#2 Computer

[Deb]

How does Melody’s computer change her life, her outlook on life, and her potential? Why does she name it Elvira?

[Jess]

Melody’s life changes drastically because of her computer. I loved how happy she was to be the center of attention, and in a good way. With her new computer she was able to put her thoughts to words and express how she was feeling, and how she was thinking. It changed her life is such a positive way. She felt as if she belonged and could finally participate in the classroom just like her classmates. It gave her more confidence and a better outlook on life. She is so excited and you can feel her happiness and joy as you read her words. Melody has a much more positive view regarding her future; she has hope she didn't have before. Naming her new computer “Elvira” was awesome. It fit so perfectly, and it was her little secret. Since “Elvira” was her favorite song it just makes sense that she named her first and most favorite new toy after her favorite song.

[Njblack]

Communication is such a key for Melody's life, it broadens her horizons and gives her the ability to show people how smart she really is. Her confidence grows along with her new way to communicate with the world, she has a "voice" for the first time in her life and it is very empowering for her. Melody's secret love of country music and naming her computer Elvira was perfect, it just fit so well. The expansion of Melody's world that the computer brings adds so many new dimensions and hope to her world.

[Karli]

Melody's life does a complete turn around after she is able to get the new computer. You could feel the true happiness that she felt when she was able to communicate for the first time. Before this Melody had all of the thoughts and knowledge in her head but it was unknown to everyone else. Through the computer she is able to show what she truly knows and express what she likes, enjoys, and wants. Melody becomes more positive and open to the idea of forming friendships, learning new concepts, and expressing herself. She has changed her view on life and realizes the potential that she has in school and life. The naming of her computer was very symbolic; by choosing to name her computer "Elvira" she is able to relate it to something that had been her favorite song.

[Lindsay]

The Medi talk completely changes Meldoy's life in several ways. For one she is finally able to say what she thinks and can communicate with anyone. It must be a huge, exciting change that she gladly takes and accepts the challenge of learning to use it. It also changes the way she is being spoken to and taken care of. People speak to her like a regular individual and she can now express when she needs to use the restroom or what she wants to eat. She feels like a regular person, to an extent, instead of some spastic handicap children as she referred to herself as. Her classmates also now can understand her and they realize she has thoughts so they also get the feeling that she is just like anyone else.
Her outlook on life is much brighter now that she can communicate, She feels as though besides doing physical things she can do anything she wants when she puts her smart mind to it. her potential for success in learning has now gone up because now besides her parents, her teachers are relaizing she is smart and needs to be challenged. They treat her as a regular student because this machine has helped her communicate and show them that underneath the disability she is incredibly smart and learns just as easily, if not better, than the rest of the students in the class.
She names the Medi talk Elvira because it came from her favorite song, as she states "yep my hearts on fire for Elvira!'

[Jenna]

Melody’s computer completely changes her outlook on life. It gives her so much more hope and makes her dreams start to come to life. She is able to tell her parents that she loves them and answer questions asked in class. Both of which she had never thought possible before she got her Medi-Talker. Melody can now prove to everyone that her brain is not affected by her physical disabilities. Her relationships start to grow and she makes more friends in her classroom. People want to be around her and hear what she has to say. Melody impresses her teachers and classmates with all of the knowledge she has stored over time and makes everyone laugh with her witty comments. Melody has much more hope for the future with the Medi-Talker and the people around her are finally noticing her potential. Melody chooses to name the Medi-Talker Elvira because it is her favorite song. The song sends colors through her mind just as she hopes the Medi-Talker can do for her life.

[Katelyn]

This computer is the best thing that could happen to Melody (besides being able to actually talk, walk, and control those parts of her). This computer allowed her to have a voice, it allowed her to have an opinion, it allowed her to be the individual that she was. Instead of relying on others to speak for her and to go through the complicated process of people “trying” to understand what is going on in her min, she was able to express it. This is huge! Something that Melody has been dreaming of her whole life. I noticed an attitude change in Melody in a lot of different aspects. There were more positive thoughts that were coming from her once she had more of this freedom of voice. She looked at things differently because she was not becoming involved in things that she was not able to before. This gave her hope that she needed. I think that Melody’s potential has always been the same because the computer did not make her smarter, it simply allowed her to speak out her intelligence. So in that context she has a higher potential for doing what she wants in school and in life in general because she can verbalize that. She calls the Medi-talker Elvira after the song that she loves.

