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Kurzweil 3000
About Kurzweil 3000Kurweil 3000 is...
a software program that provides literacy support to struggling learners. Some of the tools included are: text to speech and speech to text capabilities as well as reading, studying and test taking supports. Teachers can create tests and assess work and progress using the program as well. The program is demonstrated in this youtube video. |
Who is it for? |
Kurzweil 3000 is for children and adults with learning disabilities or literacy challenges such as those who are ESL learners. It is also for anyone who has any difficulty (because of physical impairments or otherwise) with reading and/or writing tasks.
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How does it Work? |
The program needs to be downloaded and installed on a computer or laptop. Once it is installed, there will be a toolbar which contains many options which are fairly easy to navigate. The Reader is a small box that pops up on your screen ready to read text on command. There is also support provided and tips are shared as well. The program is costly though and there are many similar free options available online such as Google Chrome's Read and Write extension. I found the reader's voice clearer and easier to understand on Read and Write, but was impressed by Kurzweil's text to speech accuracy. Speaking clearly and dictating your thoughts is not always easy for struggling or disabled learners and is a skill which takes time for anyone to develop. This program requires time to learn and become proficient at it, but once this has been achieved, many have expressed tremendous gains using this innovative software program.
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Photo used under Creative Commons from US Department of Education