| Program |
Co:Writer 4000 |
Earobics 1 for Adolescents & Adults |
L&H Kurzweil 3000 v5.0 |
Lexia Learning System |
| Publisher |
Don Johnston, Inc.
(800) 899-5242 |
Cognitive Concepts
(888) 328-8199 |
Lernout & Hauspie
(800) 894-5374 |
Lexia Learning Systems
(800) 435-3942 |
| Platform |
Mac/Win CD |
Mac/Win CD |
Mac/Win CD |
Mac/Win CD |
| Price |
$325 Site licenses available |
$299 Specialist/Clinician version; $59 Home version |
$1,895- $1,095; $249 for read-only station |
$1,050; Individual components may be purchased separately |
| Target User |
Students who struggle with writing, spelling, and sentence formation |
Studentsýgrade 6 to adultsýwho have difficulty with phonological awareness |
Students who struggle with reading and writing |
Phonics-Based Reading targets grades 1ý6; Reading S.O.S focuses on grade 4 to adult |
| Strengths |
ý Text-to-speech
ý Can be used with any word processor or text entry program
ý Includes ýTalk Modeý for users who donýt have a word processor with text-to-speech capabilities
ý Highly customizable for different ability levels
ý Allows students to work one sentence at a time in a separate text window |
ý On-screen progress indicator gives students immediate feedback
ý Good speech and sound features complement helpful interface
ý ESL option offers game directions in several different languages
ý Game data can be saved for evaluation |
ý Built-in OCR and text-to-speech
ý ESL version available; reads and defines words in five languages
ý Includes a Classic Literature CD, which offers electronic books by authors such as Shakespeare and Dickens
ý A variety of customization features, including adjustable reading speed and syllabification
ý Text magnification feature
ý Note-taking features let students add written or recorded notes
ý Includes a study skills and teacherýs guide with strategies for pre-reading |
ý Helpful teacher manuals describe purpose and prerequisites of activities and describe tasks in detail
ý QRT diagnostic tests give a full range of strengths and weaknesses and helpful correlations to supporting activities |
| Limitations |
ý Provides ability to look up parts of speech for words but not meanings of words
ý Designed to be used as a writing coach, not as a tool to practice specific decoding or comprehension skills |
ý Teacher has limited options to determine which level of play the student will use
ý Auditory instructions are long, with many steps to remember
ý Students have only one chance to get the right answer
ý Database supports only 12 simultaneous users at one time |
ý Word prediction feature requires two-handed keystroke or use of the mouse, which would not be appropriate for students with physical disabilities
ý Scanning of text is not always accurate, and optimal use requires knowledge of OCR software |
ý Designed to increase decoding skills (a prerequisite of comprehension) but does not work specifically on comprehension skills
ý Current design does not offer built-in features for students with blindness, hearing impairments, or physical challenges |
