新加坡

Dr Lee Wei Ling's article ("How I learnt to cope with dyslexia"; last Sunday) will strike a chord with families struggling with the impact of dyslexia.文件倉 She made many telling points, which deserve greater discussion.Her comment, "My dyslexia causes me fewer problems now than it did before. Thank goodness for word processors and spell checkers", was echoed by Dr Gordon Sherman at the International Dyslexia Association's conference in 2011.He suggested that technology will help level the playing field for those with dyslexia and other learning differences.Nowadays, there are readily available software and hardware to assist dyslexic learners.Audio recording software will reduce the challenge of note-taking. These audio recordings can be converted into notes using speech-to-text software.Also, dyslexics who find reading printed text difficult can use text-to-speech software to read to them.Dyslexics who prefer to create concepts and process information through images and diagrams can use mind-mapping software to help them organise and plan.存倉yslexics using word processors can use phonetic spell checkers, predictive text and speech input software to improve spelling.A talk for parents in Singapore last month by Emeritus Professor Angela Fawcett, a renowned researcher in dyslexia, suggested the use of these technologies for dyslexic children. However, a parent lamented that while her child could use technology in homework, tests and examinations are still hand-written.It is therefore wonderful that the Education Ministry has embarked on the FutureSchools@Singapore initiative.Computer-based writing is also being introduced for the A-level Mother Tongue Language "B" exam.The Dyslexia Association of Singapore has piloted the use of technology in screening and educational therapy.While technology will not replace good teaching, we are confident that its increasing use in classrooms will be a significant boost to helping dyslexic children overcome their learning difference.Lee SiangChief Operating OfficerDyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS) Group Executive DirectorDAS Association自存倉