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TextHELP's Read and Write Gold
Purchased District-Wide
In the coming months, copies of Read and Write Gold, the text-reading
software from TextHELP,
will be placed in all schools. This software will be able to
be used with all Windows-based programs and will allow the student to have
text read to him - text on the computer or scanned in. This is the
software that the state has chosen to use with the Kentucky Core Content
Test (KCCT) for students who need modifications.
Look for
training in the use of this assistive technology in March.
FEATURES of Read
and Write Gold include:
Speech - Read & Write (v6) GOLD color highlights and reads
the words, sentences, or paragraphs in your document providing audio-visual
reinforcement and helping to develop recognition of new words and
vocabulary. Speech is also an integral part of the other support features;
for example, you can have the Word Prediction suggestions read to you. The
RealSpeak® voice is now provided as standard and provides the most
human-sounding voice available today.
Spelling - Read & Write (v6) GOLD incorporates a fast advanced
spellchecker specifically designed to solve the most complex of phonetic
errors. The spellchecker can be customized to suit individual needs and
provides audible definitions of alternative suggestions to help you choose
the correct one.
Homophone Support - Read & Write (v6) GOLD will identify and
provide audible definitions for like sounding words to improve the
accuracy of your work.
Scanning - Scan any text document into Word or any other major word
processor enabling on screen editing and text reading. Scanned material
will be incorporated into a familiar mainstream environment, allowing the
document to be made easily available to other users. This is key to
inclusive education and integration. There is also the option to scan
any text document into Internet Explorer for "near perfect"
image generation or a text only image to which a User defined style sheet
can be applied.
Word Prediction - This will aid in sentence construction by
suggesting and predicting words. Word predictor will learn as correct text
is typed, dramatically aiding the development of literacy and increasing
accuracy. With context and phonetic based word prediction.
Dictionary - 180,000-word talking dictionary and dictionary will
benefit you by helping to increase your literacy and creative writing
skills.
Speech Maker - converts selected text into speech, which can be
saved as an audio file (.wav, MP3, .wma) capable of being played on any
suitable device.
Fact Folder – This desk research tool allows you to
capture text from any application, classify it, attach pictures and
bibliography information and record its source. This information can be
converted to a slide show and document to help studying and revision.
Fact Finder – this web search tool searches the web to find
relevant information associated with your research topic. Search engines
in 6 different categories are provided for you to choose from.
Speech Input (only available with USA version) – speak
into your computer and have what you say converted to text on the screen.
Help is provided to assist you to train the software to recognize your
voice.
Simple and Scientific Calculator – On screen calculator provides
all the main functions of a simple or scientific calculator with audible
feedback and audit trail.
Word Wizard - Word wizard assists in developing creative sentences
by offering solutions for vocabulary. When you are searching for the word
you want to use Word Wizard takes you though a simple step-by-step process
till you find the word you are looking for.
Pronunciation Tutor - The Pronunciation Tutor will break words into
syllables allowing easy recognition and pronunciation. Includes a moving
mouth, to aid the development of more accurate speech.
Teachers Toolkit – enables educators to specify which Read &
Write GOLD features a particular student has access to and see student
spelling logs and activity logs.
The items that are italicized are the items that
are new or improved with this version.
Carol D. Moffett—ATP
Special Education Resource Specialist in Assistive
Technology
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Submitted by Carol
Moffett
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