While with Don Johnston, Inc. I worked on several educational software applications that were sold to K-12 school districts nationwide. Start-To-Finish was a high-interest, controlled-vocabulary series of books (CD-ROM, tape, paperback). Multiple reading formats and support options, such as word-by-word highlighting, are integrated into the application to provide teachers the tools to help challenged students.
The sample screens are from the Start-To-Finish version of Jules Vernes' 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. I worked on 72 titles in this best-selling series with responsibilities including: programming the shell, procuring and directing audio talent, hands-on project management, and the development of several authoring tools.
Classic novels were rewritten to allow students struggling with reading to be able to experience the standard canon of English literature.
Student data was tracked to provide evidence of progress at all stages of reading skill development.
Simple designs focused on a clear user interface to eliminate any distractions from the task at hand.
Word-by-word highlighing in sync with professional voice-over narration has proved to be one of the most effective methods for teaching literacy.
Dramatically rendered illustrations provided the students with visual landmarks within the literary landscape.
Multiple choice quizzes appeared at the end of each chapter and required completion before reading forward.
Quiz results were displayed to the student to encourage completion of each chapter in the book.
