Overview

Computers can be used to promote successful and more efficient reading experiences for students by offering alternative strategies. This module identifies software features and programs that enhance independent reading opportunities. Several software programs can make the computer a "virtual reading machine." Using text-to-speech technology enriches learning by having the computer highlight text and read it aloud as the student follows along.

Talking Word Processors

Talking word processors (TWP) are writing software programs that provide speech feedback as the student writes, echoing each letter as it is typed and each word as the spacebar is pressed. Many of these inexpensive programs, typically used to assist with writing, also incorporate powerful tools for reading. Students with learning disabilities find that having written material read aloud assists them to better edit, comprehend and organize. Once any file (story from a book, assignment, article, typed information, etc.) is imported into a talking word processor, the text can be read aloud to the student. These TWP programs offer other adjustments such as enlarging the size of the text and changing the color of the foreground, background and highlighting box to assist students in following along as the text is read.

TWP Features

These TWPs offer the ability to select from a variety of different voices, as well as adjust the rate and volume of the speech. Other features may include spell check, highlighting rates, word prediction or Internet connection. The table below offers program examples of different voices and adjusted rates. Adjusting these features can be very important for increased control and comprehension.

Examples

Write:Outloud (DJ, Inc.)
This TWP includes a spell check and several voices to choose from.

IntelliTalk II (IntelliTools)
Create or import text to be read in a variety of voices, fonts and backgrounds. Includes pre-made activities and the ability to create key palettes of graphics and word banks.

eReader (CAST)
This new version of Ultimate Reader includes an Internet button on its toolbar. When a student enters the Internet and brings up a web page, it opens in the TWP. The student then uses the software's commands to control the web page information read aloud.

Type & Talk (textHELP! Systems)
A simple, easy to use word processor will read text aloud, speak suggested corrections to incorrectly spelled words, or homophones, and help the user construct words and sentences using automatic word prediction. Helps to develop and strengthen literacy abilities.

Highlighting

WriteOutLoud

Text displayed in a talking word processor can be read word by word, sentence by sentence, or from beginning to end. As each word is spoken, it is "highlighted" or visually presented in a different color that can be set by the user. The TWP programs contain a variety of different voices for reading; the speed of the speech can also be adjusted. This means of reinforcing the look and sounds of words as they are read is very effective for students with disabilities and early readers.

Re-reading Text

Another program feature that helps with editing and comprehending information is the ability to re-read the text word by word, sentence by sentence or the total page, as often as the students wants.

Importing Text

New information can be imported into a talking word processor in a number of ways including:

• Typing directly into a file in the talking word processor.
• Copying text from another file or electronic resource (i.e., CD-ROM encyclopedia or Internet web page) and pasting it into the word processor.
• Using a scanner with OCR software to scan any text into a file. This converts printed text into a digital format.

Remember: Once text is in digital format it can be accessed and manipulated in a variety of ways.

Other Uses

• Some teachers already create many of their instructional materials on the computer; outlines, directions, worksheets. If the material is created on a computer, it can be imported into a talking word processor.
• Tests, quizzes and other assessments can be created, opened or copied into a talking word processor. This provides the means for independent student access.

Text & Screen Readers

In addition to dedicated talking word processors that read their own files as well as copied text, there are other "readers" available. As students get older and work in multiple programs, including web browsers and e-mail, we need to look at other options.

Text Readers

Text Readers are software programs that read all the text in any given document or application and often include other assistive features such as word prediction and spell check. Those with a reading disability, but with adequate vision most often use them.

Examples

Read & Write (textHELP)
This easy to use floating tool bar works with any Windows software program such as a word processor, spreadsheet, database, email or Internet options. It has five areas of support: speech feedback, screen reading, phonetic spell checker, word prediction, and thesaurus.(Windows)

TextAssist (Mindmaker, Inc.)
TextAssist is an easy-to-use application that converts text into speech. You can use it to read e-mail messages and text documents, and even with Internet chat rooms. Simply highlight text and let it go to work. It is fully customizable, offering several different voices that you can modify in pitch, volume, and speed.

TextAloud MP3 (NextUp Technologies)
TextAloud is a floating toolbar that lets you listen to text that you copy to the clipboard. As you highlight and copy text, the program begins to read it back to you. You can read any email message, text file or web page or save it to listen to later; it allows unlimited sizes so copy an entire eBook and save it as a file. The program uses Microsoft text-to-speech capabilities.

