Date
16 March 2024

Make effective use of technologies to access content, support literacy, and present learning

Accessibility and literacy support tools, such as text-to-speech, can provide an on-ramp to successful participation in learning. Ensure all students know how to use them effectively.

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Provide access to technologies

Provide access to technologies

Felix uses the iPad to listen to instructions, text, and emails. He also uses iWordQ to help him with his writing and reading.

Make accessibility tools available to all

Make accessibility tools available to all

Introduce all students to free or inexpensive tools that can remove barriers and provide support for literacy learning.
  • Text-to-speech (TTS) software converts text from a website or digital document into speech by reading written information aloud. It is often highlighted with word tracking.

– TTS on Mac operating systems
– Natural Reader
– Read and Write for Google Chrome

  • Word prediction software predicts a required word as a student writes, producing a list of words. Explore LetMeType.
  • Explore Mercury Reader or use the Reader function on Mac operating systems to access clutter-free web pages.
  • Spell and contextual grammar checkers. Explore Ginger for Chrome.
  • Closed Captions (subtitles). Turn them on when sharing videos with students.

Audio books

Audio books

Listening to an audio book while following along with the text helps bridge the gap between decoding words and assigning meaning. Receiving information both visually and audibly reinforces word recognition, improves fluency, builds vocabulary, and supports the development of higher-level comprehension skills.

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Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

Source:
Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

Ministry of Education ebooks

Ministry of Education ebooks

Ministry of Education ebooks are free to download from:

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Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o Te Mātauranga

Source:
Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o Te Mātauranga

Useful resources

Useful resources

Website

Technology tools for learning

Strategies and approaches for using technologies to provide inclusive and personalised learning pathways.

Publisher: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

Visit website

Website

Overview of instructional and assistive technology: Critical tools for students who struggle

Provides an explanation of instructional technology and assistive technology and includes practical tips for evaluating and using these technologies.

Publisher: International Dyslexia Association

Visit website

Website

Free online assistive technology tools to help with reading, writing and math

Read time: 10 min

Digital tools to assist children with learning and attention issues.

Publisher: Understood

Visit website

Next steps

More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Helpful classroom strategies in years 1-8”:

Return to the guide “Dyslexia and learning”

Guide to Index of the guide: Dyslexia and learning

Strategies for action:

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