Alphabet

This program helps teach the alphabet. There are thirteen sub-programs.

Select a program by clicking on the option and then click the “Enter” button to open the program.

Help

Click on the “Help” button to view the help contents. The help file opens in a separate window.

About

Click on the “About” button to view the profile of this company.

Enter

After selecting a sub-program, click on the “Enter” button to open the program.

Exit

To close this “Actions” program, click on the “Exit” button.

Note: In most of our matching and activity programs, the student must wait until the command voice has finished before he/she clicks on the object. For instance, the voice must finish “Match catching” before the student clicks on the catching picture. (If the student clicks on the catching picture before the voice command is finished, nothing will happen.) Therefore the teacher/parent needs to instruct the student to wait for the voice command to finish.

These sub-programs are:

1. Alphabet Matrix

Select the option “Alphabet Matrix” and click on the “Enter” button to open this program.

Here, all 26 letters appear in rows on the screen. When the mouse pointer is on a letter, the letter becomes bigger and there is a colorful animation. The program pronounces the name of the letter. If the student clicks on the letter, another screen appears with an object that starts with same initial letter, and text (for instance, “R FOR RADIO”). Clicking on this screen gives another example (R FOR RABBIT or R FOR ROSE, and so forth). Click on “BACK” to return to the initial “Alphabet Matrix” screen.

Auto Play
Check this box to run the “Alphabet Matrix” program automatically. The student can just sit back and watch. To stop the automatic run, uncheck the box.
Big Letter
This is selected by default. This screen displays capital letters.
Small letter
Click this option box to make the letters small.
Animation
This is selected by default. If this box is checked, colorful animation plays on top of the letter when mouse pointer is over it.
Done
Click on the “Done” button to close “Alphabet Matrix” and return to the main program.
2. Letter Sounds

Select the option “Letter Sounds” and click on the “ENTER” button to open this program.

Here, all 26 letters appear in rows on the screen. When the mouse pointer is on a letter, the letter becomes bigger and the computer voice pronounces the letter’s sound and gives an example of it use. For instance, [a] as in apple. It also shows a picture of an apple with its label and the computer voice says the word “apple”.

Note: Program will use one sound for each letter, so (for instance) the hard “c” as in cat but not the soft “c” as in circus. When an initial letter is a vowel, the program will use short vowels only, as in apple, egg, igloo, octopus, and umbrella.

Setting
Auto Play
Check this box to run the “Letter Sounds” program automatically. The student can just sit back and watch. To stop the automatic run, uncheck the box.
BIG LETTER
This is selected by default. This screen displays capital letters.
small letter
Click this option box to make the letters small.
Done
Click on the “Done” button to close “Letter Sounds” and return to the main program.
3. Alphabet with Words

Select the option “Alphabet with Words” and click on the “Enter” button to open this program.

This program helps teach letters and words starting with the selected letter.

First, the student selects or types a letter from the keypad at the bottom of the screen. (The student can select the letter by moving the mouse pointer onto it and clicking or by typing the letter from his/her keyboard.) A copy of that letter moves upward to a box on the left. Another copy of that letter moves from the box on the left to the first of a series of the boxes in the middle of the screen. The rest of the letters that spell the word will then appear in the remaining boxes. The program pronounces the letters and the word. An appropriate picture will appear to the right of the word.

Auto Play

Check this box to run the “Alphabet with Words” program automatically. The student can just sit back and watch. To stop the automatic run, uncheck the box.

Done
Click on the “Done” button to close this program.
4. Progressive Method

Click on “Progressive Method” and then click the “Enter” button to open this setting dialog box. The setting dialog box offers four categories of choices. These categories are Mode, Settings, Distracters, and Selection.

Mode
Training

This option is selected by default. When this is selected, the program can be used to train the student.

Test

Select this option to measure the student’s progress. The “Report” button under “Test” mode is enabled. The “Prompt” (the correct letter becomes green and any incorrect letters become red when the mouse pointer goes over them.) is disabled.

Report

This displays results of the “Test”. The report features are similar to those of “Matching Letters”.

