What are your thoughts on an AlphaSmart word processor?

[mdsouth]

My DS's school support personnel recommend that we get him an AlphaSmart word processor to use at school next year. He will be in fifth grade. I would like your feedback on the use of them. Are they durable for school use? Is it effective? Would a laptop be a better choice?

Thanks for any input.

 

[MightyMom]

My DS's school support personnel recommend that we get him an AlphaSmart word processor to use at school next year. He will be in fifth grade. I would like your feedback on the use of them. Are they durable for school use? Is it effective? Would a laptop be a better choice?

Thanks for any input.

My son started using an AlphaSmart this past year in 1st grade. The school let him borrow it for homework. Does your school have some in stock that your son can borrow? If they are suggesting it, they might have some.

I wasn't crazy about it because of the screen. Perhaps my son was using an older model.... but he had a lot of trouble seeing it.

I started having him do his homework on his computer and printed it out like that instead. It worked out better for us.

 

[WildGrits]

We have one. Like PP our DD used one from K-2 in school. Once we moved to another state, the new school didn't have them so with out the reinforcement at school, the one at home lays idol.

I did get ours for home for $35 on ebay. It is not a newer model but it was the same model she was using at school so she knew how to use it. I like it though. It reminds me of my old Brother word processor.

 

[Forevryoung]

I'm going into Speech Pathology- specializing in augmentative communication/assistive technology.

What is your child going to be using the alphasmart for? there are SOOOOOO many programs/devices out there that might be a better fit for your child and their future. You don't want to get something that they are going to grow out of in a year or two.

Does your child already know how to use a computer? What are some future goals(eg doing homework/school work independently, improving writing, making typing faster...)?

 

[Momelie]

My daughter used an AlphaSmart up till she was in 3rd grade. (She has a neuro tremor in her right hand) Once the kids start writing full paragraphs, the Alfie gets very hard to deal with because you can't see the full text on the screen. At that point, the school moved her to a laptop, which she still uses today - she's now going in 7th grade.

Ours came straight from the school's inventory, as part of her 504 plan. I highly recommend you ask about that, as the school supplied ones can change from year to year, as far as memory capacity, applications, and software that is installed.

 

[tw1nsmom]

Assuming your child's on a 504 or IEP, if the school says she needs it, they have to provide it. DS was sent home this summer to practice on. They're going to use it as a durable way to get his keyboarding skills where they need to be. He'll also use it for sentence construction, but I expect that he'll quickly transition into a laptop; probably by the end of the year.

 

[JulieWent]

I second Twinsmom. If someone in the school said you need one, the school has to provide it. But you'll find that if your child is typing much more than a few sentences at a time, an inexpensive laptop is more functional. (The Alphasmart is very durable, which is why schools use them. Laptops are becoming more so, though. DS has been using a laptop at home for years, and it's been so helpful.)

Julie

 

[mdsouth]

I want to thank everyone for their input. It seems that the majority using the AlphaSmart has confirmed my idea that since he is already familiar with a laptop and can use it -- the laptop would be a better choice.

Currently, he does not have an IEP nor an 504, but the school's support staff (speech therapy, etc) works with him. The school he attends is a laboratory school. He might end up with a 504 plan this year. So, I really did not want to shell out the money for something that he wouldn't use that much. The only issue with his taking his laptop to school is that there is a greater chance of it being broken (from falling off the desk, being lugged around from class to class, etc.).

 

[mdsouth]

I'm going into Speech Pathology- specializing in augmentative communication/assistive technology.

What is your child going to be using the alphasmart for? there are SOOOOOO many programs/devices out there that might be a better fit for your child and their future. You don't want to get something that they are going to grow out of in a year or two.

Does your child already know how to use a computer? What are some future goals(eg doing homework/school work independently, improving writing, making typing faster...)?

We are in the process of having my son diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. He will be starting fifth grade in the fall. Currently, he already uses the computer for word processing (Microsoft Word) and also creates PowerPoint presentations; so he is able to use the mouse and keyboard. His keyboarding skills are minimal right now. I would be interested in your recommendations for programs that would improve his keyboarding skills. There are al lot of programs out there -- hard to know which one would be the best.

 

[lovedcookie]

My school suggested an AlphaSmart for me both in elementary and middle school. I have cerebral palsy (CP) and a brain injury (happened at the age of 12) I tried the AlphaSmart several times, and simply didn't like it because you can only see a few sentences at a time. Also, editing was nearly impossible if I needed to change something I had written in previous sentences. As an alternative, I was allowed to use a standard desktop computer in the classroom. For me, this was much better. Personally, I would consider buying your child an inexpensive laptop if you can afford it, and he's able to carry it with him. Also, the early experience he has on a laptop is likely to have long term benefits (ie he'll probably have an easier time keeping up with notes and such as he progresses through school and eventually into college). Hope this helps!!
Erica

 

[petlvr1064]

I am 21 and have auspergers so i also have very poor hand writeing i used an alpha smart 10-12 grade and i HATED it. ya it was better then writeing but just a tiny bit. Like others have said you can only see one sentince at a time and you have to have a computer to transfer to and nine times out of ten it wiould not transfer right. A lap top would be way better. I used a real pc for most hard writeing and the alpa smart maily forrrr notes but tstill it was a pain the butt. As far as typeing programs i know there is a lion king one becuse i jst googled it but the main thing I can say in this reagrd is do not force him to typwe the right wa7y. if he can make do with 2 fingers and it is easer for him let him be. I am a 2 finger typest and type probly 15 to 20wpm. I was taught for yyeras the right way and it drove me crazy!

