Read & Write
Read & Write Overview and Toolbars
Read&Write for Google is a chrome extension that provides comprehensive reading and writing support for both special education and general education students. The extension supports Google Docs, Google Slides, PDFs, ePubs, and web pages when using a Chrome browser on an OSX, Windows, or Chrome OS device. Students can use Read&Write to read documents, conduct online research, create online presentations, and write collaboratively with other students or individually.
Read&Write for Google has been "pushed out" to all student accounts in the district, allowing all students to access it whenever they open Google Chrome.
To access Read&Write, a student will simply click on the "purple puzzle piece" . When it opens, a Toolbar will open. The specific toolbar that will open will depend on whether a student is working in Google Docs, on a webpage, with PDF Reader, or in Google Slides.
In order for staff to use Read & Write, it must be added to Chrome in the Chrome Web Store and granted permissions to access content in the browser. In other words, in order to use the full features of the extension, three criteria must be in place:
users must log into their Chrome browser*
use their Edmonds email address
enable permissions for Read&Write for Google Chrome.
Tip: After logging in, users should see a small purple “RW” puzzle icon in the address bar near the bookmarks star. If it is not there, you may need to quit your browser, sign out, and sign back in with your Edmonds email.
You may also need to check to see if the Read&Write extension is enabled. One way to check is to type “chrome://extensions” in your address bar. Scroll down to find the R&W extension and confirm that the slider icon is blue to indicate that it is turned on.
It should look like this (right).
Once you see the RW puzzle icon, navigate to any Google Doc. The Read&Write icon will appear below the address bar. Click on it. A permissions dialog will appear. You must select “Allow” in order to enable permissions. If you have been using Read&Write, a permissions dialog may not appear. Refreshing your browser may be necessary in order for all features to work.
Reading Tools: The reading features of Read&Write for Google include such reading tools as text-to-speech, word and picture dictionaries, translation, online web search, highlighting, exporting passages and vocabulary words, screen masking, creating vocabulary lists, and reading aloud practice.
(For tool descriptions, see Read&Write Quick Reference Guide)
The Four Read&Write Toolbars
(see also: Read&Write Quick reference guide)
1. Google Docs Toolbar - for reading Google Documents:
Note: the translator icon is labeled incorrectly. It is actually the icon with intersecting arrows that precedes the aqua highlighter!
2. Web Toolbar - for reading web pages - all tools above can be used, plus:
3. PDF and ePub Toolbar - for reading converted PDF and image files using Read&Write PDF Reader:
4. Google Slides Toolbar - for when working in Google Slides:
Note: All toolbars have an Options button at the end of the toolbar. Clicking on Options allows students to change the speech, toolbar features (add/remove), prediction, language, and screen masking.
Read & Write Options Feature
On the right side of the Read&Write toolbars, clicking on the purple downward arrow icon allows you to change the settings by selecting "Options".
Once clicked, the page opens to:
Options allows you to change the voice, the reading speed, number of guesses in word prediction (1-10), the background and reading colors of screen masking, the language (English, English UK, Spanish, French, Dutch, Portuguese, Malay), and the feature tools you want to add or remove from the Read&Write toolbar(s).
To have text read after each word, check the box next to 'Speak on each word'.
To have text read after each sentence, check the box next to 'Speak on each sentence'. Click 'OK'.
The program will read each word after the word is typed and the space bar is pressed. It will read sentences after the punctuation mark is typed. It will not read single words that are followed by punctuation and it will not read sentences if the space bar is pressed after the punctuation is typed. Watch a video about this tool with one of our very own Tech Coaches!
Read & Write Quick Reference Guide
Click here to find the Read&Write Quick reference guide! Be sure to select the latest version for Chrome. It will look like this:
Bookmark this page or print a copy of the Guide and keep it close at hand when learning about this tool.
Read & Write PDF Reader
As part of Read&Write, students have access to the PDF Reader. The Read&Write for Google PDF Reader will retain the basic format of a PDF while allowing a student to use the Read&Write for Google features to:
Read text aloud
Look up words in the Dictionary and Picture Dictionary
Translate words
Add text annotations using Word Prediction, typing, and/or voice
Highlight text
Build vocabulary lists
Getting Started w/PDFs bit.ly/rw-PDF
Accessing: To get started in using the PDF Reader Extension on the Chromebook, open a PDF from Google Drive by right clicking on it and choosing "Open With…" and then Read&Write for Google Chrome. When you initially do this for first time, the Install Extension page will open. Click on the Install Now button:
Using the PDF and EPUB Toolbar for Reading Text:
To Hear Text Read Aloud continuously click on the Click to Speak button first, then on the text where you want the reading to start. The reading will be continuous until you click on the Click to Speak button again to stop.
