Word Prediction
Word prediction is a writing support tool that benefits many users. It provides supports to those that have difficulties spelling. In this scenario, the user would input the first few letters of the word he or she is trying to spell and the word predictor will provide some suggestions. Different word predictor engines will bring about varying results. Word prediction also benefits students who have slow output due to poor fine motor skills or who may fatigue easily.
Windows: There is basic word prediction that is built into the on-screen keyboard. To enable this feature, go into control panel and “Ease of Access” and start the on-screen keyboard. Once the keyboard is launched, go into options on the keyboard and enable prediction.
Mac:
· Mac computer: unfortunately, there is no word prediction tool that is built into the Mac operating system at this time.
· iDevices – there is basic word prediction on iPads and iPhones located just above the on-screen keyboard. This feature can be minimized if it is not needed. To turn on word prediction, go to “Settings”, then select “General” and then “Keyboards.” Furthermore, iOS now permits the use of 3rd party keyboards, many of which offer word prediction as a feature.
Chrome: There are two tools that offer word prediction as an extension (e):
· Read&Write for Google (e) - clicking on the word prediction icon activates the tool.
· ATBar (e) – clicking on the word prediction icon activates this feature.
Recommendation(s):
· Mac computer: use Read&Write for Google.
· iDevice: use the built-in word prediction tool alongside the on-screen keyboard or one of the many 3rd party keyboards that offer prediction.
· Windows computer: although the built-in onscreen keyboard offers word prediction, you may be better off using Read&Write for Google.
· ChromeBook: use Read&Write for Google.