Kurzweil 3000 Version 11: New Tools to Support the Writing Process
By Edge-Savage, Jennifer; Closing the Gap, Vol. 28, No. 2, pp. 11-16Publication Date: June/July 2009
Article outlines the use of Kurzweil 3000, instructional software providing students with the reading, study strategies, and research tools needed to support the writing process. The software includes a talking word processor, speaking spell check, dictionary and thesaurus support, highlighting tools, word prediction, and custom vocabulary lists. Features of Kurzweil 3000, Version 11 are described in 5 phases of the writing process: (1) For Prewriting, planning tools include Column Notes, used to organize text into categories; the mind-mapping tool Brainstorm; an Outline mode; text-based Writing Templates; and visually structured Graphic Organizers. (2) The Drafting process is aided by a SplitScreen view of both the Outline and Draft; and Note Snippets, allowing the view of Column Notes in a hierarchical format within a compact window. (3) Revising tools offered, in addition to the dictionary and thesaurus, are Floating Word Lists containing Transitional Words, Strong Verbs, Homophones, and Response Starters, among others. (4) Tools for Editing, in addition to the talking word processor and spell check, include a Review Checklist which allows teachers to create task- or student-specific writing criteria to be embedded in the writing path. (5) For the final Publishing phase, text can be printed, inserted into a PowerPoint presentation, or copied and pasted into an e-mail or blog. Kurzweil 3000 also provides keyboard shortcuts for its features, allowing alternate access modes such as AAC devices and single switch software, and a writing overlay for the IntelliKeys Keyboard.
Assistive Products Discussed: KURZWEIL 3000 FOR MACINTOSH
KURZWEIL 3000 FOR WINDOWS
INTELLIKEYS
Published by: Closing the Gap, Inc. (Website:http://www.closingthegap.com)
