Summary of NovaNET Courseware Helps English Language Learners, Struggling Readers Master Content, Build Literacy Skills With Texthelps Text-to-Speech Technology
This article announces that NovaNET Courseware has integrated Texthelp Systems' SpeechStream text-to-speech technology. This feature assists over 5 million U.S. English Language Learners by allowing them to hear content read aloud, improving comprehension and vocabulary. The toolbar also includes a translator for Spanish audio playback and adjustable speed controls, supporting students with reading difficulties and learning disabilities across various subjects.
Parts used in the NovaNET Courseware Project:
- NovaNET Courseware
- Texthelp Systems SpeechStream
- Text-to-speech toolbar
- Translator feature
Phoenix (PRWEB) April 10, 2012
More than 5 million U.S. students face the challenge of trying to learn math, science and social studies at the same time they are trying to build English language skills. Now, when English Language Learners (ELL) learn with NovaNET Courseware, they will discover a powerful tool for overcoming this hurdle, thanks to the digital learning curriculums new embedded text-to-speech feature.
NovaNET Courseware is now speech-enabled with Texthelp Systems SpeechStream, an intuitive text-to-speech toolbar that gives students the ability to read while hearing text read aloud by a high-quality, digitized human voice. This research-proven method helps improve word recognition, vocabulary and comprehension. Students can also use the toolbars Translator feature to translate any unfamiliar words. They can have the translated words read aloud in Spanish and can even control the speed of the playback so they are better able to comprehend the content.
Chris Dragon, President of Pearson Digital Learning, said, Having this new text-to-speech technology embedded in NovaNET Courseware levels the playing field for all students when it comes to learning content while building language skills. Now, NovaNET Courseware provides even greater support for students struggling with reading and writing difficulties and learning disabilities, and those learning the English language.
Serving more than 3 million students over the past 10 years, the award-winning NovaNET provides personalized, comprehensive online learning paths to provide middle school through adult learners especially those most at risk of falling behind with the necessary skills and competencies for college and career readiness. NovaNET Courseware meets schools needs for credit accrual, dropout prevention, summer school, credit recovery, virtual schools and virtual learning opportunities.
NovaNET Coursewares digital learning environment is perfect for the integration of our SpeechStream technology, said Jack Dolan, President of Texthelp Systems. Whether learning biology, American history or English, students of all abilities can turn to the toolbar to have a word translated as well as have an entire passage read to them so they can comprehend it. Learning doesnt get much more personalized than that.
About Texthelp Systems Inc.
Texthelp Systems provides literacy software solutions for individuals, K-12, higher education and publishers. Texthelps products include: Read&Write GOLD, Web Apps, Fluency Tutor, Lexiflow and SpeechStream. For more information, go to http://www.texthelp.com.
About Pearson
Pearson, the worlds leading learning company, has as its mission to work side by side with states, districts, teachers, students and parents to ensure that every child is prepared for college and career (NYSE: PSO). For more information, go to http://www.pearsonschool.com.
Contact:
kate.miller(at)pearson(dot)com 1.800.745.8489
c.nawn(at)texthelp(dot)com 1.888.248.0652
- How does the new feature help English Language Learners?
The embedded text-to-speech feature helps students overcome hurdles in math, science, and social studies while building English skills. - What technology is now speech-enabled in NovaNET?
NovaNET Courseware is now speech-enabled with Texthelp Systems SpeechStream. - Can students translate unfamiliar words?
Yes, students can use the toolbars Translator feature to translate any unfamiliar words. - In what language can translated words be read aloud?
Translated words can be read aloud in Spanish. - Can users control the playback speed?
Yes, students can control the speed of the playback to better comprehend content. - Who benefits most from this new technology?
The technology supports students struggling with reading and writing difficulties, learning disabilities, and those learning the English language. - What subjects can students learn using this tool?
Students can use the toolbar to learn biology, American history, English, math, and social studies. - Does the research support this method?
Yes, the method is described as research-proven to improve word recognition, vocabulary, and comprehension.
