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Date
02 October 2025
Link
inclusive.tki.org.nz/guides/curriculum-accessibility/explore-digital-tools-to-support-literacy-years-1-13

Explore ​digital tools to support literacy (years 1-13)

Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Supporting reading and writing’

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Offer text-to-speech tools

Offer text-to-speech tools

Offer text-to-speech tools to read text aloud and support comprehension. Free text-to-speech tools are available across all computer operating systems.

Video hosted on Vimeo http://vimeo.com/105617225

Source: https://vimeo.com/105617225?p=1s (opens in a new tab/window)

Closed Captions

Source:
https://vimeo.com/105617225?p=1s
https://vimeo.com/105617225?p=1s

Offer digital tools to all learners

Offer digital tools to all learners

Take a universal approach to offering access options and support.

Make common digital tools available to all students across the curriculum.

7130 [Examples-of-universal-supports.jpg]

Source: CORE Education (opens in a new tab/window)

Source:
CORE Education
https://core-ed.org/

View full image (197 KB) (opens in a new tab/window)

Utilise digital storytelling tools

Utilise digital storytelling tools

Storybird, a free digital story writing tool, has improved student literacy at Te Kura o Kutarere by providing pictures as a support and removing the barriers created by writing by hand.

Video hosted on Vimeo http://vimeo.com/34540004

Source: Enabling e-Learning (opens in a new tab/window)

Closed Captions

Source:
Enabling e-Learning
https://elearning.tki.org.nz/Teaching/Curriculum-learning-areas/English/Using-Storybird-to-improve-literacy-skills

Use audio books

Use audio books

Audio books support learners to access information and develop comprehension skills.

Audio books can be used to:

  • increase engagement and motivation and prevent frustration 
  • introduce learners to books above their reading level
  • model fluent reading
  • introduce new genre that might not otherwise be considered
  • support new vocab
  • customise books (by speeding up or slowing down narration).

For audio resources, explore:

Useful resources

Useful resources

Website

Engaging reluctant writers using e-learning tools

A slideshare presentation by New Zealand learning with digital technologies facilitator Catriona Pene, containing a wide range of easily-accessible, online resources and apps for improving writing.

Publisher: Catriona Pene

Visit website

Next steps

More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Support reading and writing”:

Return to the guide “Curriculum accessibility”

11456 [Curriculum-accessibility.jpg]

Curriculum accessibility

How to use this site

Guide to Index of the guide: Autism and learning

Understand:

Strategies for action:

Key resources:

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