Mi-Co Software Empowers Edvocacy in its Quest to Identity Learning Disabilities in Children

Mi-Co, the mobile data capture software company, announced today that Edvocacy Research Corporation is using the Mi-Forms Software platform in its efforts to simplify and automate the identification of language-based learning disabilities in young children

Research Triangle Park, NC and Boston, MA (PRWEB) August 30, 2004 -- Mi-Co, the mobile data capture software company, announced today that Edvocacy Research Corporation is using the Mi-Forms Software platform in its efforts to simplify and automate the identification of language-based learning disabilities in young children. Previously, Edvocacy used the Mi-Forms technology in concert with the Logitech io Digital Pen in a pilot and demonstration mode. Edvocacy is now moving to Version 4 of the Mi-Forms System.

Geoff Cronin, CEO of Edvocacy, stated, "We have found the Mi-Forms Software System to be an efficient method of capturing information in the processes of screening and testing children for learning disabilities. For example, we have worked with Mi-Co staff in developing electronic data capture forms for the DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) System. DIBELS is the de facto standard for childhood literacy assessment. Combining the power of the Mi-Forms System with the Logitech io Digital Pen as the input device shows real promise in placing a system in the hands of educators that can be implemented on a broad scale. This is so important because if more screening is done, more children can be helped." For the 2003-2004 school year, 4540 schools are actively using the DIBELS Data System, across 1413 districts in 44 states and Canada, totaling over a million students (K-3).

Mi-Co is pleased to be working with the Edvocacy team," said Jim Clary, CEO of Mi-Co. Edvocacy's goals as a public charity include making early detection of learning impairments throughout all the school systems in America. In order to reach this goal, Edvocacy Research Corporation is identifying technologies that reduce the cost of capturing data in many locations and requires virtually no upfront training. Mi-Cos focus on mobile data capture with a handwriting interface has been specifically designed to meet the type of issues that Edvocacy faces."

Key components of the Mi-Forms Solution for Edvocacy include the ability to:

•   easily build and convert paper forms into electronic forms for use with Mi-Forms software and Logitech io Digital Pens for data capture
•   add any business rules to the data entry forms to increase the quality of the collected data
•   provide automatic data transfer to back end data bases from the io Digital Pen using the Mi-Forms data path technology
•   implement a cost effective data capture system that requires virtually no training for the end user (who simply uses the Logitech io Pen and then simply cradles the pen at the end of the day)

As additional screening tests are identified through out the US these will be incorporated into the Mi-Forms System being implemented by Edvocacy.

About Edvocacy
Edvocacy Research Corporation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity with a mission encompassing development and deployment of cost-effective interactive software applications that detect, measure, and track patterns of language-based learning dysfunction in young children; dissemination of leading-edge instructional practices for teaching children with learning disabilities in a mainstream, inclusive environment; support of ongoing application of innovations in technology and methodology to create early-detection solutions that are effective, cost-efficient, and accessible to all; public awareness and advocacy. Edvocacy is located in Concord, MA.

For more information visit www.edvocacy.org

About Mi-Co
Mi-Co, the mobile data capture company, provides digital writing software to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the entire process of capturing and using data. Mi-Co's end-to-end enterprise Mi-Forms Software System enables flexible forms design and the capture, handwriting verification and communication of forms based data for enterprise users. Mi-Forms supports enterprise data capture using the Tablet PC, Digital Pens, Pocket PCs and signature capture devices. Mi-Co is headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina and a Seattle, Washington customer service center. For more information on Mi-Co, visit www.mi-corporation.com .

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