Composing+Written+Material

= //Composing Written Material// =

//** DEFINITIONS: **//
 * "Writing is a complex problem-solving activity that involves thinking, planning, and decision making, in addition to the mechanics of transcription" **
 * "Three major elements: The task environment, the writer's long-term memory, and the writing process itself" **
 * (Dell, 24) **

//** POSSIBLE PROB **** LEMS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: **//
 * **may find the writing process overwhelming**
 * **do not know how or why to plan**
 * **pieces are less coherent and shorter**
 * **have difficulty detecting spelling errors**
 * **note taking: difficulty listening and writing simultaneously**
 * **ability to distinguish what is important**

// **THE PROCESS OF COMPOSING WRITTEN MATERIAL:** //
 * **Prewriting:**
 * brainstorming
 * organizing
 * researching
 * deciding on a topic
 * consider audience
 * **Drafting:**
 * put information in own words
 * develop ideas into effective words, sentences, paragraphs
 * **Reviewing:**
 * reread
 * evaluate
 * rearrange
 * add or remove pieces
 * **Editing:**
 * revise
 * correct spelling, capitalization, punctuation
 * have someone else check your work
 * **Sharing/Publishing:**
 * allows others to view results
 * can be read aloud
 * sending it to friends/family
 * displaying around school/community


 * // TOOLS THAT SUPPORT THE WRITING PROCESS //**
 * Graphic Organizers:**
 * "Most writers...are apprehensive when faced with a blank iece of paper or a blank computer screen. How can students get past this hurdle?" (Dell, 26)
 * Shows relationships between concepts

**SPOTLIGHT ON......** **Inspiration and Kidspiration software:** // Inspiration and Kidspiration software allows students to use visual learning by creating relationships between various concepts and being to make connections. The software has templates available in all subject matters. Students can create an outline, and with one click, can see it transformed into a web, essay, venn diagram, lab report, or a variety of other options. //

// [|Kidspiration Tutorial Video] //

CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO GO TO THE OFFICIAL KIDSPIRATION WEBSITE!

**SPOTLIGHT ON.......**  ** Speech Recognition Software: ** Students can use this application to dictate his ideas into a microphone which allows students to completely eliminate the use of the keyboard. The downfall of this particular software, is that the accuracy depends on the users ability to enunciate well and speak clearly.
 * Examples of Software:**
 * Dragon naturallySpeaking
 * SpeakQ
 * MacSpeech Dictate



CLICK ON THE LINKS TO GO TO THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE! Dell, A. G., Newton, D., & Petroff, J. (2011). //Assistive technology in the classroom, enhancing the school experiences of// //students with disabilities//. (2 ed.). Pearson education, Inc.
 * SOURCES: **

//Inspiration software inc//. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.inspiration.com/

//Kidspiration an overview// [Web]. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EowEflx3pOI

//Nuance//. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.nuance.com/dragon/index.htm

//Speech recognition for the mac//. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.nuance.com/for-individuals/by-product/dragon-for-mac/index.htm

//speakq//. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.goqsoftware.com/product-details/speakq/