ALSM Alphasmart (MM)

Dana By AlphaSmart Capabilities Expanded by New Writing Solution With Speech Output Technology Collaboration With Don Johnston Incorporated Produces Portable 'Talking Word Processor' Previewing at Closing the Gap Conference MINNEAPOLIS, (Closing the Gap Conference) and LOS GATOS, Calif., Oct. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today at the 22nd Annual Closing the Gap Conference, AlphaSmart, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALSM), a provider of technology solutions for education, will preview a new writing solution for Dana by AlphaSmart and Dana Wireless that combines a talking word processor, Write:OutLoud To Go from Don Johnston Incorporated, with its new AlphaSmart VoiceCard, which converts text to speech. A result of technical collaboration with Don Johnston Incorporated, the leader in learning intervention resources, the solution extends the Dana platform to deliver auditory support capabilities to early writers and those who struggle with the mechanics of writing. "This new writing solution underscores the importance of collaboration. By working together with Don Johnston Incorporated, we were able to combine their significant expertise in learning interventions, with our ability to create technology solutions that reduce the cost and complexity of computing," said Manish Kothari, president of AlphaSmart. "The result is a unique, affordable, easy-to-use solution that provides early writers and struggling students with an alternative way to master this essential skill." Write:OutLoud To Go provides learning supports that inspire students to evaluate the content of their writing and implement strategies to improve mechanics. Leveraging technology already designed into Dana, students simply plug the AlphaSmart VoiceCard into one of the computer companion's two SD slots and listen to their written words through headphones or speakers. Auditory support has been proven to have a powerful impact on students who struggle with writing, but until now was only available for use at the desktop. When combined with Dana, students enjoy a versatile, mobile writing solution that can be used anywhere, anytime, and educators benefit from a proven solution that fits their budget. "This collaboration is critical," said Don Johnston, chief executive officer of Don Johnston Incorporated. "It's essential that we continue to find new ways to provide the considerate supports diverse learners need to be active participants in the content areas. Write:OutLoud To Go and Dana -- by delivering auditory feedback -- accomplish this for so many students." Pricing and Availability Write:OutLoud To Go will begin shipping in November, and will be available for purchase with Dana from either AlphaSmart or Don Johnston Inc. For education discount pricing or more information, visit http://www.alphasmart.com/ or call toll-free 888-274-0680. AlphaSmart, Inc. AlphaSmart, Inc. is a provider of technology solutions for education and productivity. Its portable computer-companion products are used by students to enhance writing, keyboarding and comprehension, and have been adopted by more than 8,000 school districts in the United States and other countries. Based in Los Gatos, California, the company was founded in 1992 by former Apple Computer engineers. NOTE: AlphaSmart is a registered trademark of AlphaSmart, Inc. DATASOURCE: AlphaSmart, Inc. CONTACT: media, Carleen LeVasseur of AlphaSmart Public Relations, +1-408-264-6767, or Web site: http://www.alphasmart.com/

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