If you are a slow
reader, try...
Tips from experts
Reading skills that work (video on reading faster and retaining information better)
Reading comprehension: Improving reading speed (video on "speed reading" techniques)
Text-to-speech software
Students who are slow readers can use text-to-speech software to help them read more quickly over time. All good text-to-speech programs (including the ones listed below) let you adjust the reading speed. To become a faster reader, as you use a text-to-speech program, increase the speed a little more as you become more comfortable with the program. Over time you will find that you read on your own more quickly, even without the program.
Kurzweil 3000
Kurzweil 3000 reads articles, books, and other materials out loud--including web pages. It also offers writing features, including word prediction, mind mapping, and outlining.
Who should use this? Students who have reading challenges such as dyslexia, who speak English as a second language, and students who learn best by listening. Students who need help with writing will also find it useful.
How does it work? Watch this reading demo to see Kurzweil 3000 in action. The program also offers very useful writing features; watch this video for details.
What does it cost? There is a free 30-day trial, and after that it is $700 per year.
How can I get it? Many colleges (including Skyline) offer Kurzweil 3000 as an accommodation for their students. Check with your school's resource center.
Read&Write
Read&Write reads text in EPUB books, Microsoft Word files, PDFs, websites, and Google Docs. It also offers writing tools such as outlines and word prediction.
Who should use this? Students who have reading challenges such as dyslexia, who speak English as a second language, and students who learn best by listening. Students who need help with writing will also find it useful.
How does it work? It comes in Windows, Mac, and Chrome Extension versions. Watch this demo of the Chrome version to see the tool in action.
What does it cost? The premium version is $145 per year. There is a free 30-day trial (with writing and other features); after that, you can continue using the basic reading features for free.
How can I get it? You can download Read&Write from TextHelp.
NaturalReader
This text-to-speech reader is easy to use. A basic free version reads text in most file formats and has a "floating bar" that reads text on webpages; premium versions let you create audio files from text, type with word prediction, and more. It's available on the Web and as Windows and Mac downloads.
Who should use this? Students who have reading challenges (like dyslexia), who speak English as a second language, who learn best by listening, and who need help focusing on what they are reading.
How does it work? Go to the NaturalReader Online webpage, or launch the desktop software, then copy in text or upload a file; the Play button and other controls are at the top of the screen. Go to the NaturalReader website. and scroll down the page to watch how-to videos.
What does it cost? The basic versions are free. NaturalReader for Windows and the Mac has premium versions that start at $99.50 (a one-time cost); NaturalReader Online's premium accounts start at $10 per month.
How can I get it? Go to NaturalReader Online to use the Web version, or download Windows or Mac software from the NaturalReader website.