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 -
Three months ago, we held a competition where we invited users of eLr to provide us with feedback and suggestions. Each person who provided feedback, either by email, phone etc, was entered into the draw, and the prize was a volume of Rude Readers. We received lots of comments and feedback, and decided to continue to offer a prize for those who provide us with feedback. Each email we receive is put into the draw, and every three months a name will be selected.
The winner for December was Annarella from New Zealand. Thanks very much Annarella. We've enjoyed your many emails with feedback, questions and comments. To re-enter the draw, winnners have to provide further feedback - all others remain in the draw.
We have added a slightly different type of activity in the Activity Toolbox section. In a new section "Animation Library" is a task called "How it works - the swallowing process from the mouth past the larynx". This animation depicts the normal swallow and may be useful for clinicians who are describing the swallowing process to clients, or who are giving a presentation to groups of people about swallowing.
We have been experimenting with using such animation as our goal is to include these types of tasks in our future developments. As it is in the slightly experimental stage, there may be some computers that have trouble running this task. Specifically, the computer will need to have the Macromedia "Flash" player installed.
Once you select the task, it operates in much the same way as other standard eLr tasks. The Color Changer (top right hand corner) enables you to present the material using a colour which best suits your client or audience. The image is in the middle of the screen, and either side of the image are buttons which allow you to either show the swallow in a "step by step" fashion, or "play" the full swallow.
We would appreciate any feedback about this task. Let us know any comments about its use, and also if you have trouble getting it to work on your computer. It is helpful for our programmer to know what types of computers it works with, and those that are unable to display the Flash content.
This month we have reviewed "blends with /r/" - a sub-section in Phonology - Later Sounds. This completes the review that was started last month when we focussed on "blends with /l/" and "blends with /s/". The aim of these reviews has been to ensure that in each sub section, there is a good range of games and activities. We have added 16 new SpinPics, 13 new TicTacPics, 8 new Slide show, 7 new PicCards, 7 new MemoryPics, and 9 new CluePics.
This is a deceptively simple Rude Reader from Volume 2. The syntax is LARSP Stage III. The vocabulary is limited to 18 words. Where Are You uses a question and answer format. The "Where questions" used are "Where is ..." and "Where are ..." Answers are prepositional phrases at LARSP III level. The first page goes "One Two. Where are you?" The picture shows a child in the loo, but the answer phrase only appears in writing later. In the second half, the answers are given but the child has to recall the question - a memory task. Rhyme helps the child to remember the answer/question and is also a phonologic awareness input. Numbers and words are used - the order is reversed half way though the reader to help strengthen the match. The rudest bit is a drawing of a child sitting on the loo. You'll find that the text will stick in your head, and the next person who asks "Where are you?" might be surprised by your answer.
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.
We will have a display at this one day conference at the Darebin Arts Centre
We will have a display at this conference
We will have a stand/display at this conference
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