10 Tips on How to Use Reading and Writing Assistive Tools in School

28 September

Reading and writing assistive tools are not only for individuals with reading and writing difficulties; on the contrary, digital tools can be beneficial for all students. There are many smart and creative ways to make it easier and more enjoyable for students to absorb information and facilitate learning.

Marcus Alvarsson, our Global Business Director and also a former teacher, has compiled his top 10 tips on how to use reading and writing assistive tools in school—or at home, for that matter.

1.Screen Readers

Use a screen reader to have the text read aloud. This helps students with dyslexia or visual impairments to comprehend the information.

2. Speech Recognition

Use speech recognition to dictate instead of handwriting. This facilitates students with motor difficulties or slow writing speed.

3. Spelling and Grammar Check

Utilize spelling and grammar check in word processing programs to receive support with correct spelling and grammar. This is particularly useful for students with dyslexia or language challenges.

4. Dictionaries and Thesauruses

Use digital dictionaries and thesauruses to quickly look up words and find alternative word choices. This helps students improve their vocabulary and expression.

5. Mind Mapping Tools

Use mind mapping tools to visually organize thoughts and ideas. This aids students in structuring and remembering information.

6. Text-to-Speech Apps

Use text-to-speech apps to have the text read aloud even outside of school. This enables students to continue learning and understanding texts when they don’t have access to a screen reader.

7. Digital Notes

Use digital notes instead of handwriting. This makes it easy to organize and edit notes and share them with other students.

8. E-Readers

Use e-readers to access books and texts in digital format. This makes it easier for students with reading difficulties to customize text size, colors, and contrast to their needs.

9. Writing Assistance Programs

Use writing assistance programs that provide word and phrase suggestions while typing. This helps students improve their writing skills and boost their confidence.

10. Time Management Tools

Use digital time management tools to organize school assignments and projects. This helps students keep track of deadlines and structure their work more efficiently.

These are just some examples of how to use reading and writing assistive tools in school. It’s essential to tailor these tools to each student’s individual needs and provide the right support to promote their learning and progress.

In Skolon’s platform, we gather thousands of digital tools, including tools for reading and writing difficulties.

This is Skolon – we gather Sweden’s best digital educational tools and make them work in the classroom.

Skolon is an independent platform for digital educational tools and learning resources, created for both teachers and students. With Skolon, accessing and using your digital educational tools is easy – security increases, administration decreases, and there’s more time for learning.

The digital educational tools come from both small and large providers, all of whom have one thing in common – they create digital educational tools that are beneficial for the school environment.