ELR-News

July 2007

Newsletter of ELR Software Pty Ltd

ABN 67 090 738 702
http://www.elr.com.au
news@elr.com.au

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) as well as a "print-ready" PDF version of the current edition is available online at www.elr.com.au/news. An email version is also sent monthly to members of our mailing list (See Subscribing/Unsubscribing).

In this issue -

  1. New and Revised eLr Materials
  2. Canada, US and UK Trip
  3. Sydney Speech Pathology Australia Conference
  4. Other Independent Developers
  5. Free Downloads
  6. ELR 2007 Calendar

  1. New and Revised eLr Materials

    New Materials

    A total of 134 new tasks have been added to "Reading and Spelling". All of the tasks use the Word sound buttons model, and appear in "Short Vowel Sounds - longer words", "Long vowel sounds", and "Diphthong vowel sounds".

    In Word sound buttons a word appears on the screen, and the client is required to segment the word into sounds. This model is best done with a clinician or helper providing feedback to the client, as the client's verbal response is integral to the task. The instructions for the model suggest that the best procedure is for the client to read the word, verbally 'sound out' the word, and then click the buttons to check. The buttons provide feedback about how each sound is spelt, eg "shout" is broken into "sh-ou-t". This enables the client to see that there are 3 sounds in the word, and that the /ow/ sound, is a diphthong, and spelt with the "ou" spelling. By clicking on the "?" at the top of the screen, further help is given. The 'help' includes a description of how the model works, and also some tips about ways to extend the task. For example, a good extension to this task is for the client to write each word after they have broken the word into sounds.

    The addition of these tasks complements the other literacy models in the vowel sections of "Reading and Spelling". In each section, you are able to introduce a set of words using LookThenCover (where the client sees the word, covers it, and writes or types the word). WordSearch is a good follow up activity to consolidate reading and spelling. Word sound buttons would fit well at this point, as the client has practice at saying each word, breaking it into sounds, checking the word and writing the word. This reinforces the spelling of the word pattern. SmileyMan then provides practice at independent recall of spelling, and ConnectWords is a fun game, to revise reading and recognition of word patterns.

    Revisions

    A shuffle mechanism was added to the MultiWord Slideshow. This model appears in "Semantics", and "Reading and Spelling". A series of words appears at the top of the screen, with a prompt or question at the bottom. The client or helper reads the prompt, and the client selects an answer from the words. For example, the prompt might be "which ones are liquids", and the client chooses from a series of words like, "milk, water and cup". The addition of 'shuffle' means that when the shuffle option is selected (at the top of the screen), a 'Re-shuffle' button appears. By clicking this button, the series of words are shuffled, allowing for repetition of the item.

  2. Canada, US and UK Trip

    We are now back in the office after our 8 week trip overseas. Our main goal was to attend the Canadian Speech Pathology Conference, and to provide introductory workshops in the UK, and to a couple of venues in Canada and the US. We were very encouraged by the response at all venues. eLr was seen as a valuable tool, with the potential to increase the efficiency of service delivery, eg being able to leave home and school programs using activities that are engaging, and that encourage practice of specific language and literacy skills within the context of interactive language.

    While we were away, we worked from a 'mobile' office, and were able to respond to most of the phone calls and emails. However, we apologize to anyone who left us a message and didn't get a response from us. At times our message system may have failed us. So feel free to contact us again, if we didn't get back to you.

  3. Sydney Speech Pathology Australia Conference

    ELR Software had a trade stand at the National Speech Pathology Australia Conference in Sydney, 27th to 31st May. The conference was a success in all respects. We met many of our current subscribers who gave us feedback about existing material and suggestions for their "wish list". We also met a large number of clinicians who have not used eLr but were excited about how eLr could complement their existing resource materials. Toni was able to attend many of the excellent presentations, and of course, we all enjoyed the spectacular venue, right on the harbour. Congratulations to Fiona Eastley who won two-year's subscription to eLr.

  4. Other Independent Developers

    As an occasional feature of this Newsletter, we include simple, unpaid announcements of products developed by other small, independent developers, who, like ourselves, are practising clinicians who have put their ideas and experience into resource materials for general distribution. Links and brief information about these sites may be found at www.elr.com.au/links/developers.htm. To date we have listed -

    If you would like your materials listed on this page (at no charge), please contact us.

  5. Free Downloads

    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.


     
  6. ELR 2007 Calendar



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Copyright ©2007 ELR Software Pty Ltd

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