Ciro Greco
Assistive technology project
http://www.meritsoftware.com/
http://www.meritsoftware.com/text_talker/index.php
Merit Text Talker
Merit Software
$19.00- CD ROM/ computer -All Merit Software programs are PC-based, 32-bit applications and install under Novell NetWare, Citrix MetaFrame, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows 2003 and Windows XP. *
This software is targeted to the English language learner and struggling readers.
Research shows that using assistive technology in the form of software that integrates three modalities in the learning process, auditory, visual and tactile shortens the time to grasp English language concepts. It can help main stream English language learners. These ELL can make faster progress with better comprehension than standard class room settings with verbal instruction and visual aides (flash cards), which to some English language learners can be disjointed in it’s approach. It can be used to re mediate the English language learner and bring him or her up to grade. It is also a great program for the student whose reading capabilities are below grade level or has a learning disability which restricts their reading capability
The Merit Text Talker speaks text as it appears on the screen, students can take advantage of the text to speech technology and have a fully integrated experience using Merits other programs that include grammar and vocabulary. Students control this software with a few clicks they can highlight the text they want to hear and repeat it as many times as they wish giving them control of the speed at which they view the material. Each word is highlighted as it is being pronounced by one of two high quality North American voices for additional impact.
Assistive technology project
http://www.meritsoftware.com/
http://www.meritsoftware.com/text_talker/index.php
Merit Text Talker
Merit Software
$19.00- CD ROM/ computer -All Merit Software programs are PC-based, 32-bit applications and install under Novell NetWare, Citrix MetaFrame, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows 2003 and Windows XP. *
This software is targeted to the English language learner and struggling readers.
Research shows that using assistive technology in the form of software that integrates three modalities in the learning process, auditory, visual and tactile shortens the time to grasp English language concepts. It can help main stream English language learners. These ELL can make faster progress with better comprehension than standard class room settings with verbal instruction and visual aides (flash cards), which to some English language learners can be disjointed in it’s approach. It can be used to re mediate the English language learner and bring him or her up to grade. It is also a great program for the student whose reading capabilities are below grade level or has a learning disability which restricts their reading capability
The Merit Text Talker speaks text as it appears on the screen, students can take advantage of the text to speech technology and have a fully integrated experience using Merits other programs that include grammar and vocabulary. Students control this software with a few clicks they can highlight the text they want to hear and repeat it as many times as they wish giving them control of the speed at which they view the material. Each word is highlighted as it is being pronounced by one of two high quality North American voices for additional impact.
New Release Picture Context Reader $699.00
For the beginning English language learner and struggling young reader you can couple The Merit Text Reader with Merits new software Picture Context Reader where students read short sentences that are attached to illustrations with the importance placed on the nouns. Students advance in the program at their own rate and a record management system that is attached keeps the instructor apprised of the students progress. The Merit text talker lets the student have the text read to them in this program also.
http://www.meritsoftware.com/software/picture_context_reader/index.php
References:
"Effective reading programs for English Language Learners."
By Robert E. Slavin
Johns Hopkins University
Bank Street College of Education
4 comments:
I agree with you that these are very helpful types of software that can read text. My only problem with them is that people who love to read don't enjoy this type of "book" as much as a real book in their hands. My father, who is losing his eyesight but loves to read, says he feels like he isn't participating in the book when it is read to him. He doesn't get to hold anything in his hand either, so he tends to just fall asleep! Granted, he still has a choice as to whether he wants to hear the book, or read the book. Some day he might not have that choice and then this type of technology will save ability to "read".
This sounds like it would be great for the english langugae learner. The pictures would be good for younger children as well as older children. Helping them pair a visual with a vocabulary word allows them to make meaningful connections.
Ciro, this sounds like an effective tool to Teach Speakers of Other Languages, specifically older students. I wonder if it has a feature where the user can adjust the text being used as needed, such as mak the text larger if needed or even highlighting targeted vocabulary before beginning instruction.
Ciro,
Of course as the others said this is great for ELL, but dyslexia and struggling readers constitute a huge need also. You cited, Robert Slavin. Was he the developer? He is huge researcher in the reading field, and if he's now into technology this is a new area for him. I'm glad to see him going that way. Now that you've looked at principles of UDL, do you see how it fits their major tenets? Anything that multiple modalities is useful for the appeal to diverse learners. Nice review.
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