There are a number of assistive software or add-ons that may support students with access to learning. (If you need support with these, please contact our Learning Technologies team.)
ON THE COMPUTER IMAGE
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- Microsoft Office Suite: Combined with O365, this suite of software includes Dictate (speech-to-text), Immersive Reader (text-to-speech), Translator (multiple languages), and the basics of Spell checker and Thesaurus.
- Add language keyboards – access other languages through added keyboards. Click here for instructions
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ONLINE
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- Rewordify: This is a site that I’ve written about before and is well worth repeating. (Click here for previous post) Any text can be pasted into the box and it will return a simplified version – very quickly I might add. One of the options deserves highlighting. Retaining the original word within the text, while offering a simpler form provides two things: increase of comprehension and increase of vocabulary. Sitting side by side, relationships between the difficult term and easier one is visually connected. As well, the integrated dictionary allows access to almost all of the words in the selection. Finally, the content can be printed and stored.
- O365: This suite of online software includes MSWord, PowerPoint, Excel,… A variety of adaptive tools are included: Immersive Reader, Dictate, Picture Dictionary… These go a long way toward inclusion.
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IPADS
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- iWordQ-CA ($28.99): This is an ipad app that mimics a simple version (in Canadian) of what you would expect from Kurzweil. In writing mode, text editor includes word prediction, spell checker, dictionary and speech recognition. In reading mode, text-to-speech offers proofing and reading options.
- O365 Drive: This should be on every ipad allowing students and staff to access their online drive account. If not, it can be downloaded via the Self Service app.
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