Dyslexia in the Digital Age: Making IT Work

Ian Smythe highlights state of the art technology for those teachers with responsibility for supporting and enabling dyslexic students. Dyslexia is a complex condition, and every dyslexic needs a different solution. Technology is not that solution, but a part of the process to minimise the impact of dyslexia on individuals so that they can demonstrate their potential in school or at work, and to assist with the difficulties they face in everyday situations. The advent of the personal computer was enabling for many, allowing presentation of material that highlighted abilities rather than disabilities. Today, laptops have become lifesavers for some, but for others they are disabling. While other students shine by using the technology, some dyslexics get lost in a sea of assistive technology and well intended, but misguided support. This book takes the reader back to basics, from understanding the needs of the dyslexic individual to getting the most from available technology. It does this by providing frameworks from theoretical perspectives and following this through to practical implementation, including reviews of the most common types of software. There is plenty of practical advice on how to support dyslexic individuals using technology, including how to get the most out of what is available. It highlights state of the art, and what more still needs to be done to make the technology truly enabling for all dyslexics.

Table of Contents:
1. E-Assessments; 2. Computerised assessment; 3. Assistive Hardware; 4. E-learning; 5. E-learning software; 6. Assessment of Learning; 7. Multilingualism, language learning and ICT; 8. Increasing awareness; 9. Conclusions.

About the Author :
Dr Ian Smythe is an international dyslexia consultant who lectures widely on using technology to support dyslexic individuals. He has also developed a series of EU funded projects, including e-learning for teachers, pan-European assistive technology surveys, training for lecturers and managers, using technology for cognitive development, self-identification and support for dyslexic adults and language learning on mobile phones.

Review :
'Do I recommend this book to others? Most definitely, yes... It should also be on the reading list of all postgraduate specialist teacher trainees, not to mention their tutors!'--Sanford Lakoff 'Not one of those books about IT that is dated by the time it is published... An excellent book, useful for more years than most IT books and a delight to read thoroughly or to dip into.'--Sanford Lakoff 'The book is a goldmine of useful tips and suggestions...Do I recommend this book to others? Most definitely, yes. It should be in the reference sections of university libraries for a start...It should also be on the reading list of all postgraduate specialist teacher trainees, not to mention their tutors!'--Sanford Lakoff This book takes a bold step into the Digital Age of Dyslexia and considers both the advantages that the use of new technologies will bring to support people with dyslexia and also the challenges they face in accessing learning resources. Contrary to the naive view that the use of ICT is a solution to dyslexia, the book makes plain that this is a complex field but one that is worth exploring for its potential advantages. Written in a clear and accessible style, the book (and the accompanying web-based resources) will be an important resource for students with dyslexia and dyslexia specialists in all inclusive education settings.--Sanford Lakoff "An Excellent book, useful for more years than most IT books and a delight to read throughly or dip into." Lynn Lender Knowles SEN teacher and SpLD tutor '...the book is a mine of useful tips and suggestions... Do I recommend this book to others? Most definitely yes. It should be in reference sections of university libraries for a start, together with instant access to a computer. It should also be on the reading list of all postgraduate specialist teacher trainees, not to mention their tutors!' The Dyslexia Review Mention in 'Read these' section in Times Educational Supplement, TES Wales and TES Scotland, 2nd July 2010 'Dyslexia in the Digital Age is a very useful book for dyslexics and others with specific learning disabilities, and for those who work with them. It provides many practical suggestions about hardware, software and presentation of information, and explains concepts in clear, non-technical language. No dyslexic or service provider to dyslexics should be without it.' Professor Linda Siegel, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada 'Dyslexia in the Digital Age should prove an invaluable tool for anyone working with children and adults with dyslexia. It provides a wealth of information on what is available to facilitate expert performance. I particularly liked the author's recommendations!' Professor Angela Fawcett, Director, Centre for Child Research, Swansea University, UK