How often are spelling and grammar skills identified as “terrible” or “non-existent”  when evaluating struggling writers for AT tools?

In my experience spelling and grammar challenges are frequently mentioned during AT evaluations when writing is a challenge, whether  secondary or post secondary students or adults in the work place. Although a perfect tech solution for grammar and spelling challenges isn’t available (unless you have immediate access to an English teacher), there are a variety of electronic solutions that help identify spelling and grammar challenges.

Ghotit Real Writer and Reader  is one such solution for spelling and grammar checking. Available as stand alone software for Windows and Mac computers, it also can be purchased as a mobile app for Real Writer – Reader for iOS ,  Android tablets and phones. Developed by and for individuals with dyslexia, Ghotit provides both reading and writing supports for a wide variety of needs for individuals (not limited to) with ADHD, LD, and ELL in education or work related tasks.

Here are the supports Ghotit software provides in both software and apps:

• Text to speech with customizable highlighting options
• Word prediction
• Customizable word prediction topics
• Word Definitions
• Homophone descriptions
• Context based grammar supports
• Spell checking tool with text to speech
• Customizable background and text options
• Ability to transfer text to different formats  both on mobile and computer based devices

I have been trying out both the Ghotit Windows software and Ghotit Real Writer iOS App for familiarity with the features and what sets this software or app apart from other similar apps and software. My experience with the applications finds the following:

Word prediction tool

Word prediction tool right out of the box supports higher language needs for secondary and post secondary students. It provides phonetic spelling supports and also appears to offer words by context. Unlike many other word prediction tools, it provides many features with the predicted word: the definition, text to speech and clarification of homophones and homophone word choice by context.

Spell checking tool

Aberrant spelling errors were identified with correct word typically offered in the spelling or word prediction choices.

Grammar tools

Trial use of homophones such as there, their and they’re using Ghotit identified and corrected usage error within a sentence. Grammar correction is also provided within the context of the sentences typed.

Other software options:

Settings provides a variety of options such as speech rate, word and phrase highlighting colors and choice, as well as text size, font, and word prediction options. Words can be added to the users personal dictionary as well as availability to edit (delete words) the personal dictionary. Word prediction has options to learn words, add/select a new or existing topic dictionary.

Documents can be shared as text, opened in another app, printed, text emailed or attached to an email.

Here is a video on the use and features of Ghotit software in action:

The Ghotit Writer app for iPad, provides the same features as the software.  Here are a few images of the iOS Ghotit app workspace and tools:

Software Costs: Software and apps are  available as single license software for PC and Mac computers (199.00) and apps on mobile devices (iOS, Windows tablets and Android for 99.00). As single license software for an advanced spelling and grammar checker the cost is competitive. As an app the cost is somewhat high in my experience.

Summary: Ghotit RealWriter software and app provides advanced spelling and grammar checking for individuals with dyslexia or learning disability. It provides good support for those needing phonetic and grammar supports during the writing process.  As an advanced spelling and grammar checker, I would recommend the software an AT tool for individuals needing additional support.  Cost of the software is competitive when comparing it to like applications.  As an app, although it provided advanced features it appears to be quite expensive when compared to other similar iOS apps.

Interested in additional information on Ghotit software? A 2012 CALL Scotland.org article “Advanced Spell Checkers Compared:  Ghotit, Ginger and Oribi Verispell “ , provided good information on comparable software.  Ghotit software was found to be an effective writing tool for individuals with learning challenges. Ghotit software has been around for quite a few years indicating the developers have supported and continue to upgrade the software to current operating systems to make it work. For more information on Ghotit, visit their website: http://www.ghotit.com/.

Thank you to Ghotit.com for providing the software for review.

More for your OT eTool Kit!

Carol