Kurzweil

Last class we had a brief introduction to the software: Kurzweil. I think this software could be a great asset in a classroom for students of varying abilities. It is important to understand that it can be of aid to students both with and without disabilities. I realized several ways Kurzweil would help me (ie. allowing me to digitally highlight sections of a text and linking to definitions)! Overall, I think it could serve as both an instructional and adaptational technology.

First, it can serve as instructional technology because it can help teachers to differentiate learning for all different kinds of learning preferences and styles of students. For example, by allowing the teacher to pull a PDF file into the software and then digitally highlighting key terms for students to pay attention to, or enlarging texts, can really aid students in comprehension. In essence, it is helping students learn what is important and what to glean form the text. Also, by having certain words link to definitions, students can use Kurzweil almost as a graphic organizer. I think graphic organizers can function both as instructional aids and adaptational aids. They can function as instructional aids because they help organize the information for students that the teacher is providing. They can be classified as adaptational aids because they help students who may need extra assistance with note taking. Kurzweil also serves as an adaptational technology in that students can click on text when using the software and the text can be read aloud for them. This would prove especially helpful for students who have problems reading or processing information. It could also help students who do not have the dexterity or motor strength to hold a text and read it at the same time.

Kurzweil could be a great asset for a few of the different learning profiles that we referenced in class. First, it could prove as a great asset for a student like Luke (diagnosed with executive processing disorder and dyslexia). Because Luke absolutely loves technology, this software could prove as a great way to get him interested and increase his confidence in reading and writing. I think asking Luke to explore it and perhaps pairing him with a peer buddy to present on a class topic, could really make Luke’s self-esteem grow. Second, because Kurzweil serves as a great graphic organizing tool, Luke’s difficulty to focus, could significantly maximize his efficiency with respect to the amount of time spent doing homework. Third, because Luke has trouble reading and writing (due to his Dyslexia), Kurzweil could read aloud to him, so he can improve his comprehension and reading skills.

Kurzweil could also prove to be a great asset for a student like Sarah (diagnosed with Ataxic Cerebral Palsy). Because Sarah has trouble with balance, she would not be required to hold a book in order to read, if she had access to this software. The teacher could actually post the reading for her, or the reading could be read aloud to her. This could prove to be more engaging for her, because she would simply have to look straight ahead to see what was being discussed in class.

Third, I think Kurzweil could work well for someone like Jack (diagnosed with ADHD, having limited working memory, literal comprehension and fine motor difficulty). As it could help Luke, Kurzweil in acting as a graphic organizer could really assist Jack in maximizing his time. In allowing him to highlight or enlarge certain text, it could also help him with his working memory because he could make note of important parts of the text. Also, in providing links such as definitions to certain words, it could help him with his memory as well. Because Jack likes technology Kurzweil could really prove to be an asset for him.

Overall, Kurzweil is an awesome asset to the classroom! I wonder how much Kurzweil costs and also if it is provided for teachers in public schools? Can every student have access to Kurzweil? The only barriers I see are financial, but if it could be provided, it would be an incredible asset to the classroom!