ELR Software produces a range of computer programs designed by speech pathologists for speech, language & literacy intervention. Our programs may be used interactively within therapy sessions, to increase efficiency in service delivery, and to improve access to the Internet for people with special needs. We are also available as consultants to clinicians and research projects in the fields of literacy and accessibility issues associated with the Internet.
The aim of this newsletter is to inform you of developments and changes to our major products eLr (Extra Language Resources), Build-a-Sentence, Word Meanings, Rude Readers and EIA (Enhancing Internet Access). We welcome the opportunity for feedback and questions, and will be pleased to consider including reader contributions and announcements.
This Newsletter (and previous editions) as well as a "print-ready" PDF version of the current edition is available online at www.elr.com.au/news. An email version is also sent monthly to members of our mailing list (See Subscribing/Unsubscribing).
In this issue -
Eighteen new tasks have been added to "Phonology Later Sounds" in the subsection "blends with s". These activities were developed in response to a request for materials to support therapy targeting production of the /s/ sound in the final position of words. All tasks comprise pictures or words that end in /ts/, as this consonant blend makes it easier for the child to produce an accurate /s/ sound: the tongue tip is in the same position for the /t/ and /s/ which makes it easier for the tongue to move from the /t/ to the /s/ sound.
A range of models have been used. MemoryPics is a picture based memory game with "cards" displayed on the screen. The child and clinician/helper (or two children) take turns to touch cards to find the pairs. SpinPics is "spinner" game. A game board and spinner are displayed on the screen. The child touches the Start button to reveal a spinner which displays a number. The child moves their icon along the game board to match the number. The child then touches the "Chance" button to reveal a picture(s) that contains the target sound. Depending on the goal of the task, and the skill level and attention of the child, the helper may encourage the child to say the name of each picture and provide feedback about accuracy of production.
Two word based models have also been included for older children. The WordSearch model is a word search activity where the child may be encouraged to read (or repeat) each word, and then complete the word search. SmileyMan is like a hangman game where the child attempts to 'uncover' the target word by selecting letters to spell the word. Each SmileyMan has a matching WordSearch (ie, using the same list of words). Many children enjoy these activities because of the challenge they provide. The SmileyMan is best done after the WordSearch because the child will have been familiarised with the target words thus making recall of the items easier. As with the picture based tasks, the role of the helper is to encourage the child to say each word and to provide feedback about accuracy of production of the /s/ sound.
As with most eLr tasks, the clinician or support person plays a central role in providing feedback, and encouraging extension activities. For example, in these tasks, the child may be encouraged to use the target word in a sentence, and/or to be involved in a discussion about the topic to support language development.
A requirement by Apple for all iPad Apps to be "64-bit compatible" has necessitated a major reworking of the internals of the eLr-Offline for iPad App. But, apart from a few minor changes to some interface elements, and a simplification of the page-to-page navigation methods, users will not see any substantial change. However, this Apple requirement also means that iPads running the App must be using a recent iOS version. Older model iPads that can't run iOS 6 or later will no longer be able to update their copy of the App. Hopefully this won't inconvenience many people as most will now be using iOS version 7 or 8. If you are affected, web access to eLr will remain possible on older iPads. You can download the eLr-Offline iPad App from www.elr.com.au/links/KMWRW
As an occasional feature of this Newsletter, we include simple, unpaid announcements of products developed by other small, independent developers, who, like ourselves, are practising clinicians who have put their ideas and experience into resource materials for general distribution. Links and brief information about these sites may be found at www.elr.com.au/links/developers.htm. To date we have listed -
If you would like your materials listed on this page (at no charge), please contact us.
ELR has a number of free or evaluation files available for downloading directly from our website. Please see www.elr.com.au/downloads.htm for specific details. For other supporting materials and documents available for free download, please see www.elr.com.au/support.htm.
- Speech Pathology Australia 2015 National Conference:
Sunday 17th - Wednesday 20th
We will have trade stand #34 at this conference. Contact us for further details
ELR Software is also able to offer free eLr support and short tutorials over the web. We can provide this sort of support to individuals, or to groups who would like to have an overview of eLr. Please contact us for details.
You are receiving ELR-News because you are an eLr subscriber, or have expressed an interest in either eLr, Rude Readers, Word Meanings, Build-a-Sentence or EIA. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send an e-mail with details to news@elr.com.au
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