software]