If you want to hear only a word or a few words or sentences read aloud at one time, click on the word(s) or sentences to highlight and then the Play button. Use the Pause and Stop button to pause and stop the reading.
Using The PDF and EPUB Toolbar for Fill-In in the Blanks and Worksheets:
To add an annotation, click on the "T" (Typewriter) icon on the toolbar, click where you want to insert your text, start typing in the Typewriter box. When finished, either move the cursor out of the box and then click or click on the pink check mark icon (Add Typewriter button) to insert the text.
Annotations can also be inserted using one's voice by clicking on the Talk&Type (headphone mic) icon. Speak to add text, click on the Talk&Type icon when finished speaking. Close Typewriter box to insert text into document.
Other tools that can be used when the "T" Typewriter icon is clicked and the typewriter box appears, include Word Prediction, enlarge or decrease text size, read annotation read aloud, and delete text.
To move and position annotations directly on a line of a worksheet or, anywhere on the document, click on the 4-arrow-way icon and while holding the mouse (or touchpad) down, drag the text box to wherever you want your text to be placed and then release.
More information available at: bit.ly/RWscan15
How to Access Read & Write for Staff
For students, the extension has been pushed out district-wide. As a result, it will automatically appear among extensions.
For staff, it must be added from the Chrome Web Store. Search for “Read&Write” and click “add to chrome”.
Then, you will need to grant permissions for the extension to access your browser activity. You must be using the Chrome browser with your Edmonds account, as this tool has been purchased and provided for the district under these conditions.
Again, it is important to note that, in order to use the full features of the extension, three criteria must be in place:
users must log into their Chrome browser*, with the extension "added to Chrome"
use their Edmonds email address, and
enable permissions for Read&Write for Google Chrome.
*After logging in, and adding the extension, you should see a small purple “RW” puzzle icon in the address bar near the bookmarks star. If you do not see it, you may need to quit your browser (Chrome > Quit Google Chrome) and sign back in with your Edmonds email.
Once you see the RW puzzle icon, navigate to any Google Doc. The Read&Write icon will appear below the address bar. Click on it. A permissions dialog will appear. You must select “Allow” in order to enable permissions. If you have been using Read&Write, a permissions dialog may not appear. Refreshing your browser may be necessary in order for all features to work.
Read & Write Tools for the Writing Process
Read-Write-for-Google-Chrome-Writing-Process-Guide-5-19.pdfActive Reading Strategies with Read & Write
Read & Write for Google Chrome Materials for Training
What is this tool all about?
Read & Write (RW) for Google Chrome is a Chrome extension that provides various tools to support reading, writing, and vocabulary within Google Docs, Slides, web pages, and PDFs when using a Chrome browser. All staff and students in the Edmonds School District have access to the extension and it can be used by clicking on the purple puzzle piece in the extensions area.
What exactly is an extension?
Chrome extensions are small and often free software programs created by developers to “modify and enhance the Chrome browser.” They are found usually in the top right corner of your Chrome browser. Users typically download and install extensions from the Chrome web store for the purpose of improving their online and/or offline workflow. See instructions below regarding this process.
Watch a 2 minute video about this tool.
Part 1: Overview
Essential Question: How can Read & Write for Google help your students?
Reading Tools: The reading features include such reading tools as text-to-speech, word and picture dictionaries, translation, online web search, highlighting, exporting passages and vocabulary words, screen masking, creating vocabulary lists, and read aloud practice.
Writing Tools: Although RW is primarily used as a text reader, it has some writing accommodation tools that can be useful as students compose their own sentences. These features include:
Text-to-speech or Listening to Text Read Aloud: Reads words or sentences aloud as a student writes. This provides assistance in listening for proper usage of grammar, syntax, and punctuation. It also reads aloud whole paragraphs of written work to assist with the editing process, allowing the user to hear the overall quality and organization of the writing.
Word prediction: Predicts the word being typed, as a student writes, assisting with spelling and proper sentence structure. (Note that Co:Writer is more robust for this purpose.)
Speech-to-Text or Voice-Typing: Allows a student to use his voice to dictate a word or multiple complete sentences, which turns spoken words into text.
Fact Finder: Allows a student to quickly perform a web search when, for example, working on a research paper or fact-finding assignment.
Talking Dictionary: Provides definitions of words, allowing for an expansion of vocabulary usage in a student's writing.
