On the Web: Word Processing

On the Web: Word Processing features well known resources for portable word processors, software options for word processing tools, ideas for integrating word processing into the curriculum, assistive technology products can be used with word processing programs and a section for WP tutorials. The sections are listed alphabetically. If you know of a site that is missing from this collection but is would provide helpful information to teachers, please contact us.

Assistive Technology Products

Dragon Naturally Speaking
Nuance, formally ScanSoft, a leading provider of speed and imaging solutions, describes speech recognition software products that work with any open word processor application. Dragon Naturally Speaking now offers recorded speech into text from pocket PCs, Palm Tungsten and Tablet PC or digital recording devices for PC users while ViaVoice may be used with Mac or Windows.

Intellitalk
Intellitalk is a word processor with speech synthesis, word prediction, template capabilities, and an extensive picture library suitable for elementary and middle school use. No longer available as a standalone product, Intellitalk must be purchased as a part of the Classroom Suite. This site describes Intellitalk and other companion software.

Kurzweil 3000
Developed as a scan and read program to convert printed text to a digitized format, this product also features word processing capabilities with word prediction, dictionary and thesaurus, word translation, speech synthesis, and a sophisticated array of study skills supports to increase learner independence.

Picture It
Picture It is a rebus based word processing program that allows the user to add pictures to text. The program uses 6,000 pictures and is easy to use. Pictures, graphics and other images can be imported into the program.

Read and Write
This product offers support for users with literacy or learning difficulties and works with any open application. Features include speech synthesis, word prediction, scan and read, and voice recognition, and dictionary support.

Writing with Symbols
This word/picture word processing program allows the user to type words and have the option of having picture symbols pop up as each word is entered. The program uses 8,000 pictures, 3,800 of which are standard Mayer-Johnson Picture Communication Symbols.

Write Outloud and Co: Writer
These software products enhance word processing capabilities for students with writing disabilities. Write:Outloud is a word processor with speech synthesis capabilities. Co:Writer is a word prediction program that works in conjunction with Write:Outloud or most other commercially based word processors.

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Ideas for Integration

Apple Education
This section of the Apple site shares “Profiles in Success” sharing success stories as students are improving writing skills with mobile labs. The schools highlighted share how to “win the writing game” and improve writing skills on exit exams. Read more at http://www.apple.com/education/profiles/birmingham/. A special area of this site is the professional development site with many ways to find lesson ideas at the Apple Learning Interchange

Ideas for Writing
This page offer ideas for grades 3-12, is a part of Time Savers for Teachers and gives ideas for writing activities. There is a cost associated to access all of the ideas however a preview of 100 may perk your imagination.

Microsoft Education
This entry page offers a section on teaching and technology with strategies for incorporating technology into learning. Featured education products can be found at this page. The MS Tutorials are found here as well as Lesson Plans and Educational Programs. Related links include Grants to educational groups as well as professional development information.

New York Times Lesson Archives
This archive contains free lesson plans for grades 6-12. A keyword search can be performed to find lessons containing writing activities on current events.

Tools for Writing: Word Processing
Part of the eduscapes.com, this site is created by Annette Lamb, a noted educator. Ideas for brainstorming and composing using word processors are included.

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Portable Word Processor

Perfect Solutions, Inc.
This vendor offers the Laser PC, a portable word processor with TTS capabilities.  Also at this site is a link to the student mate, an affordable portable laptop.

Renaissance Learning, Inc.
Renaissance Learning offers a choice of portable keyboard products. AlphaSmart was purchased by Renaissance in 2005 and these familiar tools for schools are found here. Options include infrared transfer of files, scheduling that are used in schools programs, wireless Internet access. The Neo and Dana are models that are used extensively in schools.

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Software Options - Word Processing

iWork
Apple offers iWork ’09, exciting software suite which includes a "streamlined" word processor, a slideshow tool and a spreadsheet tool. Pages, the word processing software in this package, is capable of creating many types of documents with ease. Check out iWork '09 for Mac OSX and its ability to give teachers and students options of creating media rich documents.

Kid Works by Knowledge Adventure
Kid Works Deluxe is designed as a writing tool for Pre K-4 to build writing, reading and creativity skills. This writing/ multimedia tool combines a word processor and paint program to expand student reading and writing skills. Kid Words provides story starters that spark ideas for young students as they create stories, books, and other ideas using the many media elements provided.

Microsoft Office
Microsoft offers their products for education at this page. There are instructional resources in the form of tutorials, lesson plans and how-to-articles. 2007 Office system and 2008 Office for Mac can be accessed from this page.

The Print Shop Deluxe 22
This well known software published by Broderbund continues to offer more in publishing for educational setting as it offers the ability to create professional products with the most comprehensive version that includes photos, templates, borders, and even a photo editing tool. Greeting cards, calendars, CD labels and more can be created, is specially priced for educators. System requirements are available for Mac and Windows users.

Word Perfect Office X4
Navigate to the K-12 section of Corel Corporation and find more information about Word Perfect Office for Students and Teachers. This office suite of programs includes a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation an database applications. Free-30 day trials are available here.

Open Source word processing programs

AbiWord
This site offers a tour, screenshots, a way to download and reviews of this free word processing program. While similar to MS Word, according to the site, teachers should realize the limitations of the software and discuss the use of this software with technical support staff and if they can get support when using this.

NeoOffice

NeoOffice is developed for Mac OS X office suite that offers free downloads and has a word processing feature. In addition a spreadsheet, presentation and draw applications are available. Read about this option and talk with your technology coordinator about the option of using it with your students. Support is the big drawback to open source but some schools are taking a closer look at this free option.

Open Office
OpenOffice.org is a multiplatform and multilingual office suite that offers free downloads from this web site and has a word processing feature. Read about this option and talk with your technology coordinator about the option of using it with your students. Support is the big drawback to open source. But read about this option for use with your students.

Web-based word processing programs

Adobe Buzzword
Buzzword is a free word processing program offered by Adobe and offers improved formatting. Adobe seems to have overcome some of the issues with earlier programs in getting the screen view to print the way it appears on the screen.

Google Docs
Google offers a word processing program as a part of Google Documents. This program as with all web-based options, offers the ability to edit anytime and from anywhere as long as browser software and an Internet connection is provided. Files can be uploaded, shared and safely stored on online servers. And best of all, it's free!

Thinkfree
Think Free Office offers a web-based word processor as well as other programs that are are compatible with MS Office counterparts and are free. Getting an account here allows 1 gigabyte of free online storage.

Zoho.com
Zoho offers a host of programs that are web-based and free if you have an account. Zoho Writer is an online word processor. This is fully compatible with MS Office counterparts and promote digital literacy and collaboration.

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Tutorials

Apple's iWork Tutorials
Information is provided for students and teachers who are using Pages, the word processing document in iWork.

Microsoft Education Tutorials
Detailed step-by-step tutorials are provided for students, teachers, and staff to learn and integrate Microsoft software in the classroom.

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