home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
Shareware Overload
/
ShartewareOverload.cdr
/
educ
/
flashwrd.zip
/
FLASHWRD.DOC
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1990-11-30
|
4KB
|
99 lines
FLASHWORD
=========
Introduction
------------
FlashWord is a simple word recognition program, designed to flash words
at random on the computer screen, accompanied by musical notes. The
words used are stored in a word list file you create to match your
child's development. Each word appears for 5 seconds, or for a time you
set, during which time the child should speak the word aloud.
When the word disappears, pressing any key flashes the next word on
the screen. Either the child or a supervising adult can press the key,
although the child will want to do it. This encourages active play.
Two special keys on the numeric keypad are designed for parents. After
the word disappears, a parent or other adult can press the minus sign
(-) to repeat the previous word. This allows the child another chance
at a word.
The adult supervisor may also reward a correct answer by pressing the
plus (+) key on the numeric keypad. This causes the words "VERY
GOOD!!!" to appear on the screen, while a little tune plays. Don't use
this key for every correct answer, however. Psychologists tell us that
intermittent rewards are more effective, so press the reward key only
when the child masters a difficult word. After the reward, pressing any
key resumes the program.
To end the program, press <Esc> after any word selection.
Music is optional. To learn how to shut it off, read the next section.
Running FlashWord
-----------------
FlashWord is easy to run. Make sure that the FLASHWRD.EXE program,
and the WORDLIST.TXT file are on the same disk, or in the same
directory, then just give the command FLASHWRD <Enter>.
If you want to turn off the sound, add the "S" switch. NOTE: You can
still use the "+" reward key, and the music will play. The command
will look like this:
FLASHWRD S <Enter>
You may also alter the time each word appears on the screen. To do this,
add a number, in seconds, to the command. For example, to change from
the normal five seconds to a longer 7-second period, use this command:
FLASHWRD 7 <Enter>
To change the speed AND turn off sound, just use both a number and
letter after the FLASHWRD command. NOTE: The number must come first.
Here's an example, which sets the timing to 7 seconds and turns off the
sound, except for the reward key:
FLASHWRD 7S
Creating the Word List
----------------------
You must create your own word list for FlashWord. The list is stored in
the ASCII file WORDLIST.TXT. Use any ASCII text editor to create the
list, with one word per line. A carriage return should end each
line. Your file should look like this:
BOY
GIRL
DOG
CAT
You may include up to 300 words in your list....no more, but you can
use as few as two words. Don't include any blank lines in your word list
or FlashWord won't load the complete list.
NOTE: If you use a word processor to create a word list, be sure to
save it as an ASCII file. In Word Perfect, use the <Ctrl>-<F5> "Text
In/Out" command and select "Dos Text." In Microsoft Word, save the file
in the "Text Only" format in the Transfer Save menu. WordStar users
should start WordStar in its "non-document" mode to create or edit the
file. PC-Write files are OK as is. If you use another word processor,
see your manual for instructions on saving an ASCII file.
Notice
------
FlashWord is free, and is entered into the public domain. It
requires a color monitor, but that's the only requirement. I hope you
enjoy it. Thanks to Robert Ward for suggesting the program. I hope
Kimberly and Elizabeth have fun with it.
George Campbell
1472 Sixth St.
Los Osos, CA 93402
GEnie: G.CAMPBELL
CIS ID: 71571,222