Using Penfriend Prediction with Topic Lexicons
The usual model of use for prediction is for users to have a personal lexicon that grows as they use it. The software bases its predictions on the start of what the user has typed so far in the word, but also on the words the user has already used, the number of times the words have been used, and how recently used.
Supporting the needs of such a user can be rather time consuming. For pupils who may not be long time users of prediction, it may be better to create a class lexicon or topic lexicons. It is important, using Penfriend, which usually saves a lexicon at the end of a session, that the teacher turns off this option in the ‘advanced options’ menu.
The lexicon is best place for this lexicon is to put it in a shared area of the network where pupils have read but not write access to the lexicon. The teacher can add words in a variety of ways while being sure that pupils cannot accidentally get rid of the lexicon.
