WHAT IS IT?
TypeIt4Me is an abbreviation-expansion program that works with most
software programs, including word processing and database programs.
For example, when using my “Personal” file, any time I type crm plus my
choice of “hot keys” (I use space or return), my initials magically become
my full name (thereby saving me twenty-four keystrokes!) Similarly, adr
space turns into my address, complete with zip code.
Features include:
- Inexpensive! This shareware is only $27, or $14 for the student
price. And that’s AFTER you try it for 30 days to see if you like
it!
- Easy! You can learn this program in minutes, and set up new files in seconds.
- Flexible! While it is “just” an abbreviation expansion program, TypeIt4Me can be tricked into providing many fun and useful supports for students.
- Unintrusive - TypeIt4Me runs “in the background” so no annoying windows pop up when you use it.
WHERE CAN I GET IT?
You can download the shareware verion of TypeIt4Me on the internet
at http://www.r-ettore.dircon.co.uk/
You can also print out an order form on that website, or pay online.
WHO WOULD FIND THIS USEFUL?
So, just what type of student might benefit from TypeIt4Me? Well,
it could be *you*! I find it quite helpful in speeding up my writing
- I have a “personal” file with name, address, phone #, etc. and
files for various topics I’m writing about, such as writing (6t = Six Traits
Writing). Students who might particularly benefit from this program
include:
- individuals who use the standard keyboard but with slow or laborious
entry (e.g., one finger typists);
- individuals who use an alternate keboard such as Discover Keyboard
or IntelliKeys;
- individuals who need “prompts” to help them with writing or academic
tasks
- individuals who consistently misspell specific words (e.g., hte =
the)
- individuals using scanning approaches for alphabetic entry
HOW - GENERAL TIPS:
Choosing abbreviations:
- Be careful not to choose an abbreviation, followed by a hot key that
equals another word you might use. For example, I started with add
<space> = my full address. It worked great until I was writing
a math article and typed . . . you guessed it add <space> - surprise!
my address popped up in an unwanted location!
- Abbreviations cannot include a space - for example, entering the
spelling word barrier reef as an abbreviation was not a successful use
of this program!
- Consider having a peer who could use keyboarding practice be the
person who enters abbreviations and expansions for new files (e.g., word
banks, spelling words).
HOW - SPECIFIC TRICKS:
Spelling: enter the correct spelling of the target word
as the abbreviation. The expansion is the correct spelling plus a
sentence using the word and (optional) verbal praise.
Example: desert = desert Terrific! The Sonoran desert
in Arizona is hot and dry.
Question? Why include the target word in the expansion?
Because the expansion replaces the abbreviation - if you don’t include
the correct spelling in the expansion, the student will type the word,
only to have it “disappear” before their eyes!
Hint: Use this with a talking word processor such as IntelliTalk
(www.intellitools.com) or Write OutLoud
(www.donjohnston.com) - that way the
student gets auditory as well as visual feedback.
Writing - Thematic Dictionary
Set up a mini-dictionary to accompany a particular unit (ancient Egypt,
parts of a cell, names of planets and their moons) or area of interest
(dinosaurs, basketball stars) of your student(s).
Example: enter as abbreviations the first two or three letters
of dinosaur names - when the student types the first two or three letters
plus <return> the dinosaur name is entered. ap = apatasaurus
tri = triceratops tyr = tyrannasaurus, etc.
Writing - Transition Words
Assume you are working on a minilesson on using transition words.
Your student can be reminded to use transition words by using those words
as abbreviations = expansions. The way this approach works is that
the student looks under the TypeIt4Me icon to check the transition word
list each time she begins a new sentence. This helps her to get ideas
of words that might be useful in writing an essay with more “flow.”
Example: first = first next = next therefore
= therefore
Reference: Do you need a good list of transition words?
Look at the list and sample on page 84 of Dynamite Writing by Melissa Forney
(e-mail: CRTVENDV@aol.com)
Hint: Since you have used the entire word as an abbreviation,
it will show up in the file words listing under the TypeIt4Me icon - then
the student can simply mouse click to choose the desired transition word,
and it will be entered into her work.
Writing - Word Banks
Students can brainstorm word lists, such as descriptive words for the
five senses. Make each sense a file, such as: Smell:
stinky, gross, perfumy, etc. Enter the entire word as the abbreviation,
and the same word as the expansion. Students simply choose the list
they want, and click on the desired word.
Writing - Organizational Prompts
Computerized webs are a terrific strategy for scaffolding students
in their early attempts to use writing strategies such as: five senses
in a descriptive passage, SPACE strategy to support early story writing,
WWWW1W2H1H2 to promote more sophisticated story structure. Inspiration
(www.inspiration.com) is one terrific
software for creating webs (see ready-made writing webs on the Write On!
Right Now! disk, carmussel@inficad.com). You say you don’t
have computerized webs yet?
TypeIt4Me can be set up to support students in organizing their writing.
Enter the short prompt as the abbreviation, then an explanatory prompt
for the expansion.
Examples:
File = SPACE STRATEGY
1-Setting = Setting - describe the main character, locale, and time
of the story
2-Purpose = Purpose - what is the goal of this story? Think about
your audience!
3-Action = Action - list several events to move your story forward
4-Conclusion = Conclusion - what are the results of the action?
5-Emotion = Emotion - what are the main character’s feelings and
reactions to key events in the story.
(see Harris, K. & Graham, S., 1996, Making the Writing Process
Work: Strategies for composition and self-regulation, Cambridge,
MA: Brookline Books, pp. 76-77 for a more complete description of
this strategy).
File = WWWWhat2How2
W = Who is the main character?
W = When does the story take place?
W = Where does the story take place?
What 1 = What does the main character do or want to do?
What 2 = What happens when the main character does or tries to do it?
How 1 = How does the story end?
How 2 = How does the main character feel?
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