Power to the Learner! Integrating Assistive Technology With Learning Strategies - Reading, Part I
By Berzins, Diane; McIntosh, Marlene; Closing the Gap, Vol. 27, No. 1, pp. 1, 21-22Publication Date: April/May 2008
Part one of a two-part series of articles discussing the integration of learning strategies with assistive technology to assist postsecondary students with learning disabilities. Specifically, the use of text-to-speech technology to enhance reading comprehension is outlined. The use of text-to-speech computer software is recommended as a tool to increase reading speed and aid in reading comprehension with the dictionary in the software. Learning strategies discussed include identifying a text’s main idea; managing the volume of text that can be absorbed, called chunking of text; highlighting of words that need to be looked up in the dictionary; and using visual information provided in text such as diagrams and graphs to supplement understanding of the material studied. The authors are English teachers at a pilot program, situated at Cambrian College in Ontario, Canada, for students with learning disabilities who were under-prepared for postsecondary studies.
Published by: Closing the Gap, Inc. (Website:http://www.closingthegap.com)
