Latest Text-To-Speech Software Launched To Improve Literacy Levels In UK Education
Texthelp launches Read&Write 10 to help pupils with specific learning difficulties and English as a second language to improve their reading and writing skills.
- (1888PressRelease) January 08, 2011 - Addressing the need to raise literacy standards in UK education, from mainstream primary and secondary schools, SEN schools and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) schools, through to universities and colleges, assistive technology specialist, Texthelp Systems (www.texthelp.com), has announced the launch of Read&Write 10. This new software, the company's biggest launch in two years, is set to transform learning, particularly for pupils who struggle with reading and writing, as they work towards new compulsory tests at age 6, 11 and 16.
A study by the Programme for International Student Assessment in December 2010 shows the UK has slumped to 25th place in reading, below Japan, the US, France and Germany. It has also recently been reported that one in five pupils are not reaching expected levels in English at age 11. Tough new Government targets mean that primary schools with less than 60 per cent of 11-year-olds achieving level four in English and maths, and secondary schools with less than 35 per cent achieving five good GCSEs, including these subjects, are considered failing.
Invaluable for pupils with specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, or English as a second language, Read&Write 10 works discreetly with all mainstream Windows applications. At school, pupils might be expected to proof-read work before submission, however, dyslexic children often struggle to formulate their work, organise it and check spelling and punctuation. This resource takes all these problems away and makes reviewing work much easier. Helping to improve study skills, the new Vocabulary tool allows pupils to create a vocabulary list with definitions and the new Picture Dictionary provides images for any selected word. Pupils can now improve their writing skills using a Verb Checker to view verb conjugations, which list all the various verb forms so they can select the most appropriate one.
The improved Speech Maker functionality converts text to audio files and allows pupils to alter the voice speed. An enhanced Screenshot Reader turns inaccessible text such as logos into speech and a freehand selection tool ensures only the text the user wishes to hear is read out. These enhanced features are ideal for revising work at the end of the day on the way home from school. Due to customer demand, Screen Masking has been incorporated to allow pupils to tint any part of the screen, choosing from a range of colours and transparencies. This is a valuable concentration aid, reducing the glare and improving tracking and focus for those with dyslexia. An updated Daisy Reader reads out maths equations in Daisy books by integrating with Design Science's MathPlayer - a free online tool that enables Microsoft Internet Explorer to display mathematical notation in web pages. It also includes support for books created using the 'Save as Daisy' plug-in from the Daisy Consortium.
Margaret Malpas, British Dyslexia Association (BDA) Chair, comments: "Assistive technology has transformed the lives of many dyslexic people over the last ten years. One of its hidden advantages is that it can increase the individual's self esteem and this is known to be a principle factor in success."
Mark McCusker, CEO, Texthelp Systems, adds: "Being able to read and write fluently is crucial to a child's success throughout their education, career and daily life. We have developed Read&Write 10 based upon valuable feedback from schools and believe that this technology can help all learners, regardless of their ability, to embrace literacy and benefit from the rewards it will bring them today and in later life."
For further information about Texthelp, please contact Elaine Emerson, Texthelp Systems, on Tel: 028 9442 8105, Email: e.emerson ( @ ) texthelp dot com or visit: www.texthelp.com
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