Co: Writer is a tool designed to assist students in writing. The intelligent word prediction helps students design and write complete and correct sentences. Word prediction works by giving the user a list of words based on the first letter typed in, the list can be up to nine words long. The software develops a file of frequently used words for each student and works in conjunction with a word processor by transferring completed sentences. I used it with Claris and with Ultimate Reader. The multiple dictionaries, ability to collect and predict words and edit personal dictionaries are strong features.

The dictionary contains a wide array of word choices, up to 40,000 words. The vocabulary is sufficiently broad for most school applications. Words that describe body parts or might be considered inappropriate are only available n the largest dictionary.

Installation proved to be a problem on a Power Macintosh because the speech software conflicted with that already installed. While typing this review, using the program, I discovered that the program did not readily pronounce misspelled words. This is useful for the student who must focus on the keyboard, rather than the monitor, while typing. The need to edit the pronunciation guide for names and other foreign terms meant that it was sometimes difficult to have the program respond accurately to student names. I found it a nuisance to have to press the escape key to type a number. I think the bare bones approach will encourage students to focus on the craft of manipulating words to produce effective writing.

The focus of this tool is narrow but worthy. The construction of well-written sentences is a valuable educational endeavor for all students. The incorporation of speech into a writing tool enhances the probability of success for many students; coupled with the word selection and prediction features there is the potential to foster better writing. While using Claris and Co: Writer, I was able to insert text into drawing, painting, database, and spreadsheet applications with ease. The program supports the development of individual student dictionaries as well as access to dictionaries selected or developed by the teacher.

I tried out this program on a variety of students. All of them adapted easily to the word choices. Disabled readers would be able to participate more fully in class writing projects because they could hear the product as it is developed. It is an easy program for most students to learn and use.

The teacher can control the number of predicted choices and the selected dictionary according to student needs. The extensive documentation will guide teachers in effective use of the material. The program does not require a great deal of monitoring. Assessment of student work will occur with the finished writing product.

This software would be effective for interactive and shared writing experiences. A small group could use it coupled with Ultimate Reader to write and hear stories. Individually I think most students would find the program accessible and a benefit to writing across the curriculum. The classroom tips web page is under construction.

Co: Writer is all it purports to be and would be an excellent tool to have on a classroom computer. The potential to enhance student writing is great. When using this program a student will have access to a greater written vocabulary and auditory feedback to enhance the flow of their writing. The program integrated well with Claris.

Overall rating: (based on a scale of 1 to 10): 10

A simple tool, which supports learning, is an asset to any classroom. Reading and writing are difficult tasks for many special needs students; this software permits students to listen to text and gain access to the curriculum via a different route.