Transcript Co:Writer Universal - DMPS Instructional Technology

Co:Writer Universal
Co:Writer
Is:
Is Not:
A word prediction tool
A Crutch
A tool that needs to be taught to &
modeled for the student
A Cure All—it will not solve all of the
student’s issues with the writing process
A tool that helps students that have a
disconnect from their thoughts to their
written language by providing naturally
occurring words in correct syntax
A replacement of instruction in the area
of written language (writing process,
editing, revising)
Quick Card
Topic Dictionaries
Word Banks
Vocabulary
Settings – speech, text, number of guesses, prediction-flexible
Mini Lessons
Whole group or individual
You may need to teach your students how to
Save Work (one drive, desktop, my documents etc.)
Locate Work and Open
Focus on a particular feature of the software
May need repetition to get these skills to an independent level
Supporting Students’ use of Co:Writer
Remind your students to use the word prediction software until they get in the
routine of using it.
Create shortcuts for Microsoft Word and Co:Writer to the desktop or taskbar.
Some students will benefit from making the print larger (within Microsoft
Word). Teach them how to change the font and size as needed.
Alternative Access to Co:Writer
Students are able to download Co:Writer onto their home computers (both Windows and Mac)
and access using the log-in created at school
See Handout: Downloading Co:Writer at Home
Co:Writer is also available on the iPad, iPhone, and Chrome books. It is not available on
Android systems at this time.
Monitoring Student’s Use
1. After logging into educatordashboard.com click on
the orange Monitor tab on the main screen.
2. Then click on Co:Writer under accommodations.
3. Click on Reports.
Taking a Look at the Reports
See Handout: Word Lists
Shows when the student was initially given access
to the software.
Total number of words typed since initial date.
Co:Writer tracks time when the word
prediction box is present. When idle for 5 or
more minutes, tracking stops.
Co:Writer tracks the usage of
academic words, transition words,
and number of important words. This
allows you to track your students
mastery of vocabulary within their
writing
Usage of Vocabulary
Words Used:
This shows a list of words
that have been used by your
student in their writings.
When you click on the
“Words Not Used” you will
see a comprehensive list of
words that fall into the
category that have not been
used by your student.
Teachers can use this
information create mini
lessons that will help
broaden their student’s
vocabulary usage.
Who should use Co:Writer Universal?
Students for whom Microsoft Word does not provide enough support.
Students who have a basic knowledge of letter/sound associations.
Students who struggle to get their ideas down on paper due to fine motor issues.
Students who have a disconnect between their thoughts and their hand.
Students who fatigue easily when writing due to the effort required by the physical act of
handwriting.
Students whose writing is difficult to read due to spacing, letter reversals, misspelled words, and
letter formation.
Students who use less sophisticated vocabulary in their writing due to difficulty in spelling key
academic vocabulary words.
Students who require extended time to complete written work when compared to grade level peers.
Mat – September & October
Mat
Anders
Ross
Marissa
Consideration of Co:Writer for the IEP
Prior to adding assistive technology in the area of writing, data must be collected for three or
more data collection points and analyzed to determine IF Co:Writer improves, increases or
maintain the student‘s functional performance. If Co:Writer does improve, increase or maintain
the student’s functional performance then it would be listed as assistive technology within the
IEP.
Data collection can include things like:
total words written
spelling accuracy
length of writing
words per minute
progress on the student’s IEP writing checklist monitored by a phase line when Co:Writer trial began
Adding Co:Writer to the IEP
On page B under the Consider tab:
Check “yes” under the Assistive Technology box
On page F under the Activities tab you will be entering 2 boxes:
1. Add the box: Assistive Technology Devices
 You will write an approximation of the following statement:
 **** requires the use of word prediction software with flexible spelling (Co:Writer) when completing written work that is more
than a (phrase, sentence, paragraph) in length.
2. Add the box: Assistive Technology Support
 You will write the following statement:
 Staff will instruct **** on the use of the word prediction software with flexible spelling. When the computer and/or software is
not working, staff will troubleshoot and remediate the problem. If the building team requires assistance with these tasks they
will contact the assistive technology specialist for training.
See Handout: AT on the IEP
District-Wide Licensing
Unlimited licensing is available across the district.
Co:Writer Universal software is already installed on district computers.
***If, for some reason the Co:Writer software is not installed under the Start Menu of your computer,
please contact your Assistive Technology or Occupational Therapist support staff.
Staff and students will need to be given an access code before they can use the software.