Kurzweil Releases Web-Based Literacy Tool
- By Mike Hohenbrink
- 01/19/12
Kurzweil Educational Systems, an assistive technology maker that is part of the Cambium Learning Technologies group, has unveiled Firefly, a new Web-based resource designed to improve student literacy by offering access from anywhere to digital, text-based material.
Firefly works with existing Kurzweil 3000 software by extending its reach in accordance with Universal Design for Learning principles, an educational framework geared toward developing flexible learning environments for individual learners first defined by the Center for Applied Special Technology in the 1990s.
Access to texts is available anywhere along with literacy support tools that include control over pacing, an ability to highlight text, and the ability to work in conjunction with Dragon, Naturally Speaking. Firefly also offers support for English language learners.
Features of Firefly include:
The release joins an existing Kurzweil product line that includes text-to-speech software and other assistive technology to students in Grade 3 through college and into adulthood. Special pricing is available for college students as is bulk pricing for school districts.
The Cambium Learning Technologies group includes Learning A-Z, ExploreLearning, Kurzweil Educational Systems, and IntelliTools.
Information about Kurzweil Educational Systems is available at kurzweiledu.com. Visit cambiumtech.com for more information about Cambium Learning Technologies.