>>>> Don't miss the Overview and Toolbars, Quick reference guide! <<<<
Open either one of these links while exploring this training for extra guidance.
2. How can I set up RW?
For students, the extension has been pushed out district-wide. As a result, it will automatically appear among extensions.
For staff, it must be added from the Chrome Web Store. Search for “Read&Write” and click “add to chrome”. Then, you will need to grant permissions for the extension to access your browser activity. You must be using the Chrome browser with your Edmonds account, as this tool has been purchased and provided for the district under these conditions.
Again, it is important to note that, in order to use the full features of the extension, three criteria must be in place:
users must log into their Chrome browser*, with the extension "added to Chrome"
use their Edmonds email address, and
enable permissions for Read&Write for Google Chrome.
*After logging in, and adding the extension, you should see a small purple “RW” puzzle icon in the address bar near the bookmarks star. If you do not see it, you may need to quit your browser (Chrome > Quit Google Chrome) and sign back in with your Edmonds email.
If you are having tourble finding it, you may also need to check to see if the Read&Write extension is enabled. One way to check is to type “chrome://extensions” in your address bar. Scroll down to find the R&W extension and confirm that the slider icon is blue to indicate that it is turned on. It should look like this:
Once you see the RW puzzle icon, navigate to any Google Doc. The Read&Write icon will appear below the address bar. Click on it. A permissions dialog will appear. You must select “Allow” in order to enable permissions. If you have been using Read&Write, a permissions dialog may not appear. Refreshing your browser may be necessary in order for all features to work.
Part 2: Testing the Tool
To use Read&Write, simply click on the "purple puzzle piece". When it opens, a Google Toolbar will open. The specific toolbar that opens will depend on whether you are working on a webpage, in Google Docs, within PDF Reader, or in Google Slides, or with an EPUB.
Pick one of the following activities (A, B, C, D or E) to explore features of specific toolbars:
A. Webpage - visit a wikipedia page and click on the RW icon. It should be purple and show all features in bold (none should be greyed out).
Pick a feature to try:
Translator
Dictionary
Fact Finder
Highlights - color code to improve organization
Simplify Page - get rid of distracting formatting
Screen Mask - focus on the text
Screenshot Reader - read a portion of highlighted text
Vocabulary List - export unfamiliar words
Collect Highlights Document (instant note cards!)
B. Google Docs - visit a Google Doc in your Google Drive or make a new one. The RW icon looks like a tab and is located below the address bar. Click on it and a menu should dropdown with all features in bold. This version of the toolbar is the most robust of all the toolbars because it allows for collaboration.
Collaborate with a partner to create a shared Google Doc. Practice using Word Prediction and Speech Input. What are some important criteria to keep in mind? Turn these features off by clicking the icon again. Note that voice typing is also available under the Tools menu in Google Docs.
C. Web - Export a Vocabulary List (4+ words) from any webpage. Once completed, modify the images and text to your desired grade level. Use the dictionary to look up the words. If you want, copy and paste the meaning into your vocabulary list. Have your computer read aloud your vocabulary list.
D. PDF* - visit Texthelp’s Quick Reference Guide, which is an accessible PDF.
Have contents of the PDF read aloud using hover speech, play buttons, or screenshot reader. Highlight unfamiliar words and create a vocabulary list.
Pro Tip: To make Read&Write your default PDF reader, go to your Google Drive and click the systems icon at the top right of the screen. Go to Settings > Manage Apps and scroll down to Read&Write for Google Chrome™. Select “Use as default.”
*You may need to add an additional extension, the PDF Reader by texthelp.
E. Slides - Open a Google Slides presentation and explore more features.
Note: All toolbars have an Options button at the end of the toolbar. Clicking on “Options” allows students to change the voice, speaking rate, and other features such as word prediction, language, and screen masking.
Part 3: Implementation
The essential question: How can Read & Write for Google help your students?
Any other ideas? What did you discover when testing with various toolbars?
Send your questions, comments, feedback to Amy Fleischer.
Resources:
Quick Reference Guide for Read & Write tools
Active Reading Strategies & Sentence Starters
Texthelp Videos - a YouTube playlist by Texthelp highlighting different features
Read&Write Fact Sheet - a quick summary of the tool to share with parents
Portions of this training have been adapted from Read&Write for Google Chrome™ Training Kit, developed by R. E. Gutierrez. All resources in this kit are free to reuse under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license (CC-BY-NC-SA). Additional input was provided by Rose Maxwell and Tech Coaches from the Instructional Technology Dept within Edmonds School District.