New iPad app for 'struggling readers' launched
A new app from Scientific Learning provides access to a Reading Assistant on the iPad. Available now in the iTunes App Store, the new app has been designed for primary and secondary schools with a Reading Assistant programme licence.
The app has been designed to deliver an individualised reading coaching to beginning readers, struggling readers, and English language learners.
Reading Assistant is the only software that uses advanced speech recognition technology to correct and support students as they read aloud, helping them improve their reading grade level up to 50% more than students receiving classroom instruction alone, in the same time period, according to the company.
With the app, students can log in and work on Reading Assistant at school, at home or anywhere with an internet connection. The iPad's touchscreen technology with Reading Assistant's animated graphics, reading selections, and comprehension checks, helps students remain focused and allows teachers to measure comprehension and fluency improvement through reports.
"Every educator knows that students benefit from extra reading practice, especially when it's combined with immediate feedback and support," says Robert C. Bowen, Scientific Learning CEO.
"Our new iPad application makes it possible for schools to expand their use of Reading Assistant and provide a personal reading coach for every student who could benefit from guided oral reading instruction. No other programme or e-book provides comparable real-time guidance and feedback," he says.
In 2014 Scientific Learning announced the availability of its Fast ForWord programme on the iPad. The programme was developed by neuroscientists to address foundational language and literacy skills, while concurrently developing memory, attention, processing and sequencing skills.
By adding the Reading Assistant app, Scientific Learning now offers iPad users a tool to address the full language to literacy continuum - listening, speaking, and reading.
