Watch PointScribe in Action. Understand.

It's day #2 of our KickStarter campaign.  We  now have 3 backers!

We have begun to put the word out to our contacts and connections, asking them in turn to share the news so that as many people as possible can be a part of bringing PointScribe to the Apple platform. 

To understand PointScribe's true power and why so many people are anticipating its introduction on the iPad and Apple computers, consider its origins. PointScribe was originally developed as a tool for use in Special Education students. It became a big success at teaching handwriting to the most challenged and challenging students.  

The young student in the video at right previously would not handwrite and now asks for time using PointScribe. PointScribe unlocks learning for this student. Listen as he surprises everyone by saying out loud a word that begins with the letter he is writing!

General education teachers, observing PointScribe in their schools, quickly saw how effectively and efficiently the program would translate to mainstream students as well.

All educators are quick to note that although there are other handwriting programs and applications available, only PointScribe collects, analyzes, and reports data, then uses that data to automate a cycle of teaching, assessment, and intervention. It may play like a game and be an activity that kids love, but above all, PointScribe has the depth and breadth that educators demand from educational technology. 

PointScribe for the iPad and Apple Mac

Everyday we get calls and emails from people asking us WHEN PointScribe will be available for the iPad and Apple computers.

Here's the plan:
PointScribe is fast building momentum in the educational marketplace. However, even though sales are growing, they are not growing fast enough to fuel software development for iPad and Apple computers right now.

It's simple math:
The demand for PointScribe on the Mac/iPad platforms is loud and clear, but we don't have the capital on hand to respond aggressively. As we were pondering how to address this situation in a way that would meet the demands of our customers, and be fiscally responsible, we found out about KickStarter.com.

If you are genuinely interested in being a part of making the world's greatest handwriting software available on the Mac and iPad, we hope you'll consider getting involved with our Kickstarter campaign.

www.kickstarter.com/projects/pointscribe/pointscribe-for-the-apple-mac-and-ipad-platforms

Please help us spread the word about our 45-day campaign! The clock is ticking.

It's ALL or NOTHING:  If we are fully funded via pledges, we get the funding, if not, we get no funds.

Where Video Gaming Meets Handwriting

I'll admit, when my boys were young (they are now in college) I tried to steer them away from spending "too much" time in front of the computer or TV playing video games. My motto, "everything in moderation" was tough to enforce and I didn't always do a stellar job. Today, they seem no worse for wear.

That said, now that I work with a software intended for use with children, I see the flip side.  While I would never advocate for anyone to plan themselves for hours in front of any software including PointScribe, I can say without a doubt, those video game developers completely understand how to captivate and engage their audience.

Many of their techniques are now built into PointScribe and arguably are essential pieces of what has made it so successful. Yeah, there's an awful lot of learning and skill development going on, but that's all made possible because kids like "playing" PointScribe.

• Dynamic music and animations provide cues for proper letter/shape formation.
• "Players' can customize elements of their digital environment. 
• Reward and alert sounds give instant feedback.
• On-screen scoring graphics show achievement, and, progress toward goal.
• Challenge level automatically advances as "player" proficiency increases. 

For as much bad press as videos game with respect to certain aspects of child development, I believe that there is a lot to be learned.  In the digital age of the 21st century, video game developers unequivocably succeeded at capturing the attention of their audience. We'd be remiss if we didn't learn from their success.

If you can't beat 'em ...learn from 'em.

My Favorite Quotation About Handwriting

My favorite quotation about handwriting, isn't actually "about" handwriting. It's more about what handwriting represents:

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day.

Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. 

It's a well-known Chinese proverb, and what I have printed on the back of my business cards. 

Every single day, I sit down in front of my computer to step through what "Google Alerts" has captured for me. And every single day, there's at least one article with the phrase "death of handwriting" in the title or first line. 

Really? Aren't we getting ahead of ourselves? Cursive writing is no longer a required element in many schools. Is that really the death knell for handwriting?

• Learning your ABCs. Learning to read.
• Notes left on windshields or co-worker's desks.
• Greeting cards, thank yous, love letters.
• Signatures on forms, applications, legal documents.
• Essays for the SATs, ACTs and other entrance exams.
• Notes passed in class. Homework assignments.
• Writing your name for the very first time.
• Great ideas that come when you don't have a "device" handy.
• When the power goes out.
• When the power stays out.
• Board games. 
• Grocery lists, plans.
• Decorating a cake. 
• Notes to self. 

Well, you get the idea. If you are only able to communicate within the confines of electronic devices, how much are you missing?

What's in a Name? Everything!

Sharpening fine motor skills. Forging connections in neuro-pathways. Thinking things through more clearly. All these are benefits of learning to hand write in young children.  As I watch all of the little kids parade past my house each morning on their way to the neighborhood elementary school, I can think of one more: self-confidence and identity.

There's just nothing like watching a young child write his name for the first time. What an accomplishment. Congratulations to all of our young students and their teachers who are making this journey for the first time!