Word Prediction and Recognition Devices

Via Voice™ by IBM is a software program that enables users to make verbal computer commands, instead of using a mouse or keyboard. Millennium versions just released are:ViaVoice Pro™—use to control and navigate a PC desktop, applications, and the Internet, input, edit, proofread, and format text using natural language commands for input and synthesized speech for checking; ViaVoice Web™—use to dictate directly into electronic mail and chatrooms and a talking proofreader will talk back; ViaVoice Standard™—use to speak into Windows applications using ViaVoice SpeakPad™ and voice "shortcuts;" and ViaVoice Mac™—a speech recognition program for the Mac. Each has numerous special features. Check out http://www.ibm.com to learn all the details.

CoWriter™ is a talking writing assistant with intelligent word prediction that helps struggling students build and write complete and correct sentences. CoWriter™ reduces the number of keystrokes needed to produce a word or sentence, so that writing doesn't frustrate students. As a student writes, CoWriter™ uses its built-in intelligence to prompt him or her with words that fit into the sentence. There are three dictionaries to choose from—beginning to advanced. CoWriter™ helps students improve their spelling, construct sentences, and gain contextual practice.

Write:OutLoud™ is an easy-to-use, yet powerful talking word processor with a talking spell checker. The program helps students get class work done and makes students enjoy writing. Listening to words encourages reluctant writers and minimizes frustration. Write:OutLoud™ is for students with learning disabilities, as well as for students with physical disabilities. It helps students develop skills that produce writing confidence. The newest version has many new features, including identical PC and Mac versions, male and female voices, and it opens any size files so students can read scanned documents.

For information about CoWriter™ and Write:OutLoud™, visit the Don Johnston Web site at: http://www.donjohnston.com/catalog/catalog.htm.