Translation Tools
Translation Tools Available to Brookline Students and Teachers
Brookline students and teachers have access to a range of translation tools. The tools listed here are endorsed by Brookline schools due to their practicality, user-friendly interfaces, and student data protection features.
The teacher tools listed are best used for translating instructional materials. Teachers can check with the respective curriculum coordinator to see what translated instructional materials are available.
The student tools listed are available to all students using Chromebooks. Some tools may need to be installed from the Chrome Web Store.
Translation tools continue to evolve, but they are not perfect. It's a good idea, when possible, to have a native speaker review instructional materials .
Translation Tools for Teachers
Google Documents Translation
Teachers can translate any Google Document. The Translate Document tool quickly converts the entire document into the selected language. The Translate Document option is only available if the teacher has editing privileges. The translation tool is only available in Google Docs.
The Translate Document too is an excellent option for sharing documents with students. Copies can be made in several languages. The copies are easy to share with students in Classroom or Canvas.
Google Translate
Google Translate is available for teachers and staff. Teachers can easily translate .pdf documents or worksheets.
Translate can also be used to translate webpages. The translated page URL can be shared with students.
Images with text can also be translated. Teachers can take photos of documents and use the Image translation to share with students.
Canva Translate
Canva Translate is an AI tool built into Canva. It's part of the Magic Switch. Brookline teachers have access to this premium feature.
The Magic Switch can be used to translate any Canva design. It works well with Google Slide Presentations. Google Slides can be uploaded to Canva and then translated. The resulting URL can be shared with students.
Instructions for uploading a Google Presentation can be found here. More information on using Canva's translate tools is available here: A Comprehensive Guide to Canva Translate.
Mulitlingual Resources
There are many educational resources that offer content in multiple languages or embedded translation tools. Some examples:
Translation Tools for Students
Google Documents Translation
Students can translate any Google Document. The translate tool quickly converts the entire document into the selected language. The "Translate document" option is only available if students have editing privileges. However, students can make a copy of any document. The copy will reside in their Drive and they will editing and translating privileges.
Google Search Translate
A simple and quick method for translating words or blocks of text is built into Google Search. Students can set the languages, add text, or use the microphone for spoken text.
Please note that the translate.google.com/ may not be available to students. It is not part of our student data privacy agreement with Google.
Snap&Read
Snap&Read is a Chrome extension that's available to all students. Students can use Snap&Read to hear an audio transcription of the text in the selected language.
Students can install the Snap&Read extension. Once logged in, the tool will remain on the right side of the Chrome browser window. Students can select text from most web pages. The selection can be translated and read aloud in the chosen language.
Directions can be found here.
Immersive Reader
Microsoft's Immersive Reader is available to all students in grades 6-12 in Canvas. The Immersive Reader icon appears on most Canvas pages and can be used to translate text.
Students in grades 2-5 can install the Chrome extension from the Chrome Web Store. Once installed, students can highlight the text and with the ALT key select "Help me read this". The Immersive Reader will translate the text into any selected language.