Settings

Prompt

This option is selected by default. When this is checked, the correct letter becomes green and any incorrect letters become red when the mouse pointer goes over them. Uncheck this feature to disable it.
Command Text
This option is selected by default. When this is checked, the letter to be selected appears at the bottom of the screen. If unchecked, the letter won’t be visible.
Distracter

A “Distracter” here means an incorrect choice.

Alphabet
This option is selected by default. When this is selected, distracters are all letters.

Non-alphabet 
If this option is selected, distracters are not letters but some other items.

Mixed
Distracters are either letters or non-alphabet.
Selection
The first letter (A) is the default. The student can select any letter from the list shown under “Selection”.
Ok
Click on the “Ok” button to open this program.

This method is designed, to introduce the letters to the student one by one. This method allows the student to master the alphabet progressively.

This “Progressive Method” runs through seven stages:

Stage 1

Introduction. The selected letter moves from the left side to the center of the screen, and a character points to the letter and pronounces the name of the letter. This continues until the student clicks the “>>” button to move to the next stage.

Stage 2
Single Letter. In Stage 2, the student is asked to find the letter introduced in Stage1. When the student clicks on the letter, he/she is taken to the next stage.
Stage 3
One Distracter. The letter introduced in Stage 1 and another letter or picture as distracter are shown and the student is asked to find the letter. When the student clicks on the correct letter, the next “find” question comes up. As long as the student clicks on the correct letter, he/she stays in Stage 3. The student can move on to next stage by clicking the “>>” button. If the student clicks on the wrong letter, then the program returns the student to Stage 1, the Introduction Stage.
Stage 4

Two Distracters. In Stage 4, the letter introduced in Stage 1 and two other letters, or pictures as distracters are shown on the screen, and the student is asked to find the letter introduced in Stage 1. As long as the student clicks on the correct letter, the student remains in Stage 4. When the student clicks on a wrong letter, he/she is taken back to Stage 1. The student can move forward by clicking “>>” button.

Stage 5

Three Distracters. The letter is shown with three other letters or pictures as distracters. If the student clicks on the wrong letter, then the program returns the student to Stage 1, the Introduction Stage.

Stage 6

Combinations. The letter that the student identified in Stages 1 through 5 will appear as distracter or as the letter to be identified. Another letter, “A,” will also appear as a distracter or the letter to be identified. If the student clicks on the wrong letter, then the program returns the student to Stage 1, the Introduction Stage.

Stage 7
This is the last stage. In this Stage, the student is asked to identify all the letters, he/she has learned so far. If the student clicks on the wrong letter, then the program takes the student to Stage 1, the Introduction Stage.

>>

When the student clicks on the “>>” button, the program introduces the next letter in the list.

<<

At any time the student can move backward by clicking the “<<” button when the button is visible.
Done
Click on the “Done” button to close this program.
5. Matching Letters

Click on “Matching Letters” and then click the “Enter” button to open this program.

The default selections for this program are: Level 3, Training Mode, BIG LETTER, Regular Letter, Alphabet Distracter, Command Text, Prompt with Blink, Congratulatory Animation, and Select All.

Here a letter is shown at the top of the screen. The student is asked to click on the matching letter shown among others at the bottom of the screen.

Level 1
When this option is selected, one letter appears at the top of the screen. One letter is shown at the bottom of the screen to be matched with the one at the top, without any distracter.
Level 2
When this option is selected, one letter appears at the top of the screen. Two items (letters or pictures) are shown at the bottom of the screen to be matched with the letter at the top of the screen. There is one correct choice and one distracter. You can choose an Alphabet or Non-alphabet distracter. “Mixed” gets disabled.
Level 3
This level is selected by default. One letter appears at the top of the screen. When this option is selected, three items (letters or pictures) are shown at the bottom of the screen to be matched with the letter at the top of the screen. There is one correct choice and two distracters. You can choose an Alphabet or Non-alphabet, or “Mixed” distracter.
Training
The Training mode is selected by default. This program uses letters to train listening and matching skills.
Test
Here, the student can test him/herself. “Prompt” and “Congratulatory Animation” are disabled. The test results are recorded and “Report” becomes enabled.
Report

Only under ‘Test” mode is “Report” enabled. After doing any number of test problems, you can click on “Done” to see the report. When you click on “Done” the settings screen appears. Now click on the “Report” button to see test results. First the current test result will be shown with the date, starting time, end time, and level of the test. It also shows the percentage of correct answers. There are also buttons for showing test results in different forms. “Report” allows the teachers/parents to measure the student’s progress. The following are available.

