Software


 * Software**

Commonly used software packages such as Microsoft Word have features that support research-based strategies (i.e., highlighting, scaffolding, summarizing). These are often termed “universal design” features.

While examples are given for Microsoft Word, other word processing programs and presentation software may offer similar features, such as:* Automated outlining Think of students who struggle with writing and who* need to make revisions,
 * Highlighting of selected text;
 * Changes to text so that it can be easier to read;
 * Reading text aloud for auditory proofing;
 * Finding and correcting mistakes on the screen;
 * Links to a thesaurus or dictionary entry with one click;
 * Allow reformatting of text to structure note-taking by inserting space, questions, or comments;
 * Allow hidden comments to be made by the teacher or peers;
 * Allow teachers to create digital templates that can be easily manipulated.
 * || **Who does it help?**
 * need outlining to help get their ideas organized,
 * need more time for editing and revision,
 * require mini-lessons on editing skills, and/or
 * have trouble with spelling and grammar. ||

Note, recent open source efforts have made available OpenOffice which offers a free productivity suite of tools.