If you are someone who is suffering from dyslexia, or if you know someone who is, you might be interested to learn that Microsoft has recently launched a new tool called Learning Tools for their OneNote software. This is a toolbar add-on designed for OneNote 2013 and 2016 in which it will help students with learning difficulties, such as dyslexia.So how will it help, you ask? As you can see in the screenshot above, one of the features of Learning Tools is the Immersive Reading tool. According to Microsoft, “The OneNote Learning Tools Immersive Reader uses simultaneous highlighting and voicing text, allowing users to improve focus and reading speed.”
Microsoft has also introduced a new font called Fluent Calibri. The idea is that this new font with its wider spacing will help to reduce visual crowding in between letters, which is supposed to help with dyslexia, although as pointed out by The Verge, there still needs to be more research done on the subject.
Microsoft also points out that this is just the start, and that they are looking into more things that can be done in the future to help students. “This is just the beginning of our work in creating a more inclusive classroom with our tools. The challenges that come with language and literacy barriers are vast and varied, but technology can help students overcome these obstacles and become more independent in class.”
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