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Co:Writer Universal
Co:Writer Universal
Co:Writer is a word-prediction tool that is available in several different versions: a Chrome Extension, smartphone apps, and downloads for Windows and MacOS computers.
Who should use this? People who can use a keyboard and have difficulty spelling (or for whom English is a second language). It may also be useful for people who type very slowly or hunt-and-peck.
How does it work? Launch Co:Writer, open a word processor, and start typing. A window pops up with suggested words; click on one to insert it. When you hit Enter, the text that you typed is read back to you. (The process is the same when you use Google Docs and the Chrome Extension.)
What does it cost? $5 per month (with a free 7-day trial)
How can I get it? Go to cowriter.com to download the desktop software, the Chrome Web Store for the extension, or the Apple App Store for the iOS version.
Grammarly
Grammarly
Grammarly is an online service that checks your writing and offers suggestions for improvement. It offers a Chrome extension and is also available as a smartphone app (Grammarly Keyboard).
Who should use this? Students who need help with their grammar and sentence structure; also students who speak English as a second language.
How does it work? Upload documents to the Grammarly website to have them checked for grammatical errors, or add the Chrome Extension and have it check your work within Google Docs, Gmail, and other web-based programs. Watch the short demo to see it in action.
What does it cost? The free version may work for you; the premium version is about $12/month.
How can I get it? Sign up for an account at the Grammarly website or add the Chrome Extension.
Ginger Software
Ginger Software
Ginger is an easy-to-use grammar checker and writing aid that runs on Windows PCs, Apple iPhones, and iPads, and in the Chrome and Safari websites (but not in Google Docs).
Who should use this? Students with dyslexia, who speak English as a second language, or just need help proofreading their work will find Ginger useful.
How does it work? Ginger works like many other grammar checkers: it highlights text with spelling or grammatical problems; then you click on the highlighted text for suggestions. Watch this YouTube video for a demo.
What does it cost? It's free! Or at least there is a free version for Windows, a free Google Chrome extension, and free mobile apps. Go to the Ginger website to get a free version, or learn about the Premium plans.
Built-in spelling and grammar checkers
Built-in spelling and grammar checkers
Here are links to video tutorials that show you how to check your documents for errors in Word and Docs.
Google Docs (spelling checker only)
Text-to-speech software
Text-to-speech software
The programs listed below have writing modes that offer word prediction, outlining features, and much more.
Kurzweil 3000
Kurzweil 3000
Kurzweil 3000 reads articles, books, and other materials out loud--including web pages. It also offers writing features, including word prediction, mind mapping, and outlining.
Who should use this? Students who have reading challenges such as dyslexia, who speak English as a second language, and students who learn best by listening. Students who need help with writing will also find it useful.
How does it work? Watch this reading demo to see Kurzweil 3000 in action. The program also offers very useful writing features; watch this video for details.
What does it cost? There is a free 30-day trial, and after that it is $700 per year.
How can I get it? Many colleges (including Skyline) offer Kurzweil 3000 as an accommodation for their students. Check with your school's resource center.
Read&Write
Read&Write
Read&Write reads text in EPUB books, Microsoft Word files, PDFs, websites, and Google Docs. It also offers writing tools such as outlines and word prediction.
Who should use this? Students who have reading challenges such as dyslexia, who speak English as a second language, and students who learn best by listening. Students who need help with writing will also find it useful.
How does it work? It comes in Windows, Mac, and Chrome Extension versions. Watch this demo of the Chrome version to see the tool in action.
What does it cost? The premium version is $145 per year. There is a free 30-day trial (with writing and other features); after that, you can continue using the basic reading features for free.
How can I get it? You can download Read&Write from TextHelp.
ClaroRead
ClaroRead
This text-to-speech software is similar to Read&Write, but the interface is a bit more complicated to use. The basic version (SE) is less expensive than Read&Write.
Who should use this? Students who have reading challenges such as dyslexia, who speak English as a second language, and students who learn best by listening. Students who need help with writing will also find it useful.
How does it work? Watch this demo for an overview of its features.
What does it cost? It comes in a few different versions, from $85 up to $280. There is a free 15-day trial.
How can I get it? Go to the Claro Software website to choose the right version for you.
Google Sites
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