[Pibe-division] Learn how to become the best speller

[Dr. Denise M. Robinson]

JAWS talking software and a PC offer wonderful options to becoming a 
great speller....Between the applications key and the numpad, you too 
can become a stellar speller.

How to Begin: Watch video at Youtube: Learn How to be the BEST speller
The student's braille list is brailled out using contracted and 
uncontracted braille. They practice brailling the words, using 
contractions on their braille tool, whether a brailler or adapted note 
taker. Then they go to the computer and braille out the list in 
preparation of taking the spelling test on the computer. Once they 
finish taking an exam, they can email the test immediately to the 
teacher, when the teacher collects the other students' test. It is all 
about the ability to finish work in the same space of time as their 
peers. This is a great example to show them they can do a task just as 
quickly.

When practicing their spelling words, they type out the word, using 
insert+2 and use the words and characters options, so JAWS speaks every 
character and every word as the student types. After they type the word,
 I have them double check it by going to the numpad and hitting insert+5
 so JAWS says the word again, then they hit insert+5 twice quickly to 
have the word spelled to them. If they have difficulty with the word, 
they will then type it out 10 times to remember the correct spelling. 

If the student struggles with spelling, I have them use the applications
 key which is a standard key on any PC keyboard, so anyone can use this 
feature. They type a word, hit the applications key which will give them
 the correct spelling (if the word is not too poorly spelled) and they 
arrow to the correct options. They then type out the word even more 
times, then double checking with their brailled spelling list. Of 
course, they know they cannot use this option while taking a test, but 
this will be a life long skill to use when writing.

Being dyslexic, reading and writing have always been a struggle for me. 
When I learned about the applications key, I truly thought this was a 
gift from God and HIS grace. I teach this option to any of my students 
who struggle with spelling and the sighted students quickly want to use 
the same feature. With technology, we can enhance our abilities that are
 buried beneath us, but we cannot get out for one reason or another. A 
disability becomes an ABILITY through technology.

Lessons to help teach and learn:
Office 2003-Word-Students who need to create a spelling list
Office 2010-Word-Students who need to create a spelling list
Spell check as you type—finding the secrets to spelling
Word-getting rid of auto formats in documents
 
A definite gift 

       Denise 
                                                                                                              

Denise M. Robinson, TVI, Ph.D. 
CEO, TechVision
Virtual Instructor for blind/low vision


Website with hundreds of lessons that are all done with keystrokes: www.yourtechvision.com 
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