Engaging+Reading+&+Writing

Reading & Writing

I've been able to talk to some of you about Kurzweil 3000. This program has helped to engage students because it allows them to "read" novels and textbooks and complete assignments. Not only can they use the program at school, they can use it at home or create an MP3 of the novel/textbook and listen to their work on their iPods.

Bakersfield College provides a good summary of the nuts and bolts of Kurzweil 3000. "**What is Kurzweil 3000?** Kurzweil 3000 is designed to help improve reading comprehension and retention. It is the comprehensive reading, writing and learning software solution for any struggling reader, including individuals with learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, attention deficit disorder or those who are English Language Learners.  **Kurzweil 3000 Offers**: //Access to Any Curriculum:// The software can access virtually any information, whether it is printed, electronic, or on the Web; //Increased Reading Fluency:// Kurzweil 3000 provides not only the tools students need to improve their reading speed and comprehension, but also the features that make it possible for them to learn and study independently; //Study Skills:// With the aid of visual and auditory feedback, the software helps students keep up with assigned reading, learn critical study skills and successfully complete writing projects and tests; //Writing and Self-Editing: Tools// As students type, the software speaks each letter or word, so they can quickly re cognize and correct spelling mistakes." (Bakersfield College, 2010).

Here is a short //how-to// video going over some of the features of the program. []

__References__ Bakersfield College. (2010, February 9). //Kurzweil 3000//. Retrieved from http://www2.bakersfieldcollege.edu/dsps/Kurzweil 3000.htm