ELR Software produces a range of computer programs designed by speech pathologists for speech, language & literacy intervention. Our programs may be used interactively within therapy sessions, to increase efficiency in service delivery, and to improve access to the Internet for people with special needs. We are also available as consultants to clinicians and research projects in the fields of literacy and accessibility issues associated with the Internet.
The aim of this newsletter is to inform you of developments and changes to our major products eLr (Extra Language Resources), Rude Readers, Word Meanings and EIA (Enhancing Internet Access). We welcome the opportunity for feedback and questions, and will be pleased to consider including reader contributions and announcements.
This Newsletter (and previous editions) is available online at www.elr.com.au/news and an email version is sent monthly to members of our mailing list (See Subscribing/Unsubscribing).
In this issue -
Affiliate Subscriptions are a new product, but are really just a way to cater for your clients who can not easily access the web-based, free "Guest Access" your licence allows. This client group will include both individual families, as well as schools and similar institutions. Unlike the other subscription mechanisms, you clients do not purchase a "Affiliate Subscription" themselves. You, as a "Registered User" do it on their behalf. More information about the licence entitlements for Affiliate subscriptions, and the comparisons with existing eLr licences may be found at www.elr.com.au/support/elr_matrix.htm.
Simply let us know the client name(s) for each Affiliate Subscription you need, and we'll supply you with a CD for that client to install eLr on their own computer(s). A 6-month update of each Affiliate CD will be sent to you along with your usual update. In other words, you remain our only contact for the subscription, and are responsible for ordering and distribution of the CD's to your clients.
Pricing for Affiliate Subscriptions is based on whether it is for a Single/Multi licence, and on the number being ordered (ie there is a discount for bulk). The approximate price is AUD$50-80 for a single users licence, and AUD$100-150 for a multiuser licence. There is an online calculator to work out actual discounts at www.elr.com.au/offline/discount.htm.
Twenty new tasks have been added to "Using Language - Sequencing - Seriation". The tasks use the model called "Image Sequencer" which presents 2 - 8 pictures on the screen. The aim of the task is to rearrange the pictures so they appear in the correct order. The sequence may be changed by swapping the position of any two pictures. Click an image to select it (the border will show and the background turns yellow), A second click on any other image swaps the two. Task difficulty may be modified by changing the number of pictures in the sequence (ie from 2 to 8 pictures). The sets of sequences may also be printed (on cardboard or laminated paper), to provide an off screen activity with sets of sequence cards.
The Using Language section is in the early stages of development. It will contain activities which encourage use of specific vocabulary to explain and describe functional tasks such as sequences, what's different, what's wrong etc. We have received a lot of positive feedback about the sequence tasks in this section, and also requests for different types of sequences, like seriation. The seriation tasks are designed to be uncluttered images which encourage the client to understand sequences that are more concrete, are not based on abstract concepts, and do not require knowledge of cause and effect and daily events. The perspective and size are consistent between each image. They may be useful to teach the concept of order and sequence, and first/ last. They may also be used to practice naming of "parts of" items, and describing how each part is used.
Green Wees (Volume 4) uses a vocabulary of 24 words and syntax at LARSP Stage III, limited to SVO. Green Wees shows how the /i/ phoneme can be written in several ways - "ee, ea, ei, e, eme". It begins with a simple statement "We eat green beans" and adds a comment "very yummy". Things get weirder and weirder until "We drink green beer - extremely weird". On the way, the child learns how to intensify three adjectives - "yummy, yukky, weird" with "really, very, extremely, exceedingly" - also chosen to use the /i/ sound. Children will like the build up as things get more intense, and the ending is just a bit rude, and strange. Finally "We do green wees - eek!".
ELR has a number of free or evaluation files available for downloading directly from our website. Please see www.elr.com.au/downloads.htm for specific details. For other supporting materials and documents available for free download, please see www.elr.com.au/support.htm.
Workshop, teachers and school staff. "What is eLr and how can your school benefit?". Details to be finalized
- Hornsby: (Mt Wilga Hospital) Tuesday March 1st. 9.00-10.00 (Adult rehab focus)
- Caringbah: (Suite 203, 304 Kingsway) Tuesday March 1st. 12.00-1.30
- Parramatta: (Parramatta library - to be confirmed) Wednesday March 2nd
- St Ives: (Ku-Ring-Gai library) Thursday March 3rd. 3.00-4.30 - to be confirmed
- Lindfield: (Suite 3, 12-18 Tryon Rd) Thursday March 3rd. 5.00-6.30 - to be confirmed
- Liverpool: (Liverpool library) Friday March 4rd. 4.00-5.30 - to be confirmed
- Townsville: (Education Queensland) Friday April 8th. 1.30-3.00. Workshop covering use of eLr for children and adults with speech, language, literacy and cognitive impairments.
- Other workshops - details to be finalized
Speech Pathology Australia National Conference, May 29th - June 2nd, Canberra. We will have a commercial stand during the conference with eLr, Rude Readers, Word Meanings and EIA on show.
You are receiving ELR-News because you are an eLr subscriber, or have expressed an interest in either eLr, Rude Readers, Word Meanings or EIA. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send an e-mail with details to news@elr.com.au
Copyright ©2005 ELR Software Pty Ltd
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