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Idea Generator

Overview:

  • Idea generators are tools that help students come up with new ideas when they're stuck. By entering key words or a topic, the software suggests related terms and concepts to explore.

  • This is a type of software where users input key words or headings. The software then searches for similar terms, providing a list of related ideas. It can be used on its own or alongside other tools like story builders or templates.

  • This tool can help students overcome writer's block or idea generation issues. It provides new concepts and directions for their work, making it easier to start writing or brainstorming.

To see Idea Generators in action, check out this video: https://youtu.be/MCPJGEmhkp4?si=IDlXT21Vex1OCKjJ&t=179


Research

Wall, 2018

  • The study involved 32 grade four to seven students with writing challenges referred by their parents or teachers which evaluated the effectiveness of idea generation software and strategies on improving written expression.

  • Participants using idea generators technology combined with other strategy interventions separately showed the most significant improvement in writing.

Crossley, Muldner, & McNamara, 2016

  • The study examined college student essays to link idea generation (fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration) with assessments of writing quality and linguistic features.

  • Idea generators can help students produce writing samples with higher idea flexibility, originality, and elaboration.


Research Quick Facts

Advantages

  • Effective for students with learning disabilities who struggle with idea generation

  • Promotes independence and increases the amount of written work produced

  • Easy to use and doesn't require extensive training

Disadvantages

  • May be difficult to integrate with other assistive technology programs

  • Might not be suitable for every student's needs

To Consider

  • Trial the software with students before making a full commitment to ensure it meets their needs without losing the creativity of the student’s own ideas.

  • Technology is preferable for students struggling during the prewriting phase, especially after a short fifteen-minute training period and some practice to become comfortable with it.


Insights from Practice

To overcome the very common "I don't know what to write", idea generation can help students get started without outside assistance. May be helpful to adjust the amount of suggestions outputted if students are unable to pick from the long list of generated ideas.

Product
Price
OS Compatibility
Internet Reliance

Exact prices change frequently, which is why only approximate ranges are listed. 

$ - Under $5

$$ - Between $6 and $50

$$$ - Between $51 and $250

$$$$ - Over $250

References 

 

Crossley, S. A., Muldner, K., & McNamara, D. S. (2016). Idea generation in student writing: Computational assessments and links to successful writing. Written Communication, 33, 328-354.


Wall, F. B. (2020). Using Assistive Technology to Facilitate Idea Generation in Writing  for School Aged Children. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses.

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