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Has anyone had any experience using the above-mentioned programs in their classroom? We just got this technology from Don Johnston, inc., and it seems to be pretty innovative and positive. The one drawback that I can see is that my classroom does not have enough computers to accommodate all of the students in any one class, so we may have to divide the time out to separate groups.

Any helpful tips or experiences are welcome...

SOLO, Co-Writer, and Read Out Loud are great programs for students who need additional assistance organizing thoughts into a written essay. SOLO and Co-Writer are somewhat cumbersome until you get used to the format. You can create a template as a student and “play” with the program. One of the biggest advantages of this program is the graphic organizer feature. You can create any number of graphic organizers for writing and print them out for the whole class. This is ideal for classes that have limited computer access. Have the students work with the graphic organizer using pen and paper, and then when the computer becomes available (even it if it is one at a time), have the students use the graphic organizer to help them write the paper.

Read Out Loud is a great program for students with learning disabilities, mild intellectual disabilities, and students diagnosed with dyslexia. The program can read word by word, line by line, or all at once. The program will highlight the word being read and engages the visual and auditory learners.

(I used these programs in a remedial reading and resource 9th and 12th grade English classroom with great success!)

Listed below are some great websites that will help you put these great programs into practice!

http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/Tutorials/cowriter/index.php

http://www.mathdittos2.com/columns/view/v030102.html