Ultimate Reader

Universal Learning Technology

Telephone - (508) 538- 0036

Email: ULT@cast.org

Grade Level(s): all

Subject area(s): all

Reviewed by Katherine Wood

Software Description

The software makes text-based material available as speech and is particularly beneficial for children and adults, who have reading or learning disabilities, speak English as a second language, have low vision, or have certain mobility problems. This tool is a talking word processor, which enables students to hear text documents and highlights the words as they are read. It can read number, abbreviations, and punctuation correctly.

Accuracy of Content

The user, or their teacher, essentially supplies the content and it becomes the educator's challenge to assure that the material is within the oral comprehension zone of the students. It does have some difficulty with words from other languages and names; however, if the words occur frequently, it is possible to enter them in a user dictionary. The pronunciation of those words is not always an exact reflection of the spoken language.

Technical quality

The software is extremely easy to install and customize for use by a variety of students. The ability of the student dictates the amount of support needed. When the software is used as a means of taking notes from an encyclopedia or other input device, a large screen makes the program more comfortable while viewing tiled windows. The flexibility of the software permits smooth adjustments to both print and voice functions. Teachers and students can use Ultimate Reader to gain access to texts, tests, worksheets, and reference works while receiving verbal comments. The on screen control strip is well designed and may be reconfigured based on student preferences. The software may be used on the web and in effect becomes a talking browser.

Role of students

The software does the reading and allows the student to move away from decoding to focus on comprehension. Students can work according to their needs and easily adjust reading rate, pause and repeat passages, or take notes on a second reader document using a split screen.

Role of the teacher

Given a scanner, teachers can provide auditory access to enable students reading below grade level access to the mainstream reading materials. The software enables teachers to import text from the web for classroom use. An excellent site is as follows: http://www.cs.cmu.edu/Web/boks.html. Teachers can download directly from this site. Basic instruction in how to use a word processor should launch most students on successful word processing. The software allows for students to easily save or to move them into other programs to add graphics and other features.

Classroom Usage

The software is a wonderful tool in mainstreaming for it gently supports integration. A group of students can listen to a text document and create a cooperative response. It allows students to hear the language and follow fluent reading as an aid in developing their own fluency. Research has shown the benefits of reading aloud to children, and this program extends the time children hear and see reading. The software would also support shared writing experiences. The software provides a wide array of sample activities from spelling games to math word problems.

Critical summary

I found the software excellent. Its basic features are appropriate for a wide range of students. The more advanced features -- note taking, web browsing, developing stationary pads, and vocabulary development make it an excellent tool in the multi-level classroom.

 Overall rating: (based on a scale of 1 to 10) 10

 Explanation of rating

When a piece of software enables disabled students, is easy to install and use, promotes creativity, and provides ready access to the mainstream curriculum it deserves a rating of 10 out of 10.

Last revised: January 15, 2003