Fifteen years ago when I tutored reading, it never crossed my mind to teach basic computer skills. Now most everything is computerized. Clocking in and out, entering sick time, vacation time are all tasks that must be done on the computer. One now must include smart phones and other smart gadgets when addressing the topic. I find that people who struggle to read are not getting the most out of their gadgets and gizmos.
Some of the basic functionality that I encourage my students to use is the talk to text feature now available on most phones. Most are not so confident on their spelling but this gives them to opportunity to see the word. The website www.dictionary.com along with other online dictionaries gets my next vote of approval. Being able to hear the pronunciation repeatedly at your leisure is fantastic.
One of the newest apps that I have encouraged students to get is Libby. It has some real bonuses. First, you have to have a library card so these folks must go into a library. Field Trip!! When you register with Libby, you must choose your library so you can check out books from their collections. They have audiobooks and electronic books. The electronic versions allows you to look up words as you are reading. You don’t even leave the application. Who doesn’t like to be read to? The audiobooks offers students a way to listen to stories that are currently above their reading skill level. Most importantly for my students, this is free.
Of course, there are so many apps and sites out there that can be used to aid a learner. These are just a few features that I use to pique my learner’s interest and self-sufficiency. Do you have any favorite apps or sites for your learners?
MarinaE reads 