Portable+word+processor

1. Who needs this assistive technology? There are many students in any given classroom that have problems with reading and writing. The Portable Word Processor is a device that can be used to assist these students who have a difficult time writing. This technology is mainly used for students who have a difficult time writing and find it easier to type on a computer. It also enables them to edit and correct their word faster than if it were done by hand. The word processor enables them to carry their work with them and write without missing any information that was given in the classroom. Since it is similar to a laptop the student should be able to master the word processor quickly, and it is unobtrusive so it would not be a distraction in class. Besides helping students who have a hard time writing it could also be used for sudents who have dyslexia. After writing the word processor will highlight the word if it is misspelled, then it could give them word options after they've misspelled it. The word processor is a resource for any student who has problems with either writing, spelling, or even dyslexia.

2. What is the history of the assistive technology? The history of the portable word processor actually begins before the creation of the computer. It traces its origins back to the Middle Ages and the first moveable type. The creation of this moveable type was the initial step in creating automation. The first word processors were invented out of a need for faster and accurate copies of printed works. Before the moveable type people had to hand copy every book page by page, this not only made books costly but time consuming as well. The first modern word processor took the form of typewriters which were invented in 1867 by Christopher Latham Sholes. And then finally marketed to the public in 1874. The one drawback to this early model was that it printed it's words on the back of the role so the typist could not look at his work till he was done typing. At first the typewriter was met with some skepticism. But with the added feature of the shift key which let the typist write both lower and capital letters; and the ability to write on the front of the page and the creation of the tabe key; it kept gaining in popularity. At first only businesses seemed to use the typwriter because it was more time efficient than hand writing their documents and letters. Later when the typewriters themselves became more portable individuals began buying them in earnest. The first electric typewriter was actually patented by Thomas Edison in 1872 but the first workable model did not go onto the market until the 1920's. When the automatic typewriter was introduced by the M. Schultz company, it marked the first step towards modern day word processing. As the technolgy used on typewriters grew, the need for stored text became a priority. In 1969 IBM produced MagCards, which were magnetic cards that were attached to the typewriter and recorded the text to recall at a later time. In 1972 another word processing system was introduced by Lexitron and Linolex. Instead of a magnetic disk this one actually had a screen and built in keys so you could type out your page digitally. In essence this was the first computer word processor. In the 1970's with the invention of the floppy disk writers were now able to hold 80 to 100 pages of work at a single time. It is because of the floppy disk that word processing became a standard part of any computer. With the advent of increased storage ability came the need for a program that could handle that kind of data, which inevitably led to the creation of the word processor.

3. What benefits does the assistive technology provide? The word processor is a digital tool that is used by people wo have a difficult time spelling but can also be used by anyone with a reading or writing impairment. It is a useful tool to keep track of notes and to write out papers. The word processor can be adapted to any grade level. The word processor can be a great resource for both students and administration. Administration can use it create worksheets and syllabi, while the students use it to write notes and papers.

4. How does the assistive technology work? The portable word processor is a small screen and keyboards which resembles a laptop. It is lightweight and is perfectly portable. It is also cheaper than a laptop and is useful for taking notes or writing a paper, more so than an average PDA. It is able to hook up to a computer later so that the files can be downloaded, saved, and printed.

5. Exemplary examples of how the assistive technology would be integrated into an english classroom. There are several ways a word processor can be used in a classroom by both students and teachers. -Students can take notes in larger quantities than if they were written out by hand (this includes students who have reading or writing impairments) -Teachers can use the processor to create worksheets, reports, letters, and even a syllabus -Students can create book reports, outlines, and complete assignments. In addition they have plenty of ways to revise, edit, and copy their work before finally submitting it to their teaching.

Bibliography: http://www.schwablearning.org/articles.aspx?r=1085 http://portableapps.com/about/what_is_a_portable_app http://www.cs.umd.edu/class/spring2002/cmsc434-0101/MUIseum/applications/wordhistory.html http://www.engadget.com/2004/08/31/the-alphasmart-neo-portable-word-processor/

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