Fraser Shein, Ph'D', P'Eng'

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Simple and Powerful Writing Tools WordQ and
SpeakQ

• Fraser Shein, Ph.D., P.Eng.
• www.wordq.com

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Introduction

• WordQ
• word prediction and text-to-speech as cues to
  help overcome mechanical problems of writing
• SpeakQ
• simple speech recognition plug-in to WordQ
• Both work directly within any standard
  application (e.g. MS Word)

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Benefits

• Helps student move beyond basic mechanical
  aspects of writing to creative writing - greater
  productivity
• Increases student independence, self-confidence,
  motivation
• Reduces stress student, family, school

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Functions

• WordQ word completion/prediction
• Helps with spelling, cueing, blank page problem
• Enables access to electronic dictionary
• WordQ speech feedback
• Helps to choose suggested words
• Helps self-detection of errors (selection,
  spelling, word flow, punctuation)
• SpeakQ speech recognition
• Quickly get ideas down
• Productivity gains (usually at home)

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WordQ Cueing Strategies

• Predicted words helps to use correctly spelled
  words
• Speaking predicted words helps distinguish words
• Letter echo confirms typing
• Word echo confirms selection and to hear spelling
  mistakes
• Sentence echo helps with word flow
• Proofreading helps locate errors

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WordQ Advanced Features

• Accommodates spelling differences for users who
  cannot learn spelling
• Includes usage examples for confusing words
• In-context prediction (at text cursor) aids
  editing
• High-quality speech engine provides clear
  feedback
• Accommodates SpeakQ speech recognition plug-in

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Writing model

• Conceptual Phase
• Brainstorming
• Planning
• Fast Draft

ComputerProgramMastery

• PublishingPhase
• Graphics
• Printing
• Assessing

• LogisticalPhase
• Reviewing draft
• Revising draft

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User Vocabulary

• Headspace user vocabulary adapts with use
• Large background dictionary spell checks words

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Customization

• Word prediction box (1-9 words) order font
  location
• Expand vocabulary
• Add new words (automatic and/or manual)
• Focus vocabulary
• Use topics to emphasize certain words in
  prediction
• Limit vocabulary
• Start with blank vocabulary then restrict to a
  small set

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SpeakQ

• SpeakQ helps students who cannot use current
  speech recognition because of reading demands
  and complexity of use
• Speech prompted training
• Recognized words spoken
• No verbal commands
• Supports slower dictation pace
• Integrated word prediction, speech feedback and
  speech input

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SpeakQ training

• Text-to-speech prompts user through training text
  to reduce reading demands
• Training text chunked with option to set
  words to match user abilities
• User automatically re-prompted when all or
  partial text not spoken or recognized
• Dictation typed in simulated writing window with
  perfect accuracy to motivate user

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Speak and select

• Dictation appears and selected in prediction box
  see, hear, choose
• Operates at a slower, word-by-word pace (like
  older discrete SR products), but can use phrases
• Perfect for practicing

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Speak continuously

• Dictation goes directly into document
• Word prediction always available so that user can
  type and/or speak
• Speech-enabled word prediction and speech
  feedback facilitates editing
• Undo last dictation with Esc

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Correcting

• Use keyboard with or without word prediction to
  make corrections
• Use Read to review document and identify errors
• Use Replay to hear what was actually spoken
• Select word to see spelling suggestions
• Click within word to see possibilities at that
  point

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Thank youwww.wordq.com1-866-629-6737