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Word Prediction.
This function might assist someone who struggles with correct spelling of words, and this function might assist someone who finds typing words to be an ordeal.
There are many computer applications offering different kinds of word prediction. Each manufacturer of a word prediction application has developed its "specialized" features. Each of these features has benefits and drawbacks. Fundamentally, word prediction is a computer program that "predicts" the word you are about to type. It is required the typist be able to type at least two or more characters of a word before it is displayed in a "menu-bank" containing several words.
You're still wondering, "How does this assist with writing?"
The person needs to watch the "menu-bank" of words as each character is being typed. When the typist recognizes the word displayed within the "menu-bank" he only needs to select the word using a single mouse click, or typing the number assigned to the word. The application will finish typing the word, and place a "space."
The more sophisticated word prediction application will try its best to predict what subsequent word the typist will want to use. The typist only needs to search within the "menu-bank" of words-- if the word is there he simply clicks upon it, or types the number assigned to the word. The application types the selected word, places a "space", and displays another menu of words to choose from.
Some word prediction applications have synthetic speech output. When activated, this feature will speak aloud each word displayed within the "menu-bank." This allows the typist to hear the word, and decide if in fact it's the word he actually wants.
I have found the average typing speed (words per minute) when using word prediction to be 12 WPM. "That is slow!" is a common remark. No, it isn't "slow" if the typist was typing 5 WPM, and fatigued after several sentences. No, it isn't "slow" if someone can't spell correctly and continually spends time searching within a dictionary for the correct spelling (or pronunciation) of a word.
Abbreviation Expansion.
This feature is very helpful if someone utilizes word prediction for Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC). What if the typist tires repeating the same phrases, or sentences several times each day?
Abbreviation expansion will allow the typist to use two, three or more characters for typing phrases and sentences. For example, for greeting someone you might say, "Hi, how are you today?"
What if you could write (speak) this exact sentence using only three characters, rather than twenty-five characters?
The abbreviation for the sentence above is "hyt." Prior to using this feature someone will need to assign "hyt" to the sentence, and actually type the sentence as the typists wants it worded. For easier recall, I try to use the first character of three words within the sentence. In this example "hyt": the "h" = How; "y" = you; and "t" = today.
The usefulness of using the "hyt" for greeting is I can add another character such as "d", and use another abbreviation expansion that will read and/or speak aloud as, "Hi Danny, how are you today?" I have taken a general statement, and made it specific to someone I know. This is accomplished simply listing "hytd" to the application's abbreviation expansion listing.
Copyright © Dan Gilman, 2002, may only be used or duplicated with permission.
Dan Gilman is an an Assistive Technology Practitioner, and webmaster of AbilityHub.com, and has worked in the Assistive Technology field since 1992. Dan has dedicated his efforts to assist those disabled individuals who require Assistive Technology to access the computer.
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