Wynn 2 (Freedom Scientific)
Used with a standard computer, WYNN lets you open a file and hear it read aloud or scan in a page using a flatbed scanner, and read that aloud. Several toolbars provide student options that include: to scan or edit any page by adding text or making corrections. Students can alter the way the page is presented on the screen as well as the way it is read aloud. To help students study, they can insert notes and bookmarks, highlight sections, or look up words in the dictionary.

Screen Readers

Screen readers read ALL the text elements on the screen, including menu bars, buttons and dialogue boxes and may include screen magnification features. They provide access to program navigation and written text for students with visual impairments.

Reading text aloud benefits anyone having difficulty reading information on the screen or for whom simultaneously hearing and reading text aids comprehension. Any the reading programs can also assist reading speed. Features within programs vary and should be investigated for each user.

Examples

JAWS (Freedom Scientific)
This popular full screen reader provides a way for blind computer users to access a wide variety of information and education related applications: browse the web, read or write e-mail messages, re-calculate spread sheets or access information in a data base. (Windows)

ScreenReader (textHELP! Systems)
ScreenReader is a user friendly utility tool bar that allows a PC to read text in any windows based application: word processor, spreadsheet, encyclopedia, web page, Help File, educational program, etc. With a floating menu bar, it reads text in any Windows application. (Windows 95/98, NT)

ZoomText Xtra Level 2 (AI Squared)
This program combines a screen reader with enlarged text. (Windows 95/98) $595.00

Scan to Speak Programs

Frequently, students need to have books or other printed material translated into digital format to have the computer read the text aloud to them. To do this several steps are necessary:

1. The text is scanned into the computer
2. Special OCR software translates it into digital format so it can be read and edited
3. Text is copied from the OCR software and pasted into the Talking Word Processor

These are OCR (optical character recognition) software programs packaged together with flat-bed scanners. They are sometimes referred to as "scan to speak" products.

Examples

Scanner + OmniPage Professional
Most scanners come bundled with OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software that converts printed materials into editable text within a word processor. Any scanner/OCR software bundle can be upgraded to Omnipage Professional. While bundled OCR software is usually good, upgrading to the professional version is better. You can scan directly into your word processor of choice and then manipulate the text to make it bigger, eliminate some text, insert explanations, etc. OmniPage Version 10.0 (Windows) also has a "Read Text Aloud" feature that reads the scanned text.

With these bundled products, scanning text into a word processor becomes simply a matter of selecting an item from the FILE pull-down menu (for Windows-based computers) or from the APPLE menu (for Macintosh computers.)

Kurzweil 1000 (Kurzweil Educational Systems)*
When used with a flatbed scanner and synthesized speech system, this software creates a reading tool for people who are blind or visually impaired, by converting the printed sword into speech. Several excellent speech synthesizer systems are available with Kurzweil 1000.(Windows)

Kurzweil 3000 (Kurzweil Educational Systems)*
For individuals with learning disabilities or a reading difficulty such as Dyslexia, Kurzweil 3000 software improves reading speed and comprehension by highlighting text as it is spoken aloud. Users can read along, take notes, and highlight right on the computer screen. In this version, words are highlighted in a contrasting color making tracking easier.

* prices can include a color flatbed scanner

WYNN (Freedom Scientific)
WYNN lets you open a file and hear it read aloud or, scan in a page using a flatbed scanner, and read that aloud. Once you open a page, you can edit it by adding text or making corrections. And, you can alter the way the page is presented on the screen as well as the way it is read aloud to you. To help you study, you can insert notes and bookmarks, highlight sections, or look up words in the dictionary. Files can be saved in a variety of formats to use on other computers.

Special Resources

There is a growing number of sites that offer scanned materials for students. Copyright issues are addressed at each site.

WATI's Scanned Text Exchange

Kentucky Scanning Network (coming!)

New York State Scanning Network (coming!)

Screen Magnification

Making the graphics and text on the screen larger can be helpful for students with learning disabilities and/or visual impairments. With total screen magnification, everything on the screen is enlarged: toolbars, menus, windows, etc. There are several ways to magnify items on the screen.

Operating Systems

One place to find screen magnification options is within your computer operating system. The following are suggestions as to where on your computer to find these "built in" enlargement options.

Windows Computers

Control Panel: Display Options
On a Windows-based computer system, the entire display interface is customizable. Sizes and colors of window titles, scroll bars, borders, menu text, icons, and other elements can be adjusted. High-contrast schemes and mode make it easier to see screen objects.

