Useful digital tools for developing reading skills
In the previous step, you looked at useful online reading resources. Now you’re going to look at some digital tools and ways they can be exploited in online reading lessons to help learners develop their reading skills.
Task
Match each tool and its description (1-4) with the way the tool can be exploited (A-D).
| Tool | Way the tools can be exploited |
| 1. CuePrompter online teleprompter – This tool allows you to display a reading text which automatically scrolls down the screen at a speed that you select. It can be fast or slow. | A. Teachers can adapt texts to ensure they are appropriate for their students. |
| 2. Online dictionary – This dictionary provides learners with information about the meaning of words, word form, pronunciation, collocations, etc. | B. Learners can try to guess the meaning of unknown words they feel are important in context and then check if they are correct. |
| 3. Scrible – This tool allows you to annotate over website texts with a highlighter or sticky note and save it in a library for future access. | C. Learners practise skimming a text for the general idea. |
| 4. Rewordify – A tool which reduces the level of complex language in a text. | D. Teachers can point out features or pose questions to learners and share the article with them. Learners can learn to be active readers, taking notes as they read. |
Reflect and share
Research one of the tools above. Decide if it might be appropriate for the online learners you’re likely to teach and why/why not. Share your ideas in the comments.
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