Centre for Innovation in Teaching and Learning

Learning Technology Index

Read and Write

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What is it?

Read&Write is a literacy support tool that helps users study, revise, proofread, and increase their understanding. The software supports a variety of learners including but not limited to struggling readers and writers, those with learning disabilities, and English language learners. Read&Write is a useful tool for faculty and staff too. Faculty can access, download and use the software for thier work, research or teaching activities.

What is its purpose?

support independent learnening
help people with learning disabilities
provide learners with personalized support
increase motivation

How do I use it?

You can download and install the Read&Write software for your devices as a standalone, downloadable application as well as a browser extension that allows users to access features from within other programs such as Word, web browsers or PDF readers. Read & Write is available on a variety of platforms including Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.

Read&Write Learning & User Resources provide tutorials about downloading, installing, and using Read&Write.

Read&Write Youtube playlist also offers different video tutorials about using the software.

Why would I use it?

easy-to-use
supports users who struggle with writing by providing them with grammar correction and assisitng with vocabulary choices
allows its users to easily compile research and bibliographies
supports learners with accessibility needs by providing such tools as Screen Mask, Simplify, and Talk&Type
helps users learn, research, and express themselves confidently across a variety of subjects
the toolbar works with a variety of formats: web pages, PDF files, Google docs, etc.
allows its users to engage with content in a variety of ways: Text-to-Speech, Word Prediction, Picture Dictionaries, Audio Maker, and Study Highlighters

Quick Facts

Category: Study Tool
Rating Level: Pilot/Active
Website: Read and Write
Last Modified: 04 February 2022
Created: 02 December 2021
License Available: Yes
More Info

Free for MUN users
Security Concerns: Yes
Technical Support
Platform(s): Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android

Ratings Information

CITL Rating

Select any category below for details about the criteria for each rating.

Functionality: ★★★

Scale:★★★: Works Well. Each user can download and use its own software using different platforms.
Ease of Use:★★★: Works Well. It feels intuitive and easy to use and offers guidance through user engagement.
Tech Support/Help Availability (for Instructors):★★☆: Minor Concerns. Tech support provided by vendor.
Tech Support/Help Availability (for Students):★★☆: Minor Concerns. Tech support provided by vendor.
Hypermediality :★★★: Works Well. Provides multiple forms of media

Accessibility: ★★★

Accessibility Standards:★★★: Works Well.
User-focused participation:★★★: Works Well. The software addresses the needs of diverse users
Required Equipment:★★★: Works Well. No specific equipment needed. The software is both a stand-alone, downloadable application as well as a browser extension that allows users to access features from within other programs such as Word, web browsers or PDF readers. Read & Write is available on a variety of platforