Technology & Learning - October 2007 - (Page 48)

» Emerging Tech By Lindsay Oishi Word by Word RSVP technology can transform the reading experience. can be loaded into an RSVP program. RapidReader PRO has an option for making pdf documents RSVP-capable, using a simple drag-and-drop utility. With WinBlit Speedread, a one-click RSVP tool is built into Internet Explorer, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Outlook. A free add-on The basic idea behind the RSVP When words are presented very called RSVP Reader does the same method is to display text briefly, in quickly, there isn’t enough time to thing for the Firefox browser, displaysequential order, using a small amount subvocalize. Most RSVP programs ing selections from a Web page withof space. With RSVP software, senallow for gradual increases in the in the browser window itself. tences are broken down into single number of words displayed per Once an electronic document is words or small chunks that flash on minute, up to four or more times the loaded into the RSVP the screen at a usersoftware program, you determined rate. Since can customize the the eyes don’t have color, font, size, backto move back and ground, position on forth, and you can’t the screen, speed and dawdle or unconchunking settings, and sciously go back, with much more. Since practice, readers can RSVP eliminates the increase their speed RSVP reader is one of many new utilities to help reading comprehension. need to hold a book, and efficiency. read small print, click RSVP can be more through a Web site, or scroll, students than a classroom exercise, however, standard adult rate of 250 wpm. with visual and physical disabilities thanks to the explosion of Web sites, Computer-paced, serial presentation may find this style more comfortable. online encyclopedias, and e-books allows students to practice focusing While not all the news about providing academic materials in elecattention for short periods of time. RSVP is positive—some studies show tronic form. In fact, its availability One RSVP software program, comprehension plummeting at the across a range of media and devices RapidReader PRO, features a green faster reading rates, and the effect of may be helpful for students who have bar tracking students’ progress, and rapid eye movement can be physically dyslexia, attention problems, and students can change the speed using unsettling to some—this technology visual or physical disabilities. up and down arrow keys. Upon reachcan still prove a powerful learning For example, reading is often hining an important point, they can use tool for many. dered by subvocalization, or mentally an electronic “dog-ear” button so pronouncing words while reading silently. Mental mispronunciation may also lead to comprehension errors. 48 | www.techlearning.com T here are often a few students in a classroom who struggle with reading. Whether they are reluctant to read because it is difficult or because they might have a visual or physical disability, students may find rapid serial visual presentation a technique that can help. they can come back to the page later. Though not all texts are digitized, many different kinds of electronic files Lindsay Oishi is a graduate student in learning sciences and technology design at Stanford University. http://www.techlearning.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Technology & Learning - October 2007

Technology & Learning - October 2007 Editor’s Desk News & Trends Product Guide Reviews How Fast Is Fast Enough? Cover Story: Career Education in the Digital Age Getting It Wrong Higher Ed Point of View How To Bottom Line What’s New Emerging Tech

Technology & Learning - October 2007

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