Detailed Report 
This screen shows test results including the grade, object identified, distracters and time taken to finish the test.
View Old Records
If there are old test results, they will be shown on this screen. The current test result is always on top.
Bar Chart
If you wish to see test results on a bar chart, click this button.
Overalls
This button appears on the Bar Chart Screen. Here, the student can see the average of all test results in last ten days. Written vertically on the bar are: overall percentage of correct answers and date and starting time of the tests. When there are any old results, they will be shown, left to right from oldest to latest.
Right Arrow 
This changes the display to the next more recent set of test results. When the current test result is on the screen, this button is grayed.
Left Arrow
This changes the display to the previous set of test results. When this button is grayed, there is no earlier test to see.
On the top left corner, the display indicates which record is being shown out of total records.
Print
When this button is clicked, the printer prints the current screen.
Delete 
All existing records will be erased, if this button is clicked. (But a warning message box pops up and asks for confirmation.).
Done
Click on this button to close the screen and return to the previous screen.
Big Letter
This is selected by default. To use capital letters, select this option.
Small letter
To use small letters, select this option.
Letter Type
Regular 
This is selected by default. If this is selected, letters are in the program’s regular font and black.
Same Color 
If this is selected, the letters on top and bottom will be of the same color.
Different Color 
If this is selected, the letters on top and bottom will be of different colors.
Same Font 
If this is selected, the letters shown on top and bottom will be of the same font.
Different Font 
If this is selected, the letters shown on top and bottom will be of different fonts.
Mixed 
If this is selected, the letters shown on top and bottom will be of different fonts and different colors.
Distracter
Alphabet 
This option is selected by default. When this is selected, distracters are all letters.
Non-alphabet 
If this option is selected, distracters are not letters but some other items.
Mixed 
Distracters are either letters or non-letters.
Command Text
This option is selected by default. When this is checked, the letter to be selected appears at the bottom of the screen. If unchecked, the letter won’t be visible.
User Defined
This feature allows the teacher/parent to customize the screen by selecting particular matching letters, and distracters and choosing their locations on the screen.

When this box is checked, the next screen will be the “SELECTION” screen. This screen allows the teacher/parent to choose the matching letters (Letter to be identified) and its location on the screen. It also allows the teacher/parent to choose the distracter/s.

There are no distracters for Level 1. Therefore the teacher/parent should select only the matching letter.

For Level 2 and Level 3, the teacher/parent has to select the matching letter, its location, and distracters from the User Defined “selection” screen before clicking the “OK” button.

The picture-matching screen has a “Back” button. The student can return to the User Defined setting screen by clicking this button. Click the “Done” button to close the User Defined program.

Prompt(Blink)
This is checked by default. If the student fails to match the correct animal picture within ten seconds, the program guides him/her to the correct letter by making the letter blink. This is available for “Training” mode but disabled for “Test” mode.
Uncheck this box if the prompt is not needed in “Training” mode.
Congratulatory Animation
This box is checked by default. This is available only for the ‘Training” mode. When this is checked, clicking the correct letter invites a congratulatory animation. This animation runs for ten seconds. Click anywhere on the screen or press space bar to stop the congratulatory animation.
Uncheck the box if the student doesn’t need congratulatory animation.
Selection
Click on the check box to select or deselect the letter.
Select All
Check this box to select all letters. Uncheck to deselect.
Ok
Click this button to open this program after choosing settings.
Done
Click this button to close the program and return to the main menu.
6. Discriminating Letters

Click on “Discriminating Letters” and then click the “Enter” button to open this program.

Here, the student is asked to find and click on the correct letter shown on the screen.

The settings are the same as those of “Matching Letters”.

