This blog will discuss the Word Wizard; an apple application which helps children with their spelling. This is a much simpler program than those mentioned in my previous blogs. It has bright colours and easy to see letters, a very useful primary ages application. As the description on the Word Wizard website states, it turns your iPad or iPhone ‘into a talking typewriter’ (BUCKLEITNER, 2011). There is a cost in purchasing this application of $3.99 and it is only accessible on Mac software but if neither of these are a problem for you, it is a great resources (BUCKLEITNER, 2011).
Children simply drag each letter up to the middle of screen and once in place the iPad or iPhone will pronounce the letter for you (BUCKLEITNER, 2011). Once a word is in place the device will also pronounce the word (BUCKLEITNER, 2011). This software is great for young children learning to read and pronounce words. Although some students may know how copy words, they may not be able to pronounce the word properly themselves. Although, this may be a problem if the application speaks in an American accent and Australian children use it and vice versa.
The other features of this application, besides collating words include: spelling quiz, and a talking spelling test (BUCKLEITNER, 2011). There are great features in developing both young and slightly older children’s spelling abilities. Overall this would be a great application for any class to have on their mobile device in developing students’ literacy skills through basic word construction through to challenging quiz’s and tests.
Compiled by Katrina Gordon
No comments:
Post a Comment