This chapter will explore the evolution of the historically-recognized Kurzweil brand to determine the impact that its software has on the curriculum. AT can range from low-tech (including visual schedules, highlighters, and pencil grips), to mid-tech (including voice recorders, Smartpens, and portable talking dictionaries), and high-tech (including specialized and customizable software, screen readers, and text-to-speech devices) (Georgia Tech, 2019). Fortunately, the number of highly developed assistive devices for individuals who identify as having a disability continues to grow, in hopes of making an equal-opportunity learning environment a reality.Īccording to the Assistive Technology Industry Association (2019), Assistive Technology (AT) can be defined as “products, equipment, and systems that enhance learning, working, and daily living for persons with disabilities” (para. In fact, the Ministry of Education reported that only “6% of students in the publicly funded school systems are receiving special education programs or services” (Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario, 2015). Unfortunately, however, that has not always been the case, especially for learners who have been identified as having a disability. In the 21st century classroom, it is essential to ensure that every student has access to an equal-opportunity learning environment. Keywords: Assistive Technology (AT), Disabilities, Low-Tech, Mid-Tech, High-Tech, Kurzweil, Kurzweil Reading Machine, 21st Century Classroom, Technology Introduction This chapter will briefly step back into history to discuss the company’s progress since the creation of the Kurzweil Reading Machine circa 1976 (Kurzweil Education, 2019a), and take a look at how the ever-advancing company has remained an essential resource in the 21st century classroom. Although a plethora of AT devices could be examined, in this chapter, the evolution of the historically-recognized Kurzweil brand will be further analyzed in the context of the North American classroom. According to the Assistive Technology Industry Association (2019), Assistive Technology (AT) can be defined as “products, equipment, and systems that enhance learning, working, and daily living for persons with disabilities” (para. Although this concept was not easily fostered in the past, due to the advancements in Assistive Technology, what used to be a difficult approach, has now become an optimistic reality. Customize to your accommodations.įor a more complete list of features or more information about Kurzweil 3000+Firefly, check out. Test Prep: create a test or assignment using the test-prep toolbar, protect your test and other documents with a password. Practice spelling and spell checks alongside having the ability to simultaneously edit drafts while viewing outlines. Personal Editor: helps you design an outline to facilitate writing and provides word lists to increase vocabulary.Note: you must be online for this feature.Language: translate words or passages to 70+ languages.Study Guide Maker: quickly annotate and make notes on any documents with highlighters, sticky notes, voice notes and compile them into a form that makes sense to you.Dictionaries: quick access to resources without losing your spot, as well as expanding vocabulary.Speech Maker: allows you to convert text documents to create MP3 files and be added to an iTunes playlist.You can even customize the reading rate and style of presentation. As well as being available in 18 languages and dialects. Text to Speech: allows you to listen to your text read aloud and this can be done in Word documents, PDF files, email or the web.The software is compatible with both Windows and Mac. This program provides over 20 useful tools integrating text to speech, speaking dictionaries as well as the option to create and test-taking. Kurzweil 3000 is an educational software program that supports students who have difficulties with reading, writing, studying, and comprehension skills.
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