1. What Is the Purpose of Kurzweil 3000?

Kurzweil 3000

Category: Reading/Writing/Study Skills

Grade Level: all grades

1. What is the purpose of Kurzweil 3000?

Kurzweil 3000 is a text-to-speech (TTS) software program that allows text to be scanned onto the computer and then converted into speech. Kurzweil 3000 provides students with the tools they need to improve their reading speed and comprehension, and features that allow them to learn and study independently.

2. With whom can it be used?

Kurzweil 3000 can be used for individuals of all ages who have dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other learning disabilities.

3. What are the features of Kurzweil?

Kurzweil 3000 incorporates features that aid in reading, study skills, test taking, writing, and online searches.

Reading:

-Kurzweil 3000 can open and read text from popular applications such as Word and Adobe Acrobat. Any other text (e.g. from textbooks) can be scanned and read as well.

-Kurzweil 3000 utilizes high-quality human-sounding synthetic speech.

-Words read by the software are highlighted in a contrasting colour. This is to help increase reading speed and comprehension.

-The rate of speed of the speech can be increased or decreased to suit an individual’s needs.

-Various reference tools are included:

a)Definitions – meaning of a word can be looked up in either a standard or children’s dictionary

b)Synonyms – words with similar meaning can be accessed. This can help broaden an individual’s vocabulary

c)Syllables – the software breaks up a word into syllables (visually as text on screen and through speech)

d)Spelling

Study Skills:

-Notes (sticky, text, or voice) can be added to a piece of text

-Multiple highlighting colours can be used. These can be used to highlight the main ideas, supporting details, and vocabulary words in different colours.

-The highlighted text can be extracted into a separate outline that can then be printed or edited.

Test-taking:

-Kurzweil 3000 can scan and print tests

-Teachers can have tests available to students within Kurzweil so that the test can be taken directly from the program.

-Depending on a student’s IEP, the teacher can restrict access to certain features of Kurzweil while the student is taking the test.

Writing:

-Students can create and self-correct reports, essays, and papers without teacher intervention.

-Kurzweil 3000 can speak each word aloud as the student types. This feature, combined with the spellchecker, enhances the student’s ability to proofread independently.

-Kurzweil 3000 incorporates word prediction software. The program provides a variety of word options depending on the word that the student is trying to type.

Online Capabilities:

-Students can browse the Internet and have resources read using Kurzweil 3000.

-Students also have access to pre-scanned books that are available online.

4. In what types of settings can Kurzweil 3000 be used?

Kurzweil 3000 can be adapted for use in the classroom or throughout a network, and for individual or group instruction.

5. What is the cost of Kurzweil 3000?

The cost ranges from $1000 - $3000. Another version of Kurzweil (e.g. Kurzweil 1000) is available for $1000 however the features of this version are not as advanced as Kurzweil 3000.

6. To what extent has research shown Kurzweil 3000 to be useful?

Research has found that Kurzweil 3000 helps students focus more on their reading (i.e. students can read for longer periods of time, passages are not re-read as often, students do not get tired as easily, and reading speed can be increased). However, it must be stressed that Kurzweil 3000 is a tool, not a cure.

References:

1. Elkind, J. (1998). Computer reading machines for poor readers. Perspectives, 24 (2), 2-8.

2. Elkind, J., Black, M.S., & Murray, C. (1996). Computer-based compensation of adult reading disabilities. Annals of Dyslexia, 46, 1-31.

3. Kurzweil Educational Systems – Assistive Technology Software for learning disabilities.

Reviewed by: Abigail Naguiat