Assistive Technology: ClassMate Reader and New To English

ClassMate Reader

Category

The ClassMate Reader is a piece of assistive technology that supports student success in reading, specifically in the areas of reading comprehension & vocabulary, and accessing & utilizing digital text.

Description

The Reader has books downloaded to an SD memory card, which it then reads aloud to the user. It allows the user to insert notes in the form of text or audio. There is an internal keyboard for typing notes, and a voice recorder for voice notes.

Some books can be downloaded with a pre-recorded voice, others use the default computer voice available on the Reader. Any book that has a pre-recorded voice can be listened to with either voice option.

Different features/options on the Reader include: button functions are said out loud when pressed, speed of the reading and volume of the voice can be adjusted, and a timer feature can automatically stop playback after a certain period of time. The Reader also has “Study Tools” which include a highlight tool to highlight desired words or passages, as well as an internal dictionary. You can select any word in a passage, then press the “Dictionary” button. If the selected word is in the Reader's dictionary, it will define it out loud.

Universal Design for Learning Principles

The reader utilizes Representation of Information by being able to hear the words and see them at the same time. It also utilizes Engagement in Learning through the use of study tools that a student can use to actively participate in their learning.

Who Benefits?

Students with visual impairments could benefit from this technology by being able to hear books instead of having to read them. Students who have a reading disability could benefit for the same reason, and the technology could also assist them in learning how to read. Some students with ADHD could also benefit from this technology, as there are instances where these students also have a learning disability, such as in reading. Some students with ADHD also have difficulties focusing on reading material – this device could give them the opportunity to either read the material, listen to the material, or both, increasing their chances of comprehension.

Learning Goals

3. Research and Information Fluency

b. locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media

d. process data and report results

5. Digital Citizenship

c. demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning

6. Technology Operations and Concepts

a. understand and use technology systems

b. select and use applications effectively and productively

c. troubleshoot systems and applications

d. transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies

Concerns

It took a while, even after reading all the instructions, to figure out how to use the device. It did not seem very user-friendly – you definitely have to read ALL of the instructions before even turning it on. The stylus pen and touch screen do not work as well as I'd hoped. That could just mean it's worn out, but then how often do they wear out? How often do they need replaced? If this is a student's primary source of reading material it may need to be replaced often, which could be very expensive (according to the manufacturer's website, www.humanware.com, the unit costs $519). The computer voice that is loaded on the device is rather choppy, pausing at the wrong times and not pausing when it should. In that aspect the device would not be very helpful in teaching how to properly read a sentence.

Final Thoughts

The ClassMate Reader is not a bad device, there are just probably better readers out there that are more user-friendly, have a bigger, better functioning screen, and probably cost less as well. I would recommend looking into other devices before purchasing this one.

New To English

Category

New To English is a piece of assistive technology software that promotes student success in reading and writing in all categories: reading comprehension & vocabulary; evaluation of reading comprehension; accessing and utilizing digital text; productivity through text & auditory feedback, spelling, conventions & word choice; and supports for motor-skill challenges.

Description

New To English is a computer program that speaks in English while showing pictures and the word that is being spoken. Titles include: “At School,” “In the House,” and “At the Shopping Mall.” Users learn the English language through quick words (which are like talking flashcards), games, speaking, listening, and reading and creating stories.

Universal Design for Learning Principles

New To English utilizes representation of information, engagement in learning, and expression of knowledge. Content is presented to the user via written words, spoken words, and pictures, and users are able to play games, practice speaking words, writing stories, and having conversations in order to actively demonstrate their knowledge.

Who Benefits?

The software is targeted to those who are new to the English language. These users will obviously benefit from this software by learning words, phrases, and conversation skills in English. Students who have a reading disability could also benefit from this software as well. By seeing the words and hearing it out loud, these students could practice spelling and word recognition, and could further benefit from the speaking activities by being able to practice speaking the words they have learned. In the primary grades, all students could benefit from this software by learning new words quickly through the use of seeing the word, seeing a picture of the word, and hearing the word.

Learning Goals

1. Creativity and Innovation

a. apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes

b. create original works as a means of personal or group expression

c. use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues

5. Digital Citizenship

b. exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity

c. demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning

6. Technology Operations and Concepts

a. understand and use technology systems

b. select and use applications effectively and productively

c. troubleshoot systems and applications

d. transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies

Concerns

One small concern would be the price which, according to the manufacturer's website, www.cricksoft.com, is $99 for each title, or $250 for all three. After purchase though, the software can be installed and used on any computer that uses Clicker. Also, it is limited by only having three settings (locations) of words to choose from, but it is a good tool to at least learn those basic words.

Final Thoughts

This software seems suitable for students who are learning English at any age, especially grade school. It has so many activities and opportunities for practice. It isn't just a memorization tool, it actually assists you in really learning the language. I would recommend this software.