Dyslexia in the Digital Age: Making IT Work

Dyslexia in the Digital Age: Making I.T. Work

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 and to assist with the difficulties they face in everyday situations, so that they can demonstrate their potential in school or at work.

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 technology, and suggests what more still needs to be done to make this technology truly enabling for all dyslexics.

Table Of Contents:

• Preface
• Acknowledgements
• 1. Definition of Dyslexia
• 2. Testing
• 3. Assistive Hardware
• 4. Assistive Software
• 5. Literacy Learning Software
• 6. The User Interface
• 7. E-learning and Knowledge Assessment
• 8. Multilingualism
• 9. Conclusion: Spreading the word
• References
• Index

Reviews:

“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

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“’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

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“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 naïve 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.”

– Professor Maggie Snowling

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“This book is not one of those books about IT that is dated by the time it is published because Ian Smythe… advises and guides the reader through the criteria, concepts and practicalities of selecting any form of technology, rather than recommend specific technical models or give pat answers and rote advice. His advice concerns not only current existent technology but is conceptual enough to help a reader analyse personal needs and make a personal decision about technology in the near future… An excellent book. Useful for more years than most IT books and a delight to read thoroughly or to dip into.”

– Patoss, The Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties, Winter 2010 Bulletin

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About the Author:

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.

[Author: Ian Smythe]

[Age Range: All]

[Published: 2010]

[Code: BL-8836]

[Extent: 216 Pages]