[[deleted user]]

Melody’s computer changed her life entirely. One of the most important things was she was able to tell her mother she loved her. She has never had the opportunity to say a single word to her mom or dad. It was like she was learning how to walk for the first time. Her dad videotaped every moment of her learning to use her computer. Before she brought her computer to school, the first thing she thought was, “now I can talk to Rose!” It was very important to her to be able to talk to her friends and start to be a normal fifth grader. She could even my witty remarks to her peers that were unkind to her. Her potential as a student also improved. Because of her computer she could answer questions in class, take tests on her own, and even try out for the Whiz Kids team. When a child is in fifth grade the only thing they want is to fit in, and the computer is helping be someone.
Melody named her computer “Elvira” because her favorite song is “Elvira.” When she gets her computer she says, “my heart is on fire for Elvira.”

[Derek]

Although Melody can be seen and noticed at times, it feels like she actually comes alive when she receives her Medi-Talker. She has been a person trying to express herself trapped in a prison of a body. The computer allows her to talk and engage in conversation. She is finally able to tell her parents that she loves them, something she has always wanted to do. It truly is a groundbreaking moment, once she was able to communicate. She can now talk to her peers and teachers at school and let everyone around her know how she feels and what is on her mind. She realizes her dream has come true. She can't talk with her vocals, but she can still talk through her computer. She now has better outlook on life and feels her life has meaning. She names her computer Elvira after her favorite song. Really hoping she can put Claire and Molly in their place!

[Andrew]

Melody becomes connected with other people in a way she has never been able to be connected before. For the first time she can display her intelligence in a tangible way and have multileveled conversations with people, instead of relying on a limited vocabulary. This change dramatically improves her life. For Melody I think the true value of this computer is that she can now live up to her potential in academic pursuits. Rather than sit in the boredom of room H-5 listening to Dr. Seuss and children's music, Melody can now participate actively in her inclusion classes. I think the reason Melody names her computer Elvira is not only because it is her favorite song, but because of a deeper significance. If you have ever heard the song Elvira by the Oakridge Boys it is beautiful, I am not a fan of country music and even I have to admit Elvira is a beautiful song. The cacophony of the barbershop style singing blends so many voices in to one powerful voice, Melody must also blend all of the voices (from her father, mother, Mrs. V, and classmates) into one, to find her own true voice. Melody's greatest gain from the computer is her very freedom, to join the rest of the world and let her voice be heard.

[Jessica]

Melody’s computer changes her life drastically. Now she can speak more easily and also show her potential. Her potential doesn’t ever change but was never shown. Now that she can speak, she can show the world how smart she is, she can tell people about her disease and express that just because her body is handicap does not mean she is. It also greatly changes her outlook on life. She can now tell her family she loves them making their job less thankless. She can also develop friendships by communicating with them. She can also show the world who she is. Her outlook on life was dull and repetitive, now it is full of options. She can also defend herself and teach the ignorant. Melody’s computer gave her the gift she wanted most of all, to speak. So now that she can speak she has the chance to share her story!

[Emilee]

I thought it was so exciting when Melody received her new computer. It most definitely changed her life, every aspect. Being unable to communicate efficiently is something Melody struggled with pre-computer, now she is able to communicate with sentences as opposed to pointing to words on her tray. Although there still may be some frustrations, it without a doubt made it much easier for her to communicate with her parents, teachers, Drs, classmates etc. Not only can Melody now express how she is feeling, speak what is on her mind, and answer questions with more than a yes or no, she can even crack jokes and make people laugh too; what a great feeling that must be. Melody names her computer Elvira because that is her favorite song, of course! I thought that was pretty funny when I read it.

