100111-TH0012-Read&Write ESL-Dictionary Tool
At BETT Middle East 2010, Texthelp Systems will be launching new software to help students improve their English language skills. As the most widely used international language in the Middle East, a strong command of English is important for enhancing employment prospects. Read&Write ESL software is a toolbar which can be used with most common computer applications such as Microsoft Word and Internet Explorer. It is designed to help students learning English as a Foreign Language and those who have completed their ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) exams. Experts will be on Stand G45 to show teachers how to effectively use this technology in the classroom.
A typical assignment set by a teacher may require a student to write an essay on youth unemployment in England today followed by a presentation on the subject. The student would typically begin by searching online English newspapers. Read&Write ESL's speech button reads any text aloud in a human sounding voice, allowing the student to check the pronunciation in preparation for the oral assignment, whilst sharpening their listening skills.
Read&Write ESL's talking dictionary helps the student to check the meaning of a word in English, which is more productive than simply translating the word, and this also helps enrich the student's vocabulary. Each definition has a sample sentence to give it a context. The student can then use the vocabulary tool to highlight any words from the text that they do not understand. The tool generates a vocabulary list with the word, its meaning, a picture to illustrate the word and space for the student to write their own notes. This tool can also be used by the teacher in advance of lessons to prepare hand-outs for the class.
Struggling students may wish to use the word prediction tool to start writing an assignment. They simply add some of the texts they have been reading into the database, turn on the prediction tool and start typing. The prediction tool will suggest words relevant to the topic. More confident students may wish to start writing free-hand. When they have finished, they can check their work using the spell-checker and the sounds-like tool. The sounds-like tool checks similar sounding words or homophones such as 'there' and 'their'. Both tools provide dictionary definitions and sample sentences to help build context.
Mark McCusker, CEO, Texthelp Systems comments: "We are excited to be launching Read&Write ESL to help students in secondary schools, English language schools, colleges and universities to develop their English language skills. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our stand at BETT Middle East to show them how the technology works and how it can equip students to succeed in the international workplace."
For further information about Texthelp, please contact Elaine Emerson, Texthelp Systems, on Tel: +44 (0) 28 9442 8105, Email: e.emerson@texthelp.com or visit: www.texthelp.com.
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Notes to editors
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About Texthelp Systems Ltd:
Texthelp Systems Ltd is the worldwide leader of literacy software solutions provided through three core business divisions: Education, Speech Services and Publishing. Texthelp has been developing assistive technology software for the learning disabled community since 1996. The aim has always been to provide the most comprehensive cutting-edge technology available to provide inclusive education.
Based in Antrim, Northern Ireland and with offices in the US, Texthelp is currently experiencing a period of sustained year on year growth. The company has a reseller network covering over 20 countries.
© Press Release 2010
