Visually Impaired Resource Guide Assistive Technology for Students who use Braille The Speaking Language Master (Special Edition)

The Franklin Language Master is an electronic reference device which allows the student to look up words using the built in dictionary, spell checker, find synonyms and antonyms or core meanings, check grammar, play games and perform many other time saving functions. Individual word lists or short messages can be created which may be useful for assignment review or homework referencing. This device encourages socialization and communication with peers and classmates. Weighing only 12.2 oz., it is lightweight and portable. With the speech output or large print capabilities, the student with a visual impairment can adjust the device to best suit his or her needs.

Prerequisites

• able to understand robotic speech (hearing and listening skills)
• the potential to develop finger isolation and dexterity
• auditory memory for multi step instructions and definitions
• knowledge of spatial relationships eg. - top / bottom, front /back
• able to follow steps in sequence
• have the ability to learn a qwerty keypad layout
• have the ability to learn a Franklin Language Master keypad

Skills (Grade 3 to 5)

The student will be able to:

• learn to manipulate menus
• navigate between functions
• use the reading and writing cursor
• troubleshoot
  • install and replace batteries
  • use the help menu
• use the identify mode
  • have mode keys speak their names
  • activate the mode to hear screens read aloud
• use the message list
  • ype, save, and playback text-to-speech
• store/retrieve information
  • ontrol speech rate
  • activate the settings to hear words spoken
  • personalize (customize) speech output
  • use speech menu settings
  • default settings
  • turn on full speech
  • turn on keyboard echo
  • turn on key click
  • set the Language Master to speak letters normally
  • turn on menu instructions
• Use alternative settings
  • turn off full speech mode
  • turn off keyboard echo
  • utilize alternative settings
  • turn off key click
  • set the Language Master to speak letters as words
  • turn off menu instructions
• find dictionary entries
  • find definitions for personalized words using "Dict" key
  • find dictionary entries without inflections
  • define words in reference entries
  • find thesaurus and grammar information
• use spell check
  • learn how to automatically correct misspellings
  • find correct spellings using the Matchmaker keys
  • find Confusable, words commonly confused
• play games
  • select games
  • set the game difficulty level
  • use personalized word list in games
  • find definitions for words after you've played them

Strategies

• Have all of the speech mode turned on when first learning how to use the language master.
• Mark the enter key and the read key as they are utilized frequently with a tactile symbol (e.g. sticky back felt, fabric paint, cork, raised dots, braille label).
• Use ID mode ( keys speak their names without performing their functions) when learning to use the keyboard .
• Have peers play games using the technology with the student who uses braille.
• The game keyboard wizard teaches the student the Language Master key locations.
• A large scale tactile model may assist some students with learning the Language Master key locations.
• The Flash Cards game helps build vocabulary and definition skills. This feature can be individualized to the grade and ability of the student.
• The message area can be used for homework reminders.

Please note: The American Heritage Education Dictionary is a software program with similar capabilities to the Franklin Language Master and is available in both Mac, IBM and IBM compatible computers. As the student gains proficiency with the computer, it may be advantageous for the student to use the equivalent features available with some computer applications.

Resources

Franklin The Language Master, (Special Edition)
Franklin Electronic Publishers
Mount Holly, NJ, 08060

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