[Bethany]

The computer that Melody receives changes her life in a HUGE way. Before she had the computer she was not able to communicate in more that two word sentences at a time. By pointing to words on her tray she had to basically answer yes and no questions all day. But now she can communicate what she wants with whoever she wants. She starts showing other people that she is really smart and even proves to her family that she is learning and can respond to their conversations.
She names the computer Elvira because that is the name of her favorite song that she heard on the radio for the first time one day; she is super clever!

[Erin]

The Medi-Talk, interestingly enough, isn't a perfect machine. I know about dictation software pretty personally; my brother uses it to write and still I can find that he has difficulties with it. It's the same with the Medi-Talk, I think. Sometimes Melody can't always hit exactly the right word. Sometimes what she has in her head is just a little different than what that (or her previous plastic board) speaks for her. And I think us "normal people" have the same kind of communicative difficulties, too. How many times have we been on the verge of the perfect description of something when all the sudden--uh! What was that word again?

Jessica said: "Now that she can speak, she can show the world how smart she is, she can tell people about her disease and express that just because her body is handicap does not mean she is." I completely agree. And I also think it's pretty funny that Melody has pre-written come-backs for specific occurrences. She's ready for Claire's bitting remarks now. She's got a "smart-mouth" answer for people that are snooty about her condition. I think it's awesome that Melody finally gets to establish a personality that's shared with others!! She can be snarky! She can be moody!! What's more human than that?

[Amber]

Melody’s computer is what she has been waiting her whole life for. The computer allows her to put in a vast range of words, phrases, and anything she would want to say. It may take her hours at a time to insert one sentence, but it is worth it to Melody. Melody’s computer gives her the opportunity to be far more expressive than what her old board could ever compare to. This is as close to speaking as Melody has ever experienced. Getting this new computer gives Melody a greater, more positive outlook on life. She is finally able to tell her parents “I love you,” and communicate with everyone more freely. The computer also gives Melody a chance to participate in the classroom. Melody decides the name her computer Elvira, after the song “Elvira,” by the Oak Ridge Boys. She remembers being young and getting fed by her mother when the song came on. She was excited to hear the song she fell from her chair; but there was no way for anyone to know that she just enjoyed that song. Melody never tells anyone about this after she gets her computer. She decides to keep the name “Elvira” as her own personal secret. I really enjoyed seeing Melody get a chance to say (almost) what is really on her mind. The beginning of the book was so sad seeing her struggle with not being able to express her thoughts or emotions. This gave Melody a whole new life to live; which I thought was just amazing.

[Amber]

Erin wrote: "The Medi-Talk, interestingly enough, isn't a perfect machine. I know about dictation software pretty personally; my brother uses it to write and still I can find that he has difficulties with it. ..."
I definitely agree with you. It made me laugh to read your post because I also liked her pre-made comments. Even if she can't get the tone of voice she wants, she can still get it a smart-mouth reply when it's needed; which I think is pretty funny. I liked seeing her get a chance to show more of her personality.

[Amanda]

Melody gets the idea of having a computer that can talk for her after seeing Rose's new computer at school one day. Catherine and Mrs V help Melody research and find a computer that would help her communicate affectively. When her parents agree and insurance approves the computer her life changes completely. Although she has to program her computer so it knows all the words, phrases, and sentences she would want to say, which takes time, Melody is thrilled to finally be able to communicate her thoughts. The first thing she says to her parents is "i love you", which she has never been able to tell them before. Melody is finally able to express herself beyond the words that would fit on her wheel chair tray. She is able to make jokes with her family, give compliments, and share her opinions and feelings. When she takes the Medi-Talk to school she is able to communicate with her classmates better and start to participate in class. The students, and some of the teachers, still underestimate Melody some, and she is still unable to feel completely included, but she is finally able to answer questions, communicate with her aid, and say things to her classmates.
She names her computer Elvira after the song that she loves but was never able to communicate that she wanted to hear it again. Although she is now able to communicate she doesn't tell anyone that she has named her computer Elvira, it is kept to herself, just as her favorite song was for so long.

