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 -
There are 20 new tasks in the "Using Language - Similarities and Differences". This month the tasks are all picture based and use the same tasks in 2 models. This allows you to present the same content in different activities, either to provide repetition for some clients, or to allow selection of the most appropriate activity for others. The models are:
MultiPic Slideshow - presents the two pictures with a prompt suggesting that you encourage your client to describe similarities and/or differences.
SpinPic - a spinner game which presents the material in a game format, suitable for younger clients.
The role of the clinician or helper is critical to these activities. The aim of this section is to encourage the client to use specific vocabulary to describe precise ideas. This is often difficult for clients with language impairment, as they are likely to respond with comments like "they're different". By encouraging expressive language to explain how the items are similar or different, the client improves in the ability to detect relationships and use category names. If they are then encouraged to explain how the items are different, their ability to descriptive language improves, and they are encouraged to use more specific vocabulary.
This section is divided into two levels of difficulty. The easiest tasks are in the "Common" section. This means the vocabulary is concrete and frequently used. The relationships between the items is also more obvious. The "Uncommon" section contains less frequently used vocabulary, and the client is required to detect relationships that are less obvious.
As more people have portable USB ("pen") drives, and as some computers (especially the "notebook" variety) come without CD drives, we are frequently getting questions about using eLr-Offline directly from a USB drive. Intel/Mac computers which are running Windows can also run eLr-Offline, but our distribution mini-CD doesn't load in the Mac slot loading drives (don't even try it!).
The good news is that eLr-Offline will happily run as a "portable application", but at present this will require users to do a manual installation. However this is not difficult and the steps are:
We're happy to discuss this process further with anyone who needs further clarification. And we're continuing to work towards making these steps more transparent as the future will probably see more and more users wanting the convenience of operating eLr-Offlinethis way.
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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