7. ABC Song

Click on “ABC Song” and then click the “Enter” button to open this program.

Here, the student has to click on the letters or type them in alphabetical order. Each time the student does this, the letter moves to its proper position among the teddy bears encircling the alphabet. When the letter reaches its position, the teddy bear it rests on starts dancing. After all of the letters are in place and all of the teddy bears are dancing, the computer plays the ABC song.

Settings

Keypad Style

ABC Order
This option is selected by default. When this option is selected, letters are displayed in a box on the screen (keypad) in alphabetical order.
Keyboard Style
If this option is selected, letters are displayed in a box on the screen (keypad) in the “qwerty” keyboard pattern.
Fast Letter
Typing This option is selected by default. The computer allows the student to type or click the letters without waiting for the last letter to reach its position.
Ok
Click this button to move on to the “ABC Song” program.
Done
Click this button to leave the “ABC Song” program.
8. Typing Letters

Click on “Typing Letters” and then click the “Enter” button to open this program.

This program helps the student to identify letters and begin to learn the alphabet in order. It also introduces the system keyboard.

Settings

Keypad Style

ABC Order
This option is selected by default. When this option is selected, letters are displayed in a box on the screen (keypad) in alphabetical order.
Keyboard Style
If this option is selected, letters are displayed in a box on the screen (keypad) in the “qwerty” keyboard pattern.

User Option

Letter Pad Prompt 
This option is selected by default. When it is checked, the letter to be typed or clicked on blinks, thus drawing the attention of the student. This option is available only for training mode.
Congratulatory Animation 
This box is checked by default. This is available only for the ‘Training’ mode. When this is checked, clicking the correct letter invites a congratulatory animation. This animation runs for ten seconds. Click anywhere on the screen or press the space bar to stop the congratulatory animation.
Uncheck the box if the student doesn’t need congratulatory animation.
Letters in Random Order 
This box is checked by default. If this box is checked, the computer asks for the letters in random order. When this box is unchecked, the computer asks the student to type or click on the letters in alphabetical order.

Mode

Training
The Training mode is selected by default. This program uses letters to train listening and matching skills.
Test
Here, the student can test him/herself. “Prompt” and “Congratulatory Animation” are disabled. The test results are recorded and “Report” becomes enabled.
Report
This displays results of the “Test”. The report features are similar to those of “Matching Letters”.
Ok
Click on this button to move to the “Typing Letters”program.
Done
Click on the “Done” button to close “Typing Letters” and return to the main program.
9. ABC Order

Click on “ABC Order” and then click the “Enter” button to open this program.

This program helps the student to learn letters in alphabetical order. Here, three boxes appear on the screen over the alphabet. A letter appears on the first box. The student is asked to type or click on the next two letters that follow.

Settings

Keypad Style

ABC Order 
This option box is selected by default. When this is selected, letters are displayed in a box on the screen (keypad) in alphabetical order.
Keyboard Style
When this option is selected, letters are displayed in a box on the screen (keypad) shown in “qwerty” keyboard pattern.

User Option

Fast Letter Typing 
This option is selected by default. The computer allows the student to type or click the letters without waiting for the last letter to reach its position.
Letter Pad Prompt 
This option is selected by default. When it is checked, the letter to be typed or clicked on blinks, thus drawing the attention of the student. This option is available only for training mode.
Congratulatory Animation
This checkbox is selected by default. After two subsequent letters are typed or clicked on, there will be a congratulatory animation. When unchecked, that animation will not appear. Click anywhere on the screen or press the space bar to stop the congratulatory animation.
Letters in Random Order 
This box is checked by default. If this box is checked, the computer asks for the letters in random order When this box is unchecked, the computer asks the student to type or click on the letters in alphabetical order.

Mode

Training
The Training mode is selected by default. This program uses letters to train listening and ordering skills.
Test
Here, the student can test him/herself. “Prompt” and “Congratulatory Animation” are disabled. The test results are recorded and “Report” becomes enabled.
Report
This displays results of the “Test”. The report features are similar to those of “Matching Letters”.
Ok
Click on this button to open this program.
Done
Click on the “Done” button to close “ABC Order” and return to the main program.
10. Alphabet Writing

Select the option “Alphabet Writing” and click on the “Enter” button to open this program.