[Kelsey]

She names the computer Elvira because of the country song that she loves to hear so much. Nobody but Melody knows the name of her computer (and maybe nobody knows that it is her favorite song), but even so, it is Melody's well kept secret. The computer changes her life in the sense that it allows her to tell people that she does have thoughts in her head, that she knows what people say about her and ask in front of her. It shows people that even though she has physical limitations, her brain is functioning well, and better than most. It gives her the chance to tell her parents "I love you" when she was never able to say it before and wanted to more than anything. It gives her the opportunity to tell people that she likes their shoes or shirt, and it gives her the opportunity to tell a joke. While the machine helps her academically as well, I think what Melody appreciates most about it is the fact that it allows her to speak up and converse like the rest of the kids in school. To tell a friend you like their shirt or to tell someone a joke is something people take for granted, and although I know that Melody was thankful that she would be able to participate more in class and tell people what she needed, I think that the biggest difference it made was the fact that it allowed her to be as "normal" as possible.

[Sarah]

Melody has always wanted to be able to talk and really communicate. Her inability to do so has always made her very mad and frustrated. Melody is given a computer and this gives her the thing she has always wanted: to communicate. When Melody is given a computer, she is finally able to tell the world what she thinks and feels. She is given the gift of communication. Melody’s potential to make something of her and show the world that she is goes up a lot because she is able to talk. Melody is very happy and excited to be able to tell the world her thoughts. It is also exciting that she can now show everyone how intelligent she is since few people thought of her as smart. Her outlook on life is better since she is able to communicate with her family and those at school. At school, Melody is able to answer questions and be part of the group just like the others. She is able to contribute to the group and show the class and teachers what she knows. The computer is a helpful tool for all parts of her life. She named the computer Elvira because that was the name of her favorite song. The song lets Melody see good, bright colors and Melody believes that the computer will allow her and her life to be the same colors as the song. This is a good name because that was her favorite song and the computer is now her favorite toy.

[Katharine]

Melody’s computer gives her the chance to finally express her feelings. This opens her life up to friends, family, Mrs. V, and more. The song Elvira brings her happiness. I thought it was fitting for her to name her favorite song to the computer which also brings her happiness. The computer gives her a chance to say things she has never gotten to before like I love you to her parents. I’m pretty sure I wasn’t the only one who cried at that. This example was so touching and just exemplified how important the purchase of the computer was. The computer also gives her the chance to show the world what she is made of. Melody kicked butt on the practice test for the whiz competition which she couldn’t have done without it. I also wanted to add that this not only changes her life but her family’s and those who don’t know her. It gives her teachers and classmates a better understanding of who she is. It shows that she is human and has feelings and thoughts just like everyone else.

[Kait]

Elvira is truly life changing for Melody. For the first time ever, she can share all the thoughts and words streaming through her mind. Melody can finally communicate and participate. People can now know that she isn't just some girl in a wheelchair who can't talk or think. Yes, she is in a wheel chair but she has many thoughts, and now thanks to Elvira, she can share them. Elvira also changes Melody's outlook on life, she is so happy to be able to talk like a normal 5th grade girl, joke around and make friends. I loved that she programmed snotty remarks to use on Claire! She can finally reply to all of her insulting words and stick up for herself.

[Ashley]

Melody's computer changes her life forever because it finally allows her to speak. Before, she would have to point to words, or individual letters to spell the words that were not on her tray, then Catherine would say them aloud at school for her. Elvira gives Melody a voice; something she has never had before. Having her Medi-Talker makes her outlook so much more positive. Before Elvira, she was very frustrated with how others treated her and other miscommunications, but now she can make sure she gets her point across with her new technology. Therefore, she feels better about herself and her future. A few chapters after she gets Elvira, she is taking tests and getting perfect scores. This proves to the others (including Mr. Dimming and her fellow classmates) that her potential is very high and with the right training, can be used for the best. She names her Medi-Talker "Elvira" because that is her favorite song.

