Tuesday, February 19, 2013

I have students that have a tough time reading material that is on the internet.  But, their classmates do and these students want to be with the class in the areas that they are working with.

I did a little searching today and came up with a site that offers a free program that will read the text to you.  I have played with it a bit, and I think I will really like it for my student.  Hey, maybe I will multitask and use it a bit myself :-).  I know it will allow me to multitask in my room -- I have been "caught" reading foxnews to students -- now I won't have to!  (Don't tell anyone -- but that is one way for me to keep up on the news :-)).

The site and the program I am using is NaturalReader from the website www.naturalreaders.com.  Here is a snapshot of the program on my desktop:








I like how I can have it "sitting on my desktop.  When I want the program to "read" to me, I just highlight the text and click the Play button. Very easy!!  When you do not want to use the program, just minimize it and it is out of your way.  Try it for yourself.  See what you think!!  Brainstorm -- think of adults with sight limitations that might enjoy this!

1 comment:

  1. Sandra-
    I love this! I teach special education as well and this would be such a great tool for my students. I would have to take the time to teach them how to highlight, but having the computer "read" webpage text would be so helpful and increase their ability to be independent during computer time! I have e-mailed the NaturalReader link to my school e-mail and I can't wait to play around with it tomorrow! Plus, its FREE! Does it get much better? Thank you for sharing such a great resource!

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