Students with dyslexia face particular challenges in college. The advanced classes often prove quite complex for all learners. But when dyslexia enters that equation, matters become even more difficult. Fortunately, there are tools to help dyslexic students overcome learning obstacles.
Dyslexia is a learning disability mainly connected with language processing. Increased awareness of dyslexia has had a positive impact in terms of developing helpful tools. With today’s resources, dyslexic students may improve and enhance their study skills with the assistance of modern technology.
Let’s look at some particular issues caused by dyslexia and how today’s tools can help.
Different ways dyslexia can impact college students
Dyslexia impacts college students through various symptoms that cause issues with:
- Reading and understanding written texts
- Building vocabulary
- Word recognition and understanding
- Spelling
Dyslexic students may have issues with reading fluency or writing. One study found that dyslexic 11-year-olds made more errors and wrote slower when writing down by dictation.
Finally, dyslexia can impair a student’s ability to learn skills that involve particular symbols, such as math. This issue is less frequent and doesn’t appear in most students with dyslexia.
Top tools for college students with dyslexia
While there are no methods for curing dyslexia or dysgraphia, modern tools can make those conditions less disruptive. Some of the most valuable technologies to help dyslexic students include:
- Assistive technology
- Text to speech
- Note-taking tools
- Audiobooks
- Smartpens
Assistive technology tools
Assistive technology is a collection of tools intended for helping with learning disabilities. These tools include e-readers, OCR, data managers, proofreading, and other tools.
Data managers help dyslexic students keep track of their calendars and essential info. Proofreading tools can perform a spell check as soon as a word is typed in, but the spell checker can also correct the entire text. Most tools also feature word prediction, making typing even more straightforward.
Text to speech tools
A text to speech tool can read aloud written words, making it ideal for special education purposes. There’s a wide selection of TTS options with tools like Play.ht, Speechify, and NaturalReader.
Play.ht
Play.ht has a library of AI voices that can read any text pasted into the app. The audio recording is ready for exporting so users can save the readouts on their devices.
While being a handy tool, Play.ht isn’t very straightforward to use. Luckily, there’s a video tutorial that users can consult to get around that issue. The number of words this app can process in a month depends on the selected pricing plan.
Speechify
Speechify uses an AI-powered algorithm to read any text. This includes written pages, scanned documents, word processor docs, web pages, and more.
The power of Speechify lies in natural-sounding voices that can read text seamlessly. The service features advanced options like speed adjustment, especially useful for reading comprehension.
NaturalReader
NaturalReader is a cloud-based app designed for personal use. It can read out various text documents, as well as web pages and PDFs using speech synthesis.
Since the app relies on a cloud connection, users can access NaturalReader on the go through their smart devices. The service supports nine languages and nearly 60 voices. This app is available in commercial, software, and online form.
Note-taking tools
Note-taking can diminish the learning differences between dyslexic and other students. Using a note-taking tool, students with dyslexia can take notes as quickly as anyone else.
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote is free and easy to use. It’s an ideal note-taking tool for high school students and higher education. Each individual note functions like a canvas where users can take notes in free form and insert images.
Apple Notes
Apple Notes is a note-taking app that comes with macOS and iOS. However, the app isn’t only on Mac computers, iPhones, and iPads. Users can access it via browser, even from a PC or Chromebook.
Google Keep
Google Keep is made to integrate with other Google services. Of course, the app will work on other platforms, like Android and iOS, but its greatest strength comes when combined with the developer’s other apps like Google Chrome, Docs, Calendar, and Drive.
Audiobooks
Audiobooks are an easy way for students to use learning resources without reading. Many audiobook services have a wide range of learning material.
Audible
Audible is a relatively pricey service, but it has a vast library covering many subjects. Besides educational material, students can benefit from the selection of fiction books and other literary works.
Audiobooks.com
Audiobooks.com is a good alternative to Audible, and it shares most of the features with that service. There are recommendations, sleep timers, and thousands of free books. Users also get three books when they sign up.
Speechify
Speechify was already mentioned as a text-to-speech service, but it can be an excellent audiobook tool as well. The service can turn any text into an audiobook through its powerful AI algorithm that reads the text naturally.
Smartpens
Smartpens are designed to simplify word processing by turning handwriting into digital text. Some of the best smartpens available right now include:
- Livescribe Symphony
- Wacom Bamboo Ink
- Apple Pencil
Speechify – helping college students with dyslexia learn and excel
Speechify represents an excellent learning tool for dyslexic students. This text to speech service can read out any text, making it easier to memorize and keeping the student’s focus sharp.
With Speechify, students with dyslexia can learn more easily than by reading. The service allows users to adjust the reading speed, making it very convenient to use.
FAQs
What apps are good for ADHD?
The most helpful apps include text-to-speech, note-takers, and assistive technology tools.
What is assistive technology for ADHD students?
Assistive technology is a set of tools designed to make learning easier through various devices and apps.
How do students with ADHD learn best?
One of the best ways to learn with a learning disability includes listening rather than reading.
What helps ADHD students focus?
Listening systems boos focus by transmitting speech directly into the student’s earpiece.
What are some ADHD tools for students?
The most popular tools fall into the category of assistive technology. This may include smartpens, audiobooks, text-to-speech engines, and more.
What are the tools for ADHD students?
Students with learning disabilities have tools like assistive technologies - note-taking, smartpens, and text-to-speech - to help them thrive.
Do you have tools for kids with ADHD?
Learning assistance tools are available from many resources. Some are free, while others come as a subscription service.
What can students with ADHD do to help themselves focus?
To boost focus, students can use e-readers instead of their computers or smart devices. The benefit here comes from the lack of distractions.
What are some ADHD tools?
Services like Speechify or Learning Ally make access to learning resources straightforward. Graphic organizers can help with time management, while flashcards make it easier to memorize information.
