Using the Flexible Features of Kurzweil 3000 Software to Support Learning Debbie Hebert, PT, ATP ESS Central AT Services June, 2014
If you are not already familiar with Kurzweil 3000, click on the link below for a brief overview before proceeding with the 20+ Cool Tips presentation. www.kurzweiledu.com/video-ki3000-v12-program-overview.html
Kurzweil 3000 Is a powerful literacy learning tool Provides reading, writing, study skills, and test-taking support within one single program and user interface
Kurzweil 3000 Reflects the principals of Universal Design for Learning Addresses the diverse needs of students within an RTI model with its flexible range of tools and supports that can be utilized across all grade levels and content.
Kurzweil 3000 Embraces concept of UDL by making print and electronic material available to a broad spectrum of students. Utilizes a multisensory approach Incorporates dynamic features which adapt to individual learner styles Promotes active learning Permits alternative means of access by students with disabilities
Kurzweil 3000 in Humble ISD Educational Support Services provides access to version 12 of Kurzweil 3000, on every Humble ISD campus, through a web managed version that can be installed on any district computer. Teachers request Kurzweil login information from Central AT Services. Installation disks for Kurzweil vs 12, are available from the campus Special Education ALT. Kurzweil can be utilized in any classroom with any student. Teachers may load a copy on their home computers for document prep and training. Kurzweil is available for home use by qualifying students through ARD/504 committee decision. Use of copyrighted text in Kurzweil requires consideration of legal copyright issues.
20+ Cool Tips
Tip #1 Use Kurzweil to open paper and digital curriculum materials in a flexible digital environment. Page from Science Textbook scanned into Kurzweil
Reading Toolbar (yellow) includes settings for voice and speed Tip #2 Hear text read aloud while visually following the highlighted text as it is read.
Tip #3 Use zoom and magnify spoken word features to customize for visual needs.
Tip #4 Utilize reference tools while reading - including dictionaries, thesaurus, and pronunciation tools. Look up a definition and hear it read aloud.
Improve understanding with synonyms
Tip #5 Select content and student specific dictionaries to support understanding of text.
Tip #6 Translate documents to other languages
Tip # 7 Personalize instruction to address student learning styles using voice notes, sticky notes and footnotes.
Tip # 8 Embed comprehension supports and gauge understanding using Bubble Notes that students complete as they read.
Save answers for studying or grading
Tip # 9 Read Text Aloud on Websites Read the Web Toolbar
Tip #10 Search for books and reference articles online from within Kurzweil.
Tip #11 Customize highlighters for various learning tasks. Keep students engaged with the text.
Tip #12 Highlight text in documents and extract highlights for studying or use as an outline for a writing assignment. You can have Kurzweil read just the highlighted portions of text.
Highlighted text can be extracted to an outline
Tip #13 Take Cornell notes or create column notes by extracting highlights or by dragging text into columns. Highlights can also be extracted to column notes
Cool Tip #14 Convert Column Notes to an Outline Highlights can also be extracted to column notes....and notes can become an outline for writing
Cool Tip #15 Utilize Brainstorm and Outline Views for Pre-writing Support.
Cool Tip #16 Utilize a split screen layout in order to view the outline while writing. Monitor writing by listening to what you ve written.
Cool Tip #17 Use word lists and word prediction to support writing.
Tip #18 Click to view video. Utilize Kurzweil 3000 with an interactive whiteboard for whole class instruction and demonstration of strategies with curriculum content.
Tip #19 Convert digital files in other formats to.kes files to utilize interactive tools and have text read aloud. Online.pdf converted to.kes file now it s flexible!
Tip 20 Convert a test created in MS Word, to a.kes format that Kurzweil can read aloud. Quickly convert this test document to hear it read out loud.
Tip #21 Provide tests in digital formats for independent test- taking with reading support. Hear test read aloud and answer questions directly on the test.
Tip #22 Provide flexible ways for students to demonstrate knowledge on tests, such as making voice recordings, highlighting answers, or dragging and dropping text. Empty placeholders can accept text or voice notes.
Tip #23 Customize toolbars for test taking, reading, and other tasks. Lock out certain features for independent test taking.
Tip #24 Customize toolbars for test taking, reading, and other tasks. Classic toolbar Test taking toolbar
Tip #25 Create mp3 audio files from text for listening access from mobile devices.
Tip #26 Combine Kurzweil with 3 rd party tools to support access by students who require alternative access methods. Use keyboard shortcuts to access menu items for students who have difficulty with mouse access.
For more information Kurzweil Video Gallery www.kurzweiledu.com/video-gallery.html Kurzweil and UDL www.kurzweiledu.com/files/kurzweil%203000%20and%20udl%20flyer.pdf Kurzweil Reference Guide vs 12 http://www.kurzweiledu.com/files/v12/kurzweil_3000_v12-12_quick_reference.pdf Kurzweil Training Modules http://setbc.org/setbc/access/kurzweil_group1.html Kurzweil Livebinder (requires teacher access code) procedures and forms www.livebinders.com/play/play/951936