Embedded Files
How It Works
How It Works
Using the Simplify Tool
Using the Simplify Tool
Simplify is Read & Write for Google's only tool that is unique to the Web Toolbar. This tool removes clutter from web pages and places the simplified text into a new tab. It removes distractions such as advertisements, photos, diagrams, maps, etc., allowing for better focus on the text. Users can use the +/- icons to summarize or shorten the amount of text displayed. Users can also change the font size and style, the page's colour contrast, and the line spacing. It also includes a 'Discover' button that allows users to get background information on subtopics or terminology used in the text. To access this information, click on an underlined word to receive an image and text with relevant information that can improve comprehension. As with all of the Read&Write for Google tools, this Discover feature includes a read aloud option.
Before Using Simplify
Before Using Simplify
After Using Simplify
After Using Simplify
Potential Users and Benefits
Potential Users and Benefits
Students:
Students:
Particularly useful for:
Students with attention issues, visual impairments, ESL, dyslexia, and organizational issues
Removes distractions like advertisements, pictures, diagrams, etc. which helps all students to focus on the text
Student have a choice of text contrast options: white on black, black on white, yellow on blue, blue on yellow
Yellow background with blue lettering and the reverse which can help those with the most common forms of colorblindness see colors as blue or yellow
Options to reduce the amount of text while still keeping key information with the +/- button for those who struggle with reading larger amounts of text, or with organizational issues
Discover function identifies and underlines potential new vocabulary, providing key background information and images (where applicable) that help to improve comprehension
Students can adjust the font, size, and spacing of text to optimal preference
Teachers:
Teachers:
Extremely easy to create simple/streamlined print-outs of web pages, or to copy and paste into an accessible Google Doc
Synthesis feature (reducing text but still including key information) allows students to remain focused, which in turn allows for enhanced instructional time and more independent work
Classroom:
Classroom:
Encourages student independence and on-task behaviour, because simplified web pages have fewer distractions, making them easier to focus on
Use to differentiate for different reading levels - full text for on-level students, reduced-text for students reading below grade level
How the Prediction Tool Aligns with UDL Principle
How the Prediction Tool Aligns with UDL Principle
How the Prediction Tool Aligns with UDL Principles
How the Prediction Tool Aligns with UDL Principles
ENGAGEMENT:
ENGAGEMENT:
The level/amount of reading material being displayed can be self controlled, then gradually increased, for more content absorption.
Highlights important info on a web page, eliminating distractions and increasing focus.
REPRESENTATION:
Guides information processing and visualization by removing unnecessary distractions.
Allows users to customize the font, spacing, colour of text and background.
Follow these links for additional resources
Follow these links for additional resources
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