WriteReader is a comprehensive, research-based online tool designed to enhance students’ literacy skills through the creation of multimedia books. Here’s an overview of what the product does and its key features:
Purpose and Functionality
WriteReader is tailored for K-5 teachers and students, aiming to implement evidence-based reading and writing instruction. It empowers students to become confident, independent writers and readers by providing a platform to create and publish their own books. This tool supports all language domains, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking, making it a versatile resource for literacy development.
Key Features
Book Creation and Customization
- Students can create multimedia books using text, audio, and images. The platform offers various templates, including phonics templates, to align with curriculum materials and support systematic, explicit instruction in reading and writing.
- Features like text production, voice recording, and camera integration allow for diverse content creation. Users can also use comic style callouts on images and rearrange pages to customize their books.
Support for Diverse Learners
- WriteReader includes support for English Language Learners (ELL) and struggling learners through features such as safe image search, text input in any language, and customized experiences in 12 languages.
- The platform provides audio support, including speech-to-print and print-to-speech options, to guide students in their encoding efforts and differentiate instruction based on individual learning needs.
Classroom Management and Feedback
- Teachers can easily set up and manage their classrooms, monitor student progress, and provide real-time feedback. The platform allows for class and student-level settings, enabling teachers to adjust literacy features to meet the specific needs of each student.
Technology and Accessibility
- WriteReader is optimized for mobile and smartphone use, ensuring it is accessible on various devices and screen sizes through major browsers. It also integrates seamlessly with Google Classroom and Google Single Sign On for easy login and collaboration.
AI-Enabled Assessment
- The platform includes an AI assessment module that provides automated feedback on students’ writing development. This module uses Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning (ML) to analyze and translate early-stage writing into standard language forms, offering readability scores and other linguistic metrics.
Printing and Sharing
- Students can print their books in booklet or full-page format and download them as PDFs. This feature allows students to take pride in their work and share it with an authentic audience.
Additional Tools
- WriteReader offers features like bulk actions on books, merging books, and QR code student login, making classroom management efficient. It also supports remote learning and allows teachers to add co-teachers, enhancing collaborative teaching practices.
In summary, WriteReader is a powerful tool that combines multimedia book creation, evidence-based reading and writing instruction, and advanced AI assessment to foster literacy skills and engagement among students. Its user-friendly interface, customization options, and integration with educational technologies make it a valuable resource for teachers and students alike.