iWordQ US
By Keri Wilmot,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Text editing, word prediction not cheap, but less than most.
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iWordQ US
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What’s It About?
The IWORDQ US text editor app includes three different modes: reading, writing, and speaking. Each mode has varying features to aid the writing and editing process. Font size in any mode can be increased or decreased. A black color scheme option offers a black background with white text, which may help those with visual impairments. In traditional reading mode, indicated by the icon of the book in the top right menu bar, users select individual sentences or paragraphs they've typed and hear each individual sentence spoken out loud. This mode includes options for text chunking, varying the reading speed, and modifying the line and letter spacing of the text. Users may also touch different words on the screen to see them highlighted and hear them read aloud individually. Voice options for the reader include a male and female voice. In writing mode, kids can use the on-screen keyboard or a pair a keyboard with the iPad to write sentences, paragraphs, and reports. Kids can customize the word prediction feature to change the location, size, and amount of the words on the screen. Double tapping on words on the screen launches cut, copy, and paste functions, as well as options to replace, look up, share, and speak individual words. For another editing option, take a screenshot of the work and continue more editing on-screen by circling, underlining, and notating using various colors. Speaking mode, indicated by the bubble in the top right menu bar, allows users to highlight small areas of text or the entire document, and then listen to it being read from start to finish. If the device is paired with Apple TV, the work can be projected onto a compatible television. Information created in iWordQ US is saved as a TXT file, which users can send via AirDrop, save as a PDF, print, post on Facebook, or share as a message, email, or note.
Is It Any Good?
This is a helpful app that will aid kids who are just learning about or struggling with the complicated concepts of reading and writing. The writing process has a lot of steps that take kids years to master. Some kids, especially those with learning disabilities who are struggling writers and readers, can benefit from features such as word prediction and read-out-loud options to help reduce their frustration and improve their confidence when completing written assignments. iWordQ is not inexpensive, but in comparison to other text editors with similar features, it is not the most expensive option. Visually, iWordQ US is pretty plain. Within the app there are still many choices and options, but they aren't overwhelming. The app includes some useful features to try out that may offer writers some great long-term solutions and strategies.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how iWordQ US is a resource to help kids participate in the writing and editing process. Try out the word prediction and text-to-speech functions. Does your kid think these features help to get through the writing process faster, with fewer errors and more details?
Talk about the best ways to type. With an on-screen keyboard, kids like to use the iPad like a phone and text with their thumbs, which isn't very efficient for longer assignments. Many kids are learning to type, and trying to remember where the letters are on the keyboard. Do you have a keyboard to pair with the iPad, so when writing, your kids can try to use better typing skills and improve their speed?
App Details
- Device: iPad
- Subjects: Language & Reading: letter or word recognition, phonics, reading, spelling, text analysis, vocabulary, writing, writing clearly
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: applying information, Creativity: producing new content, Self-Direction: academic development, Communication: conveying messages effectively, multiple forms of expression, Collaboration: group projects, Tech Skills: digital creation, using and applying technology
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Release date: September 8, 2012
- Category: Education
- Publisher: Quillsoft Ltd.
- Version: 3.2.4
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 8.0 or later
- Last updated: February 12, 2019
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