Skills Needed to use Word Prediction

Students who use word prediction programs must have some phonetic spelling ability. To ensure that the correct word appears on word prediction lists, students must be able to correctly identify its first few letters.

Students also need to read well enough to see the difference between words that look similar on prediction lists. For students who are unable to read, some programs include a speech feedback component that "reads" word prediction lists aloud.

Students who use word prediction programs also must be able to flexibly shift their attention back and forth between the keyboard (or other alternative access device) and the word prediction lists.

This material was developed by the National Center to Improve Practice (NCIP), located at Education Development Center, Inc. in Newton, Massachusetts. NCIP was funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs from October 1, 1992 - September 30, 1998, Grant #H180N20013. Permission is granted to copy and disseminate this information. If you do so, please cite NCIP. Contents do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Education, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by NCIP, EDC, or the U.S. Government. This site was last updated in September 1998.

Collection: Word Prediction

NCIP Profile: Skills Needed to Use Word Prediction