This program helps the student learn how to form letters. If the check box “Without Model” is not selected, a model teacher shows how to write letters of the alphabet.

The empty outline of a letter appears. An arrow guides the student in drawing the letter. The student follows the arrow (without crossing the guidelines) to draw the letter. After the student completes the letter, he/she can click on the “Refresh” button to repeat the activity with same letter.

Refresh
Click on the “Refresh” button to start again.
Big Letter or small letter
This button is a toggle switch. Clicking on this button changes the program from big letters to small letters or vice-versa.
>> and <<
By clicking on “>>” or “<<” the student can view the next or the previous letter and set of activities.
Done
Click on the “Done” button to close “Alphabet Writing” and return to the main program.
11. Words and Pictures

Select the option “’Words and Pictures” and click on the “’Enter‘” button to open this program.

This program helps teach some words, their spelling, and the objects to which the words refer. The student has to type or click on the letters which form the word and then identify the object. There are ten categories of objects. Each has six words. The category “Fruit” is selected by default. Click on the “Categories” box to select another category.

Next Item
This button moves the program to the next item in the list.
Next Category
This button moves the program to the next category in the list.
Auto Play
Check this box to run the “Words and Pictures” program automatically; the student can just sit back and watch. To stop the automatic run, uncheck the box.
Settings

Keypad Style

ABC Order 
This option is selected by default. When this option is selected, letters are displayed in a box on the screen (keypad) in alphabetical order.
Keyboard
Style If this option is selected, letters are displayed in a box on the screen (keypad) in the “qwerty” keyboard pattern.
Fast Letter 
Typing This option is selected by default. The computer allows the student to type or click the letters without waiting for the last letter to reach its position.
Letter Pad Prompt
This option is selected by default. When it is checked, the letter to be typed or clicked on blinks, thus drawing the attention of the student. This option is available only for training mode.

Mode

Training

The Training mode is selected by default. This program uses letters to train listening and matching skills.
Test
Here, the student can test him/herself. “Letter Pad Prompt”, “Picture Prompt”, and “Congratulatory Animation” are disabled. The test results are recorded and “Report” becomes enabled.
Report

This displays results of the “Test”. The report features are similar to those of “Matching Letters”.

Done
When the student wants to close the screen and to move to the previous screen, click on this button.
Category

The category “Fruit” is selected by default. Click on the “Categories” box to select another category.

Prompt
Picture Prompt
This option is selected by default. When it is checked the correct picture blinks, thus drawing the attention of the student. This option is available only for training mode.
Reinforcer
Congratulatory Animation
This is selected by default. The congratulatory animation will appear after the correct word and the picture are clicked or typed. When unchecked, that animation will not appear. Click anywhere on the screen or press the space bar to stop the congratulatory animation.
Ok
Click on this button to go to the “’Words and Pictures” program.
Done
Click on the “Done” button to close “’Words and Pictures” and return to the main program.
12. Typing Words for Objects

Select the option “’Typing Words for Objects” and click on the “’Enter‘” button to open this program.

This program is similar to “Words and Pictures”. An object appears on the right side of the screen. The student has to type or click on the letters needed to spell the name of the object. After successfully spelling the name, the word appears again with one letter missing. The student should click on the missing letter. It will repeat the missing letter puzzle until “Next Item” or “Next Category” is clicked.

Settings

All settings are similar to the “Words and Pictures” program.
13. Connecting Dots

Select the option “Connecting Dots” and click on the “‘Enter’” button to open this program.

The student has to click on the lettered dots in alphabetical order. After completion, there is an animation.

This program consists of nine sections, including “AB”, “ABC”, “ABCD”, “ABCDEF” and so on from A to Z.

Refresh
Click on this button to retry the same program.
>>
Click on this button to move to the next section.
<<
To return to the earlier section, click on this button.
Prompt
On/Off

Off This is a toggle. When the prompt is on, the dot to be clicked flashes. When it is off, the dots do not flash.