To adjust the display: Choose Start Choose Settings Choose Control Panel Choose Display Choose Appearance Select a large print or high contrast scheme

Accessories: Accessibility Program: Microsoft Magnifier
Microsoft Magnifier is a display utility that makes the screen more readable for some individuals with low vision. It displays a magnified portion of the screen in a separate window. You can move or resize the Magnifier window, or dock the window by dragging it to the edge of the screen. You can also alter the color scheme and contrast of the magnification window.

To start Microsoft Magnifier: Choose Start Choose Programs Choose Accessories Choose Accessibility Choose Magnifier

Macintosh Computers

Universal Access Tools
Universal Access Tools are utility programs that come with every copy of Mac OS 8.5 and are designed to make the computer system more accessible to individuals with disabilities. While the current version of the operating system does not allow the user to increase the size of the menus, scroll bars or mouse pointer, it does provide a magnification program called "CloseView." CloseView enables users to magnify screen contents up to 16 times.

Once CloseView is installed, the following keyboard commands facilitate its use:

• Turn CloseView On/Off Option Command O
• Turn Magnification On/Off Option Command X
• Increase Magnification Option Command ­
• Decrease Magnification Option Command ¯

Magnification Programs

Software programs are available that enlarge the size of the text and graphics on the screen, making them easier to see and read. Other programs offer partial screen enlargement of certain areas.

ZoomText Xtra 8.0 (AI Squared)
ZoomText Xtra software consists of two product levels: Level 1 is the most advanced screen magnifier on the market!
$395.00

Lunar for Windows (LS&S Group)
Lunar provides 2x to 32x enlargement with five different viewing modes.
$795.00

Web Resources

Screen Magnifiers Homepage

Magnification & Speech

Although magnification alone may make text easier to see for students with visual impairments, by adding speech to the enlarged words, reading and comprehension improves for many other students! This can be very beneficial for students with cognitive impairments, learning disabilities and visual impairments when reading information on the screen. The following suggestions provide ways to combine enlarged text with speech output.

Talking Word Processors

One way is to use a standard feature of any TWP and enlarge the size of the font from 12 pt. to a larger font, such as 24 pt. Import any text into a talking word processor, enlarge it and even change the color of the foreground and background. Then select a voice and the rate at which you want the text to read.

	12 pt. type
	14 pt. type

Examples

ZoomText Xtra 7.0 (AI Squared)
ZoomText Xtra software consists of two product levels: Level 1 is the most advanced screen magnifier on the market! Level 2 offers a fully integrated magnifier and screen reader - designed specifically for the low-vision computer user. Speaks all on-screen text, including menus, dialog boxes and controls. (Includes both large print & speech output)
$395.00

SuperNova (Dolphin Access Group)
This program includes all the features of LUNAR with speech. Reader/Magnifier for visually impaired computer users. It provides magnification, speech and Braille output in one package.
Windows 95/98: $845
Windows NT 4.0/Windows 2000: $1435

Readers for ebooks

E-Readers are the applications used to view available e-books that are often enhanced with music, external links, simulations and sound effects. Many offer additional features such as the ability to highlight text, bookmark a page, search a book for for a word or a name or look up an unfamiliar work in a dictionary.

Students who are blind or have learning disabilities use computers for reading text in an accessible format through a screen reading device and/or software that speaks words produced on the computer screen. E-Reader features include text-to-speech so that any e-book can be read aloud.

E-books are able to provide information in alternate formats to diverse learners, effectively reducing the "Digital Divide" that exists for students with disabilities. They are going to change how education is delivered and may reduce the cost of textbooks and print materials. Although e-books have great educational potential, publishers have been reluctant (due to intellectual property and industry standards) to move to this format. Recent legislation requiring instructional materials to be provided in alternate formats may encourage publishers to move quickly to resolve these issues.

In using the e-book version of The Tale of Peter Rabbit, as a student clicks on a word on a page several options become available: hearing the word, adding a highlight, copying the text or looking up its meaning.

No need to actually turn a page or look through an index. Finding other occurrences of a word is immediately available!

There are several popular free eReaders that can be downloaded to your computer to read any text file or e-book. Some include graphics, offer a 2-page view and provide ways to draw and take notes.

• Microsoft Reader (2.0) is a free e-book reader that will read any available e-book on your Windows computer and Pocket PC. After the Reader is installed, add the Text-to-Speech option to hear any eBook read aloud. In addition, you can create eBooks from any MS Word file by installing the Add-in feature; an icon on the Word toolbar will provide the means to do this. Using this feature, you can locate any e-text file (e.g. from Project Gutenberg website), copy/paste/save it as a MS Word file. Click the new toolbar button and the file is converted into the eBook format for Microsoft Reader; it is added to its library.

