What is Read&Write for Google (RWG)?

Read&Write Google is a product developed by texthelp. https://www.texthelp.com/en-us/ 

It has many tools. Prediction is one of them. Hyde Park Day School uses the RWG Chrome extension.  

On a Google doc

On the Internet

On a PDF

To open a PDF using TextHelp’s Read&Write for Google Chrome extension, add TextHelp PDF Reader called OrbitNote to Chrome at this link - https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/texthelp-pdf-reader/feepmdlmhplaojabeoecaobfmibooaid?hl=en-GB

Opening a PDF in the Chrome browser

The Typewriter Annotations icon looks like this:

1. Open the PDF with Read&Write Google, click on the Typewriter Annotations icon.
2. A purple line will show up underneath the icon to indicate that it is active.
3. Click the location in the document where you want to type. A window will pop up allowing a student to start typing an answer.                

1. Click the Prediction icon  to use it to write an answer.

What is word prediction?

Word prediction is software that “predicts” what word a user might type next. It uses an algorithm which analyzes language structures such as spelling, syntax, and frequency of use. Syntax is the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language (grammar and word meanings).

There are different kinds of word predictions tools.  You may have noticed this feature when texting on your phone. Co:Writer Universal Extension for Chrome is another word prediction tool that is grammar smart and inventive spelling aware. Speech recognition allows a student to speak a word and have the tool write it. More detailed information about the backend processes can be found here: https://learningtools.donjohnston.com/2019/05/word-prediction-whats-good-enough/

How do I use Predictions?

1. *Use of TextHelp Read&Write for Google Chrome Extension does require a subscription. HPDS purchases licenses for all students and staff.
2. Watch  a video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBUs-ryS89M
3. Or follow these steps.

1. Install the Read&Write for Google Chrome Extension https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/readwrite-for-google-chro/inoeonmfapjbbkmdafoankkfajkcphgd?hl=en-US
2. Click on the purple puzzle piece to active the Read&Write toolbar.
3. Click on the Prediction icon .
4. The word prediction box will come up.
5. As the student types, he or she can select the number next to the word he or she wants to use or he or she can select the word.
6. In addition, the word is read back to the student to help him or her determine if that is the correct word he or she wants to use.
7. The number of words can be changed - https://support.texthelp.com/help/i-want-to-change-the-number-of-words-in-the-prediction-list

How does this help students?

Word prediction software prompts students who struggle with writing to use correct spelling, grammar, and word choices, with fewer keystrokes. When students struggle with spelling or grammar, their writing might not reflect their actual academic knowledge due to the challenges they experience just to produce writing. Use of a word prediction tool helps students demonstrate their actual academic ability by reducing obstacles.

• Reduces the obstacle for students who struggle with spelling (Example - a student wants to use the word “enormous,” but uses the word “big” instead to avoid the spelling challenge. Use of word prediction reflects the more robust vocabulary the students know and use when they speak.
• Reduces the amount of time it takes to produce writing so thoughts are not lost and the student can maintain the flow of ideas and writing. This may also increase the amount of writing a student produces because their effort is focused less on sounding out words and more on idea development.  (Example - a student may spend minutes trying to spell out the word “enormous” and then lose his/her train of thought, thus losing out on elaborating on another idea).
• Helps offer suggestions for word retrieval (Example - a student is writing a paper about a visit to Chicago, but can’t recall the word “skyscraper.” Word prediction software can help them retrieve that word.)

How much does it cost (after transition)?

Read&Write for Google Chrome extension is a product. The cost for HPDS students is rolled into the tuition fee. It requires that we use our domain under our Google Apps for Education account (which is free). Our domain is hydeparkday.org. When a student transitions, there are other options if the district does not have a site license.

Here is the pricing  information to know when a student transitions:

        For schools with a Google Apps for Education account:

1.  Individual student license:  $145 per student per year.  This is for schools who are only looking for a handful of licenses.  Let's say you wanted to provide Read&Write to five students the cost would be 5 x $145 = $725.

2.  Group license: (A group license is any subset of your total student enrollment.  For example, all students with an IEP or all 7th grade students, etc.) Please contact TextHelp for group pricing here - https://www.texthelp.com/en-us/support/license-enquiry/

3.  District license:  This license is a true Universal Design for Learning (UDL) solution and is based on total student enrollment in the district. Please contact TextHelp for group pricing here - https://www.texthelp.com/en-us/support/license-enquiry/

For schools without a Google Apps for Education account

A single license cost is $145 per person per year.  

https://www.texthelp.com/en-us/pricing/

This license supports multiple devices and operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Google Chrome, Office 365, iPad, and Android.  You have the option of getting them all at no additional cost.  This gives our customers  more flexibility to use the literacy support they need, wherever and whenever they need it.

Parents can order a subscription based license directly from our website using a credit card at https://www.texthelp.com/en-us/pricing/?_ga=2.221592223.689316547.1590674934-430711839.1564875962

Does it work on other devices?

Yes, it does! It works on Windows and Mac computers, iPads and Android tablets, and comes as an extension in the Chrome browser.

What do I need to know when a student transitions?

• Find out the main word processing tools your student will be using and determine how Read&Write for Google Chrome integrates with them
• Consider headphones if using Read&Write for Google Chrome in a large group setting

What else is good to know?

• Chrome extensions do affect computer processing speed.  (8GB RAM or higher and a SATA Drive are recommended). It is also recommended to keep only the tools that a student needs enabled in the toolbar. If one is needed temporarily, it can be enabled, then disabled after use.
• If using the download version on a school laptop, ask about how personal settings are set up on the computer. It is recommended that personal settings within the program are saved for the child.

Where can I find more information?

Read&Write for Google - https://www.texthelp.com/en-us/sectors/education/

Understood.org - https://www.understood.org/en

Learning Technologies Lab - http://www.learningtechnologiesab.com/

*Please note that technology and pricing is always changing. This document reflects the most recent known information as indicated by the Last Updated Date at the top of the page.