Reading Technology
What are the Benefits of Reading Technology?
Software Available in the Learning Technology Lab
How to Get Started with Reading Technology
Reading Technology (RT), or screen reading software, has the ability to read digital text documents out loud to the user. In some cases, this allows for a combination of auditory and visual processing of information, which can increase comprehension. Through scanning, virtually any text can be converted to a digital format that can then be used with this technology.
Disability Services will provide students with access to reading technology free of charge by one of two ways:
- Obtaining the textbook directly from the publisher (only for students with disabilities)
- Scanning the textbook and recording to a CD
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF READING TECHNOLOGY?
Students using this software describe improvements in many areas of learning including:
- enhancing auditory & visual processing
- reducing distractions while reading
- reading for longer periods on time
- more interactive/engaging
- less fatigue while reading
- improved reading comprehension
- improved learning/study skills such as notetaking and organization of writing assignments
- more portability-- can convert text to Mp3 files
SOFTWARE AVAILABLE IN LEARNING TECHNOLOGY LAB (CARROLL 213)
Currently, there are two software programs (ReadPlease & Wynn) available in the Learning Technology Lab in 213 Carroll Hall. Both programs are classified as RT software but each has unique qualities. Students are encouraged to learn how to use both programs to determine which will best meet their needs.
HOW TO GET STARTED WITH READING TECHNOLOGY
You’ve talked with a DS Counselor about how you might benefit from Reading Technology and you are ready to get started! What’s next?
- Read and complete the Scanning Agreement Form.
- Complete a separate Reading Technology Request Form for each book that you would like in an audio format. We highly recommend that the first time you use Reading Technology that you only request textbooks for one or two courses.
- Upon receiving both of these completed forms, Disability Services will begin the process of obtaining your textbooks. Please make arrangements for accessing your textbooks while DS obtains accessible texts for you. Getting textbooks in an accessible format may take between 3-14 days.
- Determine which of the available Reading Technologies you plan to use. If you plan to use Screen Reading software, such as WYNN and/or ReadPlease, you must complete the self-paced training modules found below.
- If you are using Screen Reading Software, such as WYNN and/or ReadPlease, DS will first contact the publisher to determine if they can provide a digital text. If they are unable to do so, then DS will proceed with scanning. Please see Scanning Agreement form for more information.
- Once your books are ready, you will be notified to come pick them up.
- Get Started!
- If you have questions or need one-on-one assistance, please come to the DS Walk-In time, Mondays at 10am, or schedule an appointment with a DS staff member.
Disability Services has partnered with Technology Services to create self-paced trainings for each program. Students are asked to complete the following video training modules as they learn each of the programs. Ideally the student will watch one training module, then practice independently before moving on to the next training module.
Please note: you must be able to log into Xythos/Digital Locker to view these files
Wynn Modules
Reading & Writing Roadblocks and How WYNN can Help
ReadPlease Modules