• Adobe Acrobat eBook Reader
  This free eReader allows you to read with 1 or 2 page format and brings in clear graphics. eBook publishers determine if a book can be printed or read aloud. Has both PC and Mac versions.

Comparing eBook Readers (Barnes & Noble)

eBook Sources

...and eBooks for all
Site provides updated information and resources to electronically published books.

Audible.com
Audible.com makes it possible to download or buy audio books, lectures, public radio programs, newspapers and more, to listen to at your desktop computer or with a portable device.

eBook Connections
Directory of e-book related sites including guides and reviews.

Knowledge Rush Book Directory
This directory of e-books is a work in progress and a community effort. It encourages users to contribute their favorite books and sites.

Resources

Lambropoulos, Dinos. A Virtual Paradise for Readers in E-link Newsletter Archives. Offers information on books for e-readers. November, 2002.

Meyer, A. & Rose, D. (2000). Learning to Read in the Computer Age. CAST Website: http://www.cast.org/udl/index.cfm?i=18

O'Neill, Jennifer (February 06, 2001). Book Industry Takes Lessons From Napster: Publishers try to deliver what you want in a digital book, but still turn a profit. PC World.

EBook Add-In Reader for Office 2000: Make any Word 2000 document into an EBook-format document. PC World, Apr 23, 2001

Poftak, Amy (April, 2001). Getting a Read on E-Books. Technology and Learning Network.

Sly, Rudolph (July, 2000). eReaders for Handheld and Palm-size PCs. PocketPC Magazine

Reading Sources

There are a wide variety of resources and software programs designed to promote literacy development. Some encourage exploration of words, sounds and relationships, others focus on specific curricular skills areas associated with literacy and reading; many incorporate read aloud features.

Several authors have created scales for determining the readability level of text: Dale-Chall, Fry, Flesch and Spache. A free resource using the Fry Formula that will give you general grade level of any written information can be found on Kathy Schrock's site. It includes directions for using Edward Fry's Readability Graph.

Materials for High Interest/Low Reading Level

These books are designed to motivate students who read on lower levels by combining interesting reading information with low vocabulary. Literacy resources include many books which can be scanned into the computer to be read aloud with special software programs.

Other sources include software series such as Start-to-Finish (Don Johnston, Inc) books that offer their stories in three formats: CD-ROM for a "talking" computer book, paperback book and audiocassette to provide different levels of reading intervention and support to promote independent reading. Over 60 titles are available in two reading levels 2/3 grade and 4/5 grade.

CD-ROM Story Books

The Cat in the Hat (Living Books: Broderbund)

For early readers, these programs provide an opportunity to hear a popular story read page by page. Words are highlighted as they are read. These programs also allow the user to interact with words and objects to amuse and further strengthen the development of language and labeling skills. Several offer word explanation or definition.

Several resources exist:

Ukandu Series (Don Johnston, Inc.)

Living Books (Broderbund)

Story Time Tales (P. King De-Baun)

Web LINK: Project LITT
This project gives profiles of over 200 Talking StoryBook software programs.

Are Talking Storybook Programs Effective? (pdf)
Article: Rena Lewis, in 1999-2000 issue of Closing the Gap.

Online Books

The Internet is another resource for stories and books for elementary students. Some sites offer stories at various reading levels to download. Some of them are "classics" or well-known eBooks; others can be found only online.

These stories can be read aloud with a screen reader or by importing them (with copy and paste commands) into talking word processing programs.

Examples

Online Book Page

Kids Domain

Traditional Stories Online

Children's Literature Web Guide

101 Fairy Tales and Fables

Classics for Young People

Story Plus
StoryPlus is an online children's publisher offering a large choice of stories. Some books are free, others have minimal charges (i.e. $1.00- $3.50). Format options in clued text only, text with audio, illustrated text and audio with illustrated text.

TumbleBooks
TumbleBooks™ are animated picture books, complete with text, music, sound and narration, for children five to eight years old. Purchase and download stories from the web. TumbleReader allows you to read the books on your computer or Pocket PC.

Project Intersect
The project offers digitized books and support materials to support comprehension and extend reading strategies. Includes subject archives and suggestions for curriculum integration.

