Resources and Tools
Second Language AT Tools
Second Language Acquisition in the CBE is currently being mandated for many grades. Inclusive Learning Technologies is also available to these populations to enable them to access the curriculum and express their learning. Below is a list of Inclusive Learning Technologies tools that can be accessed in second languages including some of the languages that they support.
Dragon Naturally Speaking
Dragon Naturally Speaking is Speech-to-text software (for Windows) that enables individuals to dictate or transcribe words and have them appear on the computer screen. Individuals can also search the web for information with a single voice command. To support second language learners this software is available on the Windows platform in French, German, Italian, Spanish and Dutch.
Mac Speech Dictate
Mac Speech Dictate is Speech-to-text software (for Macintosh). It is currently only available in English, but offers 6 versions (accents) of English. They hope to have new language versions available in the future.
Clicker 5
Clicker 5 provides writing support for younger and/or ESL Learners. It is multimedia software that enables writing with whole words, phrases or pictures. Second language supports include French voices for Mac or Windows and French and Spanish versions of the software (Windows only).
Super Pen Translator
This ultimate language translator comes complete with over 30 language dictionaries on the CD. Users can change languages as needed - becoming fluent anywhere in the world. Scan a complete line of text and see a word-by-word translation displayed instantly!
Read and Write Gold/ Read & Write Gold Mobile/ Read & Write Gold for Mac
Read and Write Gold Text-to-Speech software provides reading, writing, research and study skills options. Second Language supports are available for individual copies purchased through Alberta Education Learning Resources Centre which includes French voices. Additional language options (French & Spanish) can be purchased for site licenses and include Neospeech voices for Windows and Ghostwriter voices for Mac.
Kurzweil 3000 and Version 4 for Mac
Kurzweil 3000 and Kurzweil Version 4 for Mac are Text-to-Speech software programs providing reading, writing, research and study skills options. Second Language supports include on Kurzweil 3000 include French, German, Spanish and Italian voices and dictionary support. There is no second language features included in Version 4 for Mac.
Boardmaker
Boardmaker software allows you to create printed materials using Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) and other pictures and graphics. It is ideal for younger students or English as a Second Language Learners. Boardmaker features more than 4,500 Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) in both color and black-and-white, all in 44 languages.
http://www.mayer-johnson.com/ProdDesc.aspx?SKU=M125
