Whether you are an early English language learner, have dyslexia, dysgraphia or any learning disabilities, the Kurzweil 3000 software is here to help. Designed by a company from Natick, Massachusetts in the United States, the software helps students of higher education read large volumes of text, work independently, use their study time effective, and improve their test-taking skills [1].
But how, you may ask? Well, Kurzweil 3000 comes equipped with three main features:
Reading Assistance
To assist users in reading volumes of text, the software comes with a multitude of text-analyzing tools: there are 31 natural text-to-speech voices, 18 languages available for text-to-speech, a customizable reading rate/presentation, the ability to create MP3 files of readings and much more [2].
Users can also utilize a talking calculator that will read-aloud basic math, as well as the ability to close the software and resume reading on exactly the page that they finished on upon re-opening the software.
Readers can watch this 30 second video provided by Kurzweil Education on YouTube, which explains the potential of the Kurzweil 3000 software and how important it can be to the success of a student, no matter their current life situation.
Comprehension Support
The software offers a plethora of dictionaries, with one-click access to American Heritage dictionaries, picture dictionaries, and a talking dictionary [2].
There are also a variety of note tools, including sticky and voice notes, as well as bookmark tools. Moreover, Kurzweil allows its users to translate words and/or full passages up to 70+ different languages.
Demonstration Capabilities
The demonstration capabilities are split into 2 different categories: Writing and Test-Taking.
- Writing
The Kurzweil 3000 software provides users with a writing path that supports writing from beginning to end, a space for mapping ideas with brainstorms and graphic organizers, and the tools to create their own writing template outlines [2].
Similar to the capabilities of many phones and other typing devices, Kurzweil 3000 is also equipped with word prediction, as well as spell-checking and speech-to-text tools.
- Test-Taking
A student’s test-taking skills are crucial in a university environment. Improving these skills can be the difference between a pass and a fail when it comes to a heavily weighted exam, even if the student studies enough and knows the material.
Kurzweil 3000 can create a test/assignment using a Test-Prep toolbar and can lock features of the software to allow for a more realistic examination environment [2]. Students can create assignments, essays, multiple choice, short answer, and even true/false testable questions.
Although the software is often marketed more toward those with learning disabilities, it can be used by anyone looking for a way to supplement their learning with useful, convenient tools and features. Kurzweil education believes that every learner deserves the opportunity to develop the literacy skills that lead to overall academic and personal success and offer learners with multi-sensory approaches to read, comprehend, synthesize, and apply their knowledge [3].
Aside from those with learning disabilities, the software has also been catered to athletes who are balancing increased academic workloads with dynamic practice and travel scheduling, as well as military veterans who have not been in a classroom for some time [1].
There are also other versions of the software that cater to different audiences entirely. An example of this would be the Kurzweil 1000 software. This software is “an assistive technology for students who are blind or low vision who need support in accessing print or digital media” [1].
This software comes equipped with various features: the ability to send files to a wide variety of handheld devices; easy access to necessary education applications, such as a calculator and a calendar; and finally, the ability to search and retrieve online information [1].
A standalone version of the Kurzweil 3000 software costs about $995.00, but college and university students are offered a discount [4]. There is also a subscription-based payment option that may be more suitable for students, depending on their financial situation. The software itself works on both Windows and Mac, and the exact system requirements can be found on the Kurzweil Education website.
Conclusion
To see the software in action briefly, watch the “Introduction to Kurzweil 3000” video on YouTube, provided by the Solano Community College. For a more in-depth video tour, please see the Kurzweil website for their live tour through the software (1:06:41).
Users interested in a Kurzweil product can visit the Kurzweil Education website to sign-up for a personally guided tour by a sales representative by visiting the Kurzweil Education website [5].
Alt Media | Introduction to Kurzweil 3000
References
[1] Kurzweil Education. (n.d.) Kurzweil for Higher Education. Retrieved October 17, 2018, from https://www.kurzweiledu.com/about-kurzweil/higher-education.html
[2] Kurzweil Education. (n.d.) Kurzweil 3000 Features. Retrieved October 17, 2018, from https://www.kurzweiledu.com/k3000-firefly/features.html
[3] Kurzweil Education. (n.d.) What Is Kurzweil 3000? Retrieved October 17, 2018, from https://www.kurzweiledu.com/about-kurzweil/about-kurzweil.html
[4] Bridges Canada. (n.d.) Kurzweil 3000 English (Standalone). Retrieved October 17, 2018, from https://www.bridges-canada.com/products/kurzweil-3000-english-standalone
[5] Kurzweil Education. (n.d.) Request a Guided Tour. Retrieved December 19, 2018, from https://marketing.kurzweiledu.com/acton/media/11777/drive-meaningful-progress-with-the-latest-release-of-kurzweil-3000