Subcription Sites

Websites exist that require subscription opportunities to "users with print disabilities" to legally share books in specialized formats, including braille, audio or digitized text. Organizations that serve individuals with print disabilities may sponsor subscriptions for their students or clients.

"... it is not an infringement of copyright for an authorized entity to reproduce or to distribute copies of a previously published, non-dramatic literary work if such copies are reproduced or distributed in specialized formats exclusively for use by blind or other persons with disabilities." [Copyright Law, Chaffee Amendment, 17 U.S.C. § 121]

BookShare.Org
Site offers thousands of books for download by members in accessible digital formats. With wide range of current books, subscription available only to U.S. residents who have a visual or other print disability or to organizations that serve individuals with print disabilities. Go to the Demo page for book examples and reader features.

Accessible Book Collection
A collection of e-books where the reading level has been determined along with an interest level and the # of words. Includes Picture Books; where the pictures can be used in creating your own storybooks- subscribe for $49.95 per school year per school!

Reading Curricula

Several publishers offer series of computerized books and/or complete reading programs which offer literacy opportunities for students at different interest and reading levels. The programs often combine interactive software, quality print materials, with take-home materials. Digital versions lend themselves to easy adaptation for students with disabilities.

Software Resources

WiggleWorks (K-2); Literacy Place (K-6) Solares (Spanish K-6) Scholastic

Breakthrough to Literacy (K-2) Wright Groups

Start To Finish Books Series (high interest/low reading level) Don Johnston, Inc.
· Classic Adventures
· Nick Ford Mysteries

Ukandu Little Books (K-2) Don Johnston, Inc.

Stories & More (K-1) Riverdeep
Well-known children's storybooks are electronically reproduced and available with related activities.

Earobics (Pre-K - 3) Cognitive Concepts
Earobics Literacy Launch is a research-based early literacy solution designed to ensure that all students have the foundational skills they need to be successful readers.

Balanced Literacy (K-1) (IntelliTools)
This nine-unit program provides a complete year of literacy instruction at a first grade skill level. Over 117 story, pattern, and letter books provide ample opportunities for students to read

Literacy Resources

Technology in Literacy Resource
A print and online publication of the Technology in Literacy Education Special Interest Group of the International Reading Association. Provides articles, print & web resources and suggested uses of technology in the classroom on balanced literacy.

Reading Online Journal
The journal focuses on literacy practice and research in K-12 classrooms, including print, digital and visual uses. It looks to support professionals as they integrate technology in the classroom. We have included 2 articles for review:

Research on Children's Literature
A Chapter Summary from the Handbook of Reading Research
by Gwynne Ellen Ash, Bernice E. Cullinan and Lee Galda
(Posted April 2001)

Our Children's Future: Changing the Focus of Literacy and Literacy Instruction
Dr. Donald J. Leu presents foundational principles to guide educators as we transition from books to new forms of literacy and learning.
(Posted March 2000)

Reading Skills Development

This section provides examples of software programs that address specific literacy skill development. Such as letter and word recognition, comprehension and phonics.

Literacy Skills

Balanced literacy programs look to integrate writing and reading activities in elementary classrooms. Thematic units provide the content for both guided and independent activities for learning. Technology is seen as an integral support in these programs.

Bailey's Book House (Edmark)

Concepts

Some early software programs work on pre- and early reading language skills which focus on letter identification, word patterns, rhyming and early sound to letter associations. Children learn best when words are used within a context.

An Ocean Adventure (Edmark)

Comprehension

Other software programs focus on the development and assessment of reading skills at different grade levels. Reading activities include recognizing, building and comprehending hundreds of new words used in context. These programs are good for reading practice and portfolio assessment.

Simon Spells It Out (Don Johnson, Inc.)

Specific Skills

Software programs are available that focus on the development or strengthening of specific skills used in reading, including phonics, decoding words, sounding out words, parts of speech, spelling, etc.

Earobics (Thinking Publications)
Series of activities for elementary students designed to teach phonological awareness skills through an interactive educational game format

Lexia (Lexia Learning Systems)
Lexia's phonics-based interactive reading programs are designed to
facilitate the acquisition of decoding skills. Includes a Quick Reading Test to help identify specific skills to work on.

Alternate Strategies

With the easy-to-use Writing with Symbols word processing program, students who cannot read can follow the pictures that accompany any reading passage.This reading assistance program shows symbols of words above the actual written text and also speaks the picture/words out loud.

Writing with Symbols (Don Johnston, Inc.)