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), Build-a-Sentence, Word Meanings Rude Readers 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 -
This month we have been working in the "Activity Toolbox" area to extend the function of the WordGame builder and the PhonPic Tool. There are two new tasks that will allow you to produce your own activities specifically designed for your clients' needs:
WordGame Builder - Typing with words. This model is based on an existing model currently used in many of the eLr sections, such as "Phonology Later Sounds", and "Reading and Spelling". In the Typing with words model, the screen displays buttons with a word on each button. The client, by clicking on the buttons, arranges the words to make a sentence. Further support may be provided to the client by clicking the 'prompt' on. This displays the target sentence, so the client can complete the task by matching the words. Alternatively, the client may read the prompt sentence, click it away, and then complete the task without seeing the prompt sentence, thus encouraging recall. The aim of this new model is to allow you to use your own sentences for the activity. Here are some of the areas that may be targeted using this model:
- - Strengthening knowledge of sentence structure
- - Use of pronouns
- - Punctuation
- - Understanding word meanings in the context sentences
- - Verb tense
- - Use of flexible sentences
- - Use of adjectives and adverbs in a sentence
- - Articulation and phonology at the sentence level
PhonPic Tool - Slide show. This model is based on the Slide show model which is commonly used in sections such as "Phonology", "Semantics" and "Phonological Awareness". The model is a very simple one. The screen displays one picture at a time which is useful for providing an uncluttered way for the client to either name the pictures, or describe or perform other language functions that you may be working on. This new model allows you to select vocabulary that targets specific phonological or articulation errors. You are presented with 3 grids that contain a choice of sounds for the initial or final consonant, or the vowel sound, in single syllable words. So, for example, if you want words that all start with a sound (such as /s/), click the 's' in the initial sound grid. The available words appear, and from these words, you make your choice by clicking on the words. Click the forward double arrow (top left of the screen) to start the activity. This activity would be useful for goals such as:
- - Articulation or phonological processes
- - Describing features
- - Explaining uses of an item
- - Generating short stories about the displayed picture
The trip to the UK was enjoyable, and the workshops were very successful. Sincere thanks to those people who helped organize the workshops, and gave us such a warm welcome. We hope your free trial is going well. Please feel free to contact us if you need assistance, want further information, or have comments and suggestions you'd like to make. We welcome all input.
While out of the office, sometimes our ability to respond is not as fast as usual. So, thanks for your patience. If, for some reason, your query was not responded to, please get in touch with us.
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.
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.
ELR Software is now able to offer eLr support and short tutorials over the web. We can provide this sort of support to individuals, or to groups who would like to have an overview of eLr. Please contact us for details.
You are receiving ELR-News because you are an eLr subscriber, or have expressed an interest in either eLr, Rude Readers, Word Meanings, Build-s-Sentence or EIA. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send an e-mail with details to news@elr.com.au
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