Kurzweil is a literacy tool that provides technology supports in both reading and writing. Kurzweil has been in existence since 1996 and has been widely used in the K-12 education system as well as in post-secondary institutions.
There are two versions of Kurzweil - Kurzweil 1000 and Kurzweil 3000. Although they share many similarities in the supports that they offer, Kurzweil 1000 is more accessible to those who are visually impaired as many of the functions are driven by keyboard hotkeys or shortcuts rather than using a graphical user interface that is manipulated through the use of a mouse.
As Kurzweil 3000 is the more commonly used tool, this site will reference that version. Within Kurzweil 3000, there are different ways to access the software: through a computer (the program operates differently on a Mac that it does on a Windows computer), through a browser (internet connectivity required), on an iPad tablet or iPhone using the Kurzweil 3000 app, or on an Android tablet or phone using the Chrome browser (no dedicated app, some functions may not work 100%).
To allow multiple ways of accessing the software, the user or organization must purchase the appropriate license. There are three different licenses, each of which will provide different layers of access:
Standalone license - this license provides single access to one individual computer requiring a serial number for activation.
Network license - organizations with a network license would install Kurzweil onto a server. Individual copies of Kurzweil are installed on computers that are connected to that server internally on the Local Area Network and authenticated through the server. Organizations looking to install software in multiple locations would be best served through the Web License.
Web license - users sign in through a web portal and therefore are not limited by location. However, the initial authentication to get into the software requires an internet connection and may be problematic for situations where offline use is required. Some post-secondary institutions that use Kurzweil for exam taking may also run into issues where they do not wish to provide internet access to the student while using Kurzweil on an exam.
read&write is a literacy suite that supports users with a variety of skills including reading, comprehension, and writing. The software is available on multiple platforms including Mac, Windows, Chromebooks and iPads. Unlike Kurzweil, the software for both Mac and Windows is very similar and therefore, users should be able to move back and forth without much difficulty. The software also operates within a Chrome web browser as an extension and can be used across multiple devices. The web browser integrates with both Microsoft Word and Google docs. The iPad version of read&write is significantly reduced in features and users may find that it can be frustrating and limiting to use particularly if they are accustomed to the other versions.
r&w is free to use but paid subscribers will have access to premium features. Teachers are able to use r&w for free through a simple and quick registration system to verify their identity.