focus area:
struggling readers
Developing reading skills is a major focus in the elementary grades where students receive explicit instruction in phonics and fluency. By the time students reach middle and high school, they are expected to have acquired a strong enough foundation in reading so that it no longer becomes the main focus of instruction, but a means of accessing content knowledge. Students with disabilities often have great difficulty as they advance grades and are expected to read more complex texts for their content area classes. In today's classrooms, technology can offer these students a way to access higher level texts, allowing them to more fully participate in the general education curriculum.
Research
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004 requires "State and Local Education Agencies to ensure that textbooks and related core instructional materials are provided to students with print disabilities in specialized formats in a timely manner." (1) Text-to-Speech (TTS) tools are a major component in providing students access to print materials. While studies have not shown conclusive evidence that TTS tools improve reading skills (2, 3), they do allow students to read text quicker and for a longer durations than they could on their own and may also improve attention when reading (4).
technology based solutions
NaturalReader - This program is a text-to-speech reader that can be used by students and adults. NaturalReader is perfect for students with reading difficulties because it allows them to hear the text as each word is highlighted on the page. This program is compatible with webpages, Word, and PDF files.
This software can be used by students who are reading below grade level in order to access more advanced texts. NaturalReader also allows the user to turn text into spoken mp3 files. These files could be listened to by students on their iPods or other devices to help them review class notes or other texts outside of school.
This software can be used by students who are reading below grade level in order to access more advanced texts. NaturalReader also allows the user to turn text into spoken mp3 files. These files could be listened to by students on their iPods or other devices to help them review class notes or other texts outside of school.
Adobe Reader: Read Out Loud Feature - Read Out Loud is a feature included in Adobe Reader that can read any accessible PDF file. It would most likely be used for upper elementary students and higher. Read Out Loud is a simple text-to-speech reader that provides auditory access to written material.
Read Out Loud can be used by teachers to read tests to students. I made this video to show how to accommodate a test for a student whose IEP specifies that (s)he needs tests read aloud. Teachers can also post notes in PDF format online. Students who wish to have the text read to them may take advantage of this option.
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Speak Selection for iPad - This feature is built into all iPhones and iPads and can be used by people of all ages. Speak Selection is able to read any text, whether it's a website, text editor, email, or text message. With a press of the screen, the user can select a piece of text and have the program read it to them, while highlighting each word. The user can also adjust the dialect and speaking rate.
This feature can be utilized for several educational purposes. Students who have access to an iPad can use Speak Selection to read books on iBook during literature units in English. They can also do internet research more easily by having higher level text read to them.
This feature can be utilized for several educational purposes. Students who have access to an iPad can use Speak Selection to read books on iBook during literature units in English. They can also do internet research more easily by having higher level text read to them.
More information
Technology Interventions for Reading and Written Language by Cheryl Wissick: This article provides a ton of AT tools for students with reading and writing difficulties.
WYNN Literacy Software uses a bi-modal approach to highlight text as it is spoken in order to transform text into understandable information that benefits readers of all ages and abilities.
AudioLiterate is a website where teachers and students can download free audiobooks.
Read: OutLoud 6: This software provides students with text-to-speech capabilities, along with several other study tools that support comprehension.
Kurzweil 3000 is a comprehensive learning software that comes equipped with powerful reading, writing, test taking, and study skill tools. It is especially helpful for students with learning disabilities and English learners.
WYNN Literacy Software uses a bi-modal approach to highlight text as it is spoken in order to transform text into understandable information that benefits readers of all ages and abilities.
AudioLiterate is a website where teachers and students can download free audiobooks.
Read: OutLoud 6: This software provides students with text-to-speech capabilities, along with several other study tools that support comprehension.
Kurzweil 3000 is a comprehensive learning software that comes equipped with powerful reading, writing, test taking, and study skill tools. It is especially helpful for students with learning disabilities and English learners.