Microsoft has announced a new set of software tools to aid teachers in meeting the needs of students, particular those with dyslexia.
The Learning Tools toolbar add-in has been designed for Microsoft OneNote 2013 and 2016, and includes features such as enhanced dictation to improve authoring text, focus mode to help sustain the reader’s attention, and font spacing adjustments to improve the readability of documents for the reader, among other things.
Microsoft says that it’s new toolbar “improves reading and writing experiences for all students – including for students with learning differences like dyslexia”. A public preview of the new add-in toolbar has released alongside its announcement.
“We designed reading and writing solutions that leverage what works for people with learning differences and for other users based upon research. We are delivering a mainstream tool that benefits all students," Microsoft said.
“It is a great example of inclusive design because it builds on solutions for people with learning differences but it works for everyone and is non-stigmatising,” the company added.
Microsoft emphasised that gaining that ability to read is something that affects a person's “lifelong potential”, and it believes its tools are capable of improving learning outcomes by enhancing reading and writing tools.
Learning Tools current build is focused on word recognition and making text documents more readable. But Microsoft said it has further plans to address the challenges presented by language and literacy barriers using its technology.
It’s currently possible for hand written documents to be photographed using an app, such as Microsoft’s own Office Lens, and the text can then be exported to OneNote using Optical Character Recognition (OCR).
Microsoft plans to implement its OneNote Learning Tools and other accessibility features not across Windows and Office 365 in future.
The public preview of Learning Tools for OneNote is available today, and can be accessed here. Microsoft has also made a Learning Tools FAQ available to assist new users with the software.
Alongside the announcement, Microsoft has also introduced Microsoft: Education Edition, an application aimed at utilising the core tenants of the popular game software – creativity, collaboration and problem solving – in classroom activities.
