An Update on MyStudyBar - USB

I've had some frustration with MyStudyBar on the USB.  So, I went through each application, and gave a quick review.  I was pleased to find that more was working than I previously thought!

Planning

Xmind - Mind Mapping

*Good tool.  Can export and print.  Works well.

Sunbird - Portable Calendar

* Add events.  Can save, organize through colours.  Works well.

Hott Notes - Sticky Notes

* Post reminders, change colours, print.  Works well.

Reading

T-Bar - Screen Masking

* Rectangular overlay.  Okay.

Rapid Set - Change Colours

*Changes background and font colour of document.  Works.

Vu-Bar - Screen Ruler

* Overlay strip.  Okay.

SS Overlay - Screen Tint

* Colour tints whole screen.  Okay.

Orato - Text Reader 

* Different voices available on different machines.  Will work with MS Anna (good) and MS Michael (a slow, mechanical voice that ran together) if available.

Writing

Let Me Type - Word Prediction

* You have to create your own dictionary (good for specific topics).  Does not correct spelling.

Lingoes - Talking Dictionary

* Needs update.  Update failed.  

Balbolka - Writing Support - MP3

* Reads any text you type or paste in the box.  Again, limited voices.  (MS Michael, MS Michelle, MS Sam)  (Changing the pitch and rate options make it much better!) 

Tiny Spell - Spell Checking

* Little box w/ options for spelling stays active in any program.  Very good!

Rapid Typing - Touch Type Tutor

* Typing practice.  Okay.

Vision

Magnifier - Screen Magnifier

* Rectangular magnifier on screen.  Works well.

Sonar - Curser Ring

* A big, red outlined circle.  Okay.

Thunder - Screen Reader

* Literally reads everything you click on.  Again, limited voices, customization available.  Good!

Voice

* not supported

Depending on the computer, some things work, some things don't.  It really just seems to be trial and error!  With everything working on the netbooks though, that would be a good opportunity for students to familiarize themselves with MyStudyBar, then they could be introduced to the USB drive version.  This sequence would allow students to experience some success with the program first and eliminate minimize their frustration when introduced to the program on the USB drive.