Technology Tools to Support Reading

Description

Reading opens doors to other worlds. Technology strategies and resources can facilitate reading in the digital classroom and beyond. A variety of applications can be easily implemented to support the continuum of struggling readers.

Firefox Reader View

Natural Reader

Natural Reader - Natural Reader is a text-to-speech program that will read aloud text. It will read text in an online environment, through a desktop application or as a browser extension.

www.naturalreaders.com

Microsoft Speak Tool

Speak Tool in Microsoft Office - Speak is a read aloud feature built-in Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and OneNote.

Text Compactor

Text Compactor - Text Compactor is a free online text summarizer. After typing or pasting text into the provided text box, the user can select the percentage of summarization. Text compactor will provide a summary of the text that could then be read aloud by a separate screen reader, such as Natural Reader.

https://www.textcompactor.com/

Rewordify

Rewordify - Rewordify is an online tool that will simplify text. Words that are simplified are highlighted on the screen. The user can click on the highlighted words to see and hear the original word.

https://rewordify.com/

Dyslexic Fonts

The font in which text is presented can make a difference in how well students are able to differentiate among letters. Fonts that have distinct shapes and minimize extra flourishes tend to be easier for students to read, such as sans-serif fonts. Here's how to change the font in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

There are also free fonts available that have been designed specifically for increased readability.

• Lexie Readable - https://www.k-type.com/fonts/lexie-readable/

• Open-Dyslexic - - https://opendyslexic.org/