Immersive Reader Microsoft

Microsoft Immersive Reader.  This can be found here!

Each school district has its own platform that they use to streamline their process.   Some districts are Google others microsoft and still others are a smattering of what works for them.   Coming from one district to another,  I had to change from Google to Microsoft software. Big change, but I had fun learning what I could do with it.  This year I have many neuro diverse students  as well as students who need varying assistance with programs and learning materials to best meet their needs.  

According to the Center for Universal Design Educators can do the following to make sure we are are creating accessible lessons.  Immersive Reader can assist with all of this.

1. Representing their content in multiple ways, for example through a combination of text, images, multimedia content, and more.

2. Allowing students to demonstrate their mastery of a topic in multiple ways, for example by writing or drawing.

3. Offering a variety of ways for learners to engage with the content and develop their own motivation.

Microsoft's Immersive Reader is more than just a reader.  It provides accessibility for language.   It can be found in Word, Powerpoint, Teams and One Note.  Now it can be found in Pear Deck, Near Pod and Buncee.   Below, I have included a video from microsoft to walk you through all of the uses to date.   It began to assist students with dyslexia and became so much more.  IR can assist english language learners, emerging readers, students with ADHD and so much more.    

 

TEXT

• Microsoft Immersive reader allows for the user to take ownership in the text size,  font, and background color.  This can allow for the user to choose fonts that are easier to read, spacing and background color to ease strain of any kind.  There is a high contrast option as well.  A really cool thing is it will also separate syllables as you are reading.   
• It will read to you.  You can choose the voice sound to enable for easier listening.  
• It can offer a focus stream  for those who have issues staying on task. 

TRANSLATION

• MIR can take text and translate it into another language!   Many other languages!   Over sixty to be exact.  It also offers the same text supports that are listed above.   
• Picture dictionary is offered in many of them.   Just click on a word and it will bring up a picture of the item.   It will also speak the item.   

VOICE to TEXT

• MIR offers voice to text for those who think faster than they can type or if typing is a struggle for you.   

Holly Clark  has a blog that also highlights some really strong uses for Immersive Reader. 

  Honestly it has changed some of my students lives.  This is a free item on Microsoft 365.  And on most Microsoft products.