Maximizing Education with Microsoft Accessibility Tools for Kids

Introduction

As a business owner and advocate for accessible technologies, I am excited to start this series on Microsoft’s accessibility products. For August, I want to focus on helping kids get back to school with the support of Microsoft Learning Tools. These tools are not just for students; I use them myself while pursuing my master’s degree, and they have been invaluable in making learning more inclusive and engaging.

Let me share a quick story. When I first started using Immersive Reader, it was during my macroeconomics class, which was my first course in my master’s program. Quite frankly, I was petrified of tackling such a challenging subject and using the tool for the first time. However, Immersive Reader made it significantly easier to comprehend complex texts, and I ended up excelling in the course. This experience demonstrated the power of these tools, and I believe they can do the same for your children.

Overview of Microsoft Learning Tools

Microsoft Learning Tools are designed to help students of all abilities enhance their reading, writing, and comprehension skills. Key tools include Immersive Reader, Dictate, and Read Aloud. Each of these tools serves a unique purpose:

• Immersive Reader: Assists with reading by providing text-to-speech, adjustable text size, and background colors.
• Dictate: Allows students to write using their voice, reducing the physical effort required to type.
• Read Aloud: Helps with proofreading and comprehension by reading text aloud.

Setting Up Microsoft Learning Tools

Getting started with Microsoft Learning Tools is simple. Here is a step-by-step guide for each tool, including shortcut keys for readers like myself who are blind or those with low vision:

Immersive Reader

1. Open Microsoft Word or OneNote.
2. Highlight the text you want to read.
3. Click on the “View” tab and select “Immersive Reader” or press Alt + W, then I.

Dictate

1. Open Microsoft Word or OneNote.
2. Click on the “Home” tab or press Alt + H.
3. Select the “Dictate” button to start using voice-to-text or press Alt + H, then D.

Read Aloud

1. Open Microsoft Word or OneNote.
2. Highlight the text you want to hear.
3. Go to the “Review” tab and select “Read Aloud” or press Alt + R, then R.

Using Immersive Reader

Immersive Reader offers several features to support reading skills:

• Text-to-speech functionality: Click the play button to hear the text read aloud or press Ctrl + Shift + U.
• Adjusting text size and font: Use the text preferences to change the size and font style for better readability.
• Line focus and translation options: Highlight one line at a time to improve focus or translate the text into different languages.

Utilizing Dictate

Dictate helps students with writing by converting speech to text. Here is how to use it effectively:

• Activation: Click on the Dictate button in the Home tab of Word or OneNote, or press Alt + H, then D.
• Voice commands and punctuation: Speak clearly, and use commands like “period” or “comma” to add punctuation.

Leveraging Read Aloud

Read Aloud aids in proofreading and comprehension by vocalizing the text. To use it:

• Activation: Highlight the text and click on Read Aloud in the Review tab, or press Alt + R, then R.
• Customization options: Change the voice, speed, and text highlighting to suit individual preferences.

Practical Applications and Tips

Here are some practical ways students can use these tools in their schoolwork:

• Reading assignments with Immersive Reader: Enhance understanding of complex texts.
• Writing essays and notes with Dictate: Make writing more efficient and less physically demanding.
• Proofreading work with Read Aloud: Catch errors and improve comprehension by hearing the text read aloud.

Tips for Parents and Teachers:

To see tangible results, set specific goals with your students. For example, track their reading speed and comprehension levels before and after using Immersive Reader regularly. Create writing assignments using Dictate and monitor improvements in writing fluency and reduced typing fatigue. Use Read Aloud for proofreading tasks and observe the decrease in errors and increase in overall comprehension. Regularly review these metrics to celebrate progress and make adjustments as needed. Additionally, consider taking this course on Microsoft Education with Accessibility to learn more about supporting special education and online learning equity. You can find it at:  Microsoft Education Accessibility Course.