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 -
Eighteen new tasks have been added to "Phonological Awareness - Vowels - Short Vowels - Pictorial activities". All tasks use the recently updated PicTextMatch model. They provide materials to teach accurate identification of vowel sounds in words, and knowledge of letter-sound correspondence for short vowel sounds. In this model a picture is displayed on the screen along with a choice of letters and the matching "mouthsounds" (an icon that shows the mouth shape and manner of production for each sound). The learner is instructed to listen to the word, say the word, and then decide which vowel "mouthsound" occurs in that word.
Many learners with reading and spelling delays have difficulty accurately spelling the vowel sound. An important first step in learning how to spell vowel sounds is to be able to accurately say the vowel. However, for many students this is difficult and they tend to guess. By providing a limited choice, these activities simplify the task of identifying and naming the vowel. The learner is presented with a choice of two, and then three options. The activities are graded with the easier tasks presenting a choice of two vowel sounds with a high contrast, that is, they look and sound very different (eg /a/ and /i/). Once this level has been mastered they may progress on to activities where the choice is between vowel sounds that are often confused, such as /e/ and /i/.
As with most eLr activities, the role of the teacher or support person is central in providing feedback about accuracy of response, and ensuring that the learner has accurately pronounced the vowel. Accurate production of the sound combined with linking of the spelling of that sound enables the learner to develop well specified mental images of the spellings of vowel sounds.
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.
- Speech Pathology Australia 2014 National Conference:
Sunday 18th - Wednesday 21st
We will have trade stand #39 at this conference. Contact us for further details
ELR Software is also able to offer free 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-a-Sentence or EIA. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send an e-mail with details to news@elr.com.au
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