 

[mdsouth]

I agree with everyone's opinion that the AlphaSmart has limited value and that a laptop is the way to go! The DIS Rocks!
My DS (the one that it is for) and my husband will have a great time checking out all the options! They both have an interest in computers (especially the hardware).

Petlover, thank you for sharing from your own experience. I appreciated your idea not to push him to type using the correct form. I can totally see your point there. I know he had keyboarding class in school the previous years and took to it well. However, starting this year, he will not have the keyboarding class. So, I wanted to find a program that he could use at home periodically, if needed to help him. Two finger typing is fine, but it is not as efficient. So, I will watch that area but will not push him! He doen't need the added pressure.

Erica, I want to thank you as well for your opinions as well. It really helps to read someone's opinion that has actually used the AlphaSmart.

 

[Forevryoung]

Truthfully I can see a push for using a laptop instead- There are significant limitations to the alphasmart as many have pointed out.

For typing I would suggest any fun keyboard program out there- I used to have a mario one back in the 90's that was great

Look into word prediction programs- that is where the school should be going with your son (let me know if you have any questions about them... I have TONS of information on the more common programs out there). MS word, most email programs etc can be used with a word prediction program. They are a great tool for many (and even better because they can be used well throughout life transitions ie in the work force)

 

[robyng]

I am an SLP on the Assistive Tech Committee in the school district where I work. Many students use Alpha Smarts and in fact some teachers are using them with whole classes as the other kids wanted to use them too. They are very durable. There are new models and other devices similar to the Alpha Smart that have a large screen. They should do an assistive technology evaluation before they recommend a device. Many parents think a laptop is always the best option but I find often "You don't need the Cadillac if the Bicycle will get you there". If the smaller screen is a concern, check into the new devices out there.

 

[daisyduck123]

Are they durable for school use? Is it effective? Would a laptop be a better choice?

Thanks for any input.

Hi! 1st grade teacher here.

We have over 50 of these at my school & the kids love them.
We have them split into two groups of 25 (enough for an entire class) and we keep them on carts. This way, a teacher can use them with her whole class if she wants.

The kids love them. My entire class was taught how to use them & everyone loved them. I keep 4 or 5 in my room permanently & I let the kids rotate for who gets to use them each day.

Every year, I have one of the spec. ed. teachers come in & teach my class how to use them. Then I have her specifically train 3 kids on how to hook them up to the class printer so that the kids can print their work. Whenever a student is ready to print, he gets help from one of my "specialists".

AlphaSmarts get my vote!!

**BTW...they are very durable...more so than laptops. Two years ago I had a bipolar student in my class. He threw one (I mean REALLY threw it), it hit the floor, & did not break!

 

[Independence1776]

First of all, I am not in Special Ed and have no experiance with it. However, I am a writer and a recent college graduate.

I have an AlphaSmart 3000, and have used it for three years. There are only two drawbacks: the small screen and lack of Internet access (which I need for research). However, the latter is not a concern here. The former can be gotten used to.

I used it exclusively to take notes with for three years. The small size can be a problem, but I've written college papers on it. My notes were very organized. I used tab to show the different subtopics withing a given topic (kinda like a A.a. a1 type thing). While I couldn't see the whole screen at once, it didn't bother me that much. The different files can be used for different classes. I actually loved being able to keep up with the teacher's lecture. Plus, I had readable notes for the first time in years (my handwriting is horrendous).

The battery life is incredible. I literally changed them once a year- and it's only 3 AA batteries. It weighs about two pounds, a lifesaver when kids have so many books- and when laptops easily weigh twice that. Furthermore, AlphaSmarts don't get hot like laptops- no risk of accidental burns. They're also extremely durable. One person in the AlphaSmart forum I used to belong to accidently dropped it out of their second story window and it still worked. I've personally just thrown it in my bookbag without worrying about it- and thius dropped it multiple times.

Transferring is simple and easy, either with the USB cord or infared. There are four speeds (slow to fast), and usually aren't many mistakes, if any. You just can't switch to another program during the transfer. It works with both Macs and PCs.

As for typing concerns: there is a typing program available for the AlphaSmart. There are sticky keys available (it's built in and just has to be turned on). The new model has a 6 line screen; the 3000 and below (2000 and Pro) have a 4 line. Another bonus: no software to update or viruses to worry about. It's very maintainence free.

I'm not sure what else you're looking for, but I highly enjoy my AS3000. I don't plan on getting a laptop anytime soon.