Reading
The right technology could change the way you read. These programmes can take the stress out of your reading and increase your efficiency and productivity.
To find out more about how these programmes could work best for you, your learning style, and your studies, book a one-to-one training session with technology experts Diversity and Ability (D&A).
ClaroRead
ClaroRead is a simple, easy-to-use and flexible software program that helps you to read, write, study, sit exams, and increase your confidence. You can read any on-screen text out loud and improve your writing in Microsoft Word. ClaroRead Plus and Pro also let you read aloud scanned paper books and documents.
- Have text read aloud
- Use digital overlays to make text more accessible
- Convert inaccessible documents into accessible Word docs
- Collate research into bitesize information bundles
- Create ‘audiobooks’ from journal articles or book chapters
- Proofread your own work, to hear how it flows
Help & how to get started:
- ClaroRead is available to download from the Software Hub. Due to licensing this is only available on College owned computers.
- More information can be found on the ClaroRead website.
- Book an online training session to learn about how it can work for you.
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ATbar
ATbar is a free web extension and desktop app that allows you to change the look and feel of websites and documents. You can increase and decrease font sizes, have text read aloud, use coloured overlays and improve readability. It also includes a dictionary to aid reading.
Help & how to get started:
- ATbar can be downloaded from the ATBar website.
- Book an online training session to learn about how it can work for you.
Microsoft Immersive Reader
Immersive Reader is a tool available in Word, OneNote and Outlook which can all be downloaded using your Office 365 account. It will read documents, emails or lecture notes back in a choice of voices and speeds. Readability can be enhanced by changing the font, size, spacing and background colour. Along with this, focus mode can act as a reading ruler to help you keep track of where you are when reading.
Help & how to get started:
Microsoft Immersive Reader is a tool for Microsoft Word, Teams and OneDrive. It can be accessed via Office 365, to download 365 programs for PC or Mac:
- Log in to Office 365
- Your username is your College username followed by @ic.ac.ukg: abc123@ic.ac.uk
- Your password is your College password
ColorVeil
ColorVeil allows you to add a colour filter over your screen to help minimise eye strain and improve readability. It works across all applications and allows you to customise the colour and opacity.
Help & how to get started:
- Colorveil can be downloaded from the ColorVeil web page.
- Book an online training session to learn about how it can work for you.