WriteOnline Frequently Asked Questions
Using on and offline
Can I use WriteOnline without an Internet connection?
Yes – just use the installed version. This requires no Internet connection.
What happens if my Internet connection goes down while I am using the online version?
You can carry on using the program as normal. The only difference is that you won't be able to open or save files to your online folders. Instead, you can save files to your local computer.
Where should I save my documents?
We recommend that you save your documents in your online folders so that you can access them from anywhere. You can also save to your local computer or your network (use the drop-down at the top of the save dialog).
Why would I want to use the installed version?
Use the installed version if any of the following applies to you:
- You have no Internet connection or you have limited bandwidth
- Your firewall will not allow access to WriteOnline
- Your network does not allow local Java application caching
- You are not able to install Java on your Windows computers
The installed version is licensed for use on your site only – check the license agreement for the number of computers on which it may be installed.
Does the installed version work indefinitely?
Like the online version, the installed version will run for the duration of your subscription.
Why am I asked to log in when I’m using the installed version?
If you have an Internet connection, logging in gives you access to your online folders and applies the User Preferences stored in your profile.
Can I install WriteOnline on a network?
If your license agreement allows it, you can deploy WriteOnline across your network.
How do I update WriteOnline when I’m using the installed version?
You will be notified of new releases by email. To update the installed version, your Site Manager must download a new installer and install it on your computers. The online version updates automatically.
Word processor
Can I change the default font and line spacing for a particular student?
Yes – these are User Preferences that are automatically saved for the individual student, so it is remembered every time the program starts.
Can I increase size of the toolbar?
There are two sizes, large and small. The default is small. The size is saved as a User Preference.
Predictor
How do I make the predictor fit different ability levels?
The predictor level is set as a User Preference for the individual user. You can change between four levels with just one click, or you can fine tune it by individually setting a number of options, such as the size of the predictor database (from 250 words to 60,000 words), the size of the font, and the number of words predicted.
Can I add words to the predictor?
Words that are in any Wordbar that is currently open are automatically used in the predictor. So if you are working on a document about a specific topic and you have a relevant Wordbar open, all those words will be predicted too. The words are used by the predictor only while the Wordbar file is open (although it can be minimized or hidden by another Wordbar), so that the predictor uses the words only while you are working on this topic.
Do I have to use the mouse to access the predictor?
In addition to the mouse, you also have the choice of using your numeric keypad or the main number keys. You can change the keyboard options with a single click on the main screen. The predictor is also switch accessible (see Special Needs section).
How does the speech work with the predictor?
To hear any word in the prediction list, either right-click with the mouse, or hold Ctrl while you press the relevant number key. Students can keep trying words until they find the one they want.
One of my students doesn't like his friends to see he needs help. Is there anything he can do?
Both the predictor and the Wordbar can be individually minimized with a single click, and each can be made available again with a single click too.
I have a student who would be confused by grammatical prediction. Can I turn this off, so that words are only predicted once he has started to type a word?
Yes. In addition to selecting one of the four prediction levels, if you click on the 'Custom' button you can fine tune every aspect of the prediction, including whether you not you want the next word predicted before you have started typing it.
Special Needs
Is it possible to make all Wordbars and documents appear in high contrast colours, to make them accessible for users with visual impairments?
Yes – in the accessibility options you can set colours and fonts that will override all other settings.
How extensive are the scanning options?
There are very extensive options for both one and two-switch scanning. You can set detailed timing options, including debounce and acceptance delays. There is also a wide range of options for the way the cells are scanned, plus you can set sound options, including an auditory scan.
Can I make an onscreen keyboard available every time I start?
Yes, having chosen which onscreen keyboard to use, you can opt to have it opening automatically every time you start the program.
Wordbars
How many Wordbars can I open at once?
There is no limit to the number of Wordbars you can have open. Each one is available with a single click on its tab along the bottom of the Wordbar area.
Can I edit the layout of a Wordbar?
There are extensive editing options when you are in Wordbar Edit Mode. It is very intuitive to resize columns, add rows and columns, merge cells, etc. You can colour-code individual or groups of cells as well as the tabs themselves. And there's a multiple-level 'Undo' feature.
Can I add, move, or delete a tab?
You can do all three of these very easily in Edit Mode.
How easy is it to change or add a word in Wordbar?
You don't even have to go into Edit Mode to change the text. Just hold Shift, and click on the cell you want to change. You can turn this feature off if you don't want your students to have access to this.
When I have created a Wordbar, what's the easiest way of making that Wordbar available to my students?
Save the Wordbar to your Online folders, then go into your school's LearningGrids World site (the site is set up for you when you first subscribe to WriteOnline). Now simply copy the file into the folders of your students. With enhancements we are currently making to LearningGrids World, this will soon be even easier!
While using Wordbar or the predictor, if a student enters a whole word by mistake, is there a quick way of deleting it?
Just use the 'Delete Word' tool on the Wordbar toolbar.
I have a student who needs the same words every time he uses the program. How can I easily make these words available?
You can have a Wordbar opening automatically every time the program starts for this student. As well as being available in the Wordbar, the words will also appear in the predictor.
Do words have to be alphabetically sorted, or can I order them as I want?
It's your choice – you can have them alphabetically sorted, randomly sorted, or not sorted at all.
Can I add tooltips to Wordbar cells?
It's easy to add tooltips to any cell in Edit Mode.
Can I make tooltips speak?
You can't make tooltips speak. Instead, set up a text bubble. These stay on the screen until closed by the user, and they have a speak button.
How do I access ready-made Wordbars?
Click on the 'FREE Resources' button in Wordbar Explorer. Then you can browse through the many free files available from our LearningGrids World website and open them just like opening one of your own Wordbars. Wordbars are available in a wide variety of subject areas, and more are added every two weeks.
Subscriptions
What happens first when my school purchases a WriteOnline subscription?
You will receive a WriteOnline box containing a CD, User Guide and license document. You then complete the simple online registration procedure, which generates your CD activation key and also creates your LearningGrids World website.
You are then ready to install your CD, and for online access you simply import a list of your students and teachers into your LearningGrids World site.
If I buy a school subscription, how many students can have a login?
Provided your school is on a single site, all the students in your school get a login.
I work in a service that supports students in more than one school. Can I buy one subscription for all my students?
There are many Support Services with WriteOnline subscriptions. Please contact us for a price.
Can more than one student use the same login?
No. Each login is strictly personal to the individual student. Logins may never be shared, as this is contrary to the license agreement, and is a security risk for your users, who would be giving others access to their online folders.
Any other questions? Email us or call us on 01604 671691.
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