[Sarah]

The computer changes Melody's life. All of the sudden she can communicate, the only thing she has wanted to do her whole life. She can finally show the kids at school that she is really just like them. She can prove all the people that think she is mentally handicapped wrong. She can finally tell her parents she loves them which is all she ever wanted to do. (I seriously teared up while I read that part) she can prove to everyone, including her teachers, that she understands what is going on around her. The computer changed her life. I was so excited when her helper understood what she was trying to say about her fire d's new computer, how she wanted one just like hers.
Mrs. V was a computer champion! She was able to help in the process of getting the computer and jumping through the hoops to get it. Then when it came she loaded every possible word and phrase she could think of.
The computer gave melody her biggest wish, to be able to communicate. She secretly named it "Elvira" after her favorite song. She decided not to tell anyone though. But the awesome thing about that is she could if she wanted to.

[Alaina]

It changes her life greatly because she now has the ability to communicate with people around her. That has always been her dream. She now can talk to her classmates and be included in conversations. Her outlook on life is more positive because she has the ability to say what she needs and what she wants. She shows off her computer when she goes to school and a lot of people pay attention to her, which gives her a huge boost of self-confidence. She feels like she can conquer the world now. Her potential is so much greater now because she can participate in activities and she will be able to do things independently. Her computer increased her potential to the point where she was able to participate on the quiz team. She has opportunity to make more friends and talk to anyone she wants. She names her computer Elvira because the song has a great impact on her life and made her so happy when she listened to the song. Her computer made her feel the same way, she was so happy when she got her computer so she knew she had to name it that.

[Leigh Anne]

Melody's life changes greatly because of the computer. This gives her Medi talk, which gives her one of the greatest things in her life- a voice. Finally she can communicate with people! It helps her feel normal among the other classmates, and they can now talk to her as if she were a normal student, instead of an outsider that doesn't speak. With this gift of voice, she can look past her other challenges and open freely and communicate with everyone. She names the Medi talk Elvira because of her favorite country song.

[Sasha]

Melody's life is forever changed because of her computer. It not only gives her a voice but it also gives her the freedom to be who she wants to be, not just that girl in the wheelchair. She can now communicate with her family and classmates. And finally they see her not just as a disability but as an actual person who has thought and feelings. She chooses the name Elvira because it is her favorite song.

[Ashley]

Melody's computer gives her a much more positive outlook on life. She is no longer stuck in her head with her thoughts, or limited to just a few words on her board. She is finding it easier to be a part of the world and feel a sense of belonging. It gives her a new voice. Melody has always loved country music, and her favorite song was called Elvira. Since her new computer made her very happy, just like the song, she also named it Elvira.

[Nicolette]

Melody’s Medi-Talker changes her life significantly. This computer is essentially the voice that Melody had never had, but with her own words to communicate verbally with others. Almost daily she would hear of other students raving about the latest gadgets they had received. Melody wanted to share in those experiences, but at a level greater than that. Being able to speak has been a desire of Melody’s. When she saw Rose’s new computer, she knew there had to be a tool much greater than Rose’s that could help her communicate. Especially when she told Catherine she wanted a computer, but better! The Medi-Talker was already in existence and it was only a matter of time before Melody, Catherine, and Melody’s family discovered it! Melody has always had the potential to do amazing things. Heck, she already had been. Melody’s new computer paved way for her to demonstrate to others what she was all about! For years, her brain had been filling up with knowledge, words, jokes, ideas, and stories. But she was limited to who and how she could communicate with. Because of the Medi-Talker, Melody’s teachers are more confident in her abilities and are able to see that she does work hard for her grades. Melody EARNS her grades. The author also made it a point that us readers saw the importance of Melody’s abilities being acknowledged by her teachers, as well as her peers. I believe that Melody names her new tool “Elvira” because this is the name of one of the first few songs that brought joy to Melody. Where she began to connect music with colors and moods, in turn she was able to feel a sense of normalcy. Normalcy because music is something we all connect to. Melody is now able to connect to the world through Elvira.