The research task took the form of entering 30 words through an on-screen keyboard, with and without the use of word-prediction software. To this end, we selected 80 Grade 4 - 6 children with spelling difficulties in a school for special needs to participate in a research project involving a cross-over within-subject design. We aimed to investigate the influence of word-prediction as a tool on spelling accuracy and typing speed. She is an award-winning researcher, focusing on augmentative and alternative communication, severe disability, beginning communicators, and challenging behaviourĬhildren with spelling difficulties are limited in their participation in all written school activities. Bornman is Co-ordinator of the Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication at the University of Pretoria. She has 20 years experience in the field and her award-winning research focuses on augmentative and alternative communication, severe disabilities, and early childhood intervention.

IIErna Alant is Director of the Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication at the University of Pretoria, which she started in 1990. IMarina Herold is an Occupational Therapist specialising in computer access for people with significant physical challenges, educational access for children with cognitive challenges, and alternative communication strategies

Marina Herold I Erna Alant II Juan Bornman III

Typing speed, spelling accuracy, and the use of word-prediction

Predictive writing software