Description
“Totally Words“ is a software that teaches children
and adults with Down’s syndrome (and other learning difficulties) to learn
letters and words and finally reading.The parents of a girl with Down’s syndrome
developed this program. This active software is very useful tool for special
needs children, because the best way for them to learn is when they can see,
try and explore the learning task on their own.With an early, intensive support, some of
this children have the capacity to read later on a very high level. A problem
in from the past and unfortunately in many areas still today is, that persons
with Down’s syndrome do not get enough input to develop their full capacities.
That is why a software, like “Totally Words” is so important. It offers with
simple software a way of support and learning for the children, not only in developed
countries, but also in areas, where the schooling system is still struggling in
dealing with persons who have Down’s syndrome.
Totally Words is available in a free trial
version and in a full version.
There are three different levels of
difficulty (Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced level). The two beginner
versions teach easy words in form of a puzzle. In the picture word- matching
software the learners has to find the right word according to the picture
above. In the word word-matching version the learner has to find the same word
in the puzzle as shown above. It works pretty much like memory. So that the
learners actually playing a game, while they are learning. The more advanced
versions contain more words and slightly different ways of solving the task.
But all of them support learning in a playful way.
Pros/ Cons
In my opinion it is important to use ICT especially for children with special needs, like Trisomy 21. Software developed by parents can have the benefit, that it might be exactly tailored for the specific needs of a child with a certain special need.On the other hand the software might be less advanced and with flauws, due to missing computer skills of the parents. As we can see in the example of "Totally Words" , the software looks pretty basic (that alone does not has to be a disadvantage). A big disadvantage for the program is that only the trial version is for free and the full version has to be bought.
As alternative programs I would like to mention the following two webpages. There you can find a lot of free learning software. Unfortunately are this websites less about learning words and getting the capacities to read.
They offer more a wider range of playing activities,videos,radio,etc...
That can be motivating to practice other skills, like getting to know the different colours (see next video).
cbeebies (page where you dont have to register)
HelpKidzLearn (here you have to register)
Pros/ Cons
In my opinion it is important to use ICT especially for children with special needs, like Trisomy 21. Software developed by parents can have the benefit, that it might be exactly tailored for the specific needs of a child with a certain special need.On the other hand the software might be less advanced and with flauws, due to missing computer skills of the parents. As we can see in the example of "Totally Words" , the software looks pretty basic (that alone does not has to be a disadvantage). A big disadvantage for the program is that only the trial version is for free and the full version has to be bought.
As alternative programs I would like to mention the following two webpages. There you can find a lot of free learning software. Unfortunately are this websites less about learning words and getting the capacities to read.
They offer more a wider range of playing activities,videos,radio,etc...
That can be motivating to practice other skills, like getting to know the different colours (see next video).
cbeebies (page where you dont have to register)
HelpKidzLearn (here you have to register)
Down's Syndrome Association. (2012). Retrieved November 27, 2012 from
http://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/support-services.html
Help kidz learn. (2012). Retrieved November 27, 2012 from
http://www.helpkidzlearn.com/
http://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/support-services.html
Help kidz learn. (2012). Retrieved November 27, 2012 from
http://www.helpkidzlearn.com/
Inclusive Technology. (2012). Retrieved November 27, 2012 from
http://www.inclusive.co.uk/articles/downs-syndrome-computers-and-the-curriculum-a286
http://www.inclusive.co.uk/articles/downs-syndrome-computers-and-the-curriculum-a286
Love and Learning. (2012). Retrieved November 27, 2012 from
http://www.loveandlearning.com/home.shtml
http://www.loveandlearning.com/home.shtml
Totally Words. (n.d.) Retrieved November 27, 2012 from http://www.totallywords.com/index.html
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