Accessive Technology

     Last Thursday's class Lori spoke to us about Accessive Technology. Going into that classroom with all those computers , I wasnt really sure what we were going to talk about. Once Lori had started talking to us and explained some technology, I then realized that people use these devices in everyday use. My general impression of Lori's class was that she really stretched out why we were there and wanted us to be aware of anything that could happen.  She also showed us videos on accessive technology and how it is benefical to others.
     Once lori gave us a chance to explore at our computers, then go over the devices as a class, there were 3 devices that stood out to me.  One of which was Read/Write Gold.  Read/Write Gold is a study aid.  It mainly supports students with reading/writing disabilities, learning disabilities such as Dyslexia, and English as a 2nd language.  Although Read/Write Gold supports these type of students, any student can really benefit from this.  Read/Write Gold helps struggling students with any curriculumn.  It can read text out loud or it can also highlight the text then reads out loud what you had highlighted.  Read/Write Gold also has a pronunciation tutor, that helps students with pronunceing words. They even give you the option of picking the language and voice.
    Another device that stood out to me was Keystone/Stoke.  This was actually a video Lori had us watch about this lady that could not talk or have any mobility. Keystones is a word prediction software. The lady in the video used Keystones to communicate with her husband. "Her computer is her life".  The way she used this device was, there was a wire that she placed on her jaw bone, and with the slightest bit of movement she could get so much done.  She did everything with this device, talked to her husband, online banking, and even grocery shopping for her family. This device was extremely impressive to me.
     The last device that caught my eye was the Screen Masking. Screen Masking is a device that helps with concentration.  In a paragraph it would make everything dark except for the line that your are reading from. So this way it helps you stay on task by going line by line. This device is for students who are reading impaired but really anyone could use this.
    Overall I learned alot from sitting in Lori's class about Accessive Technology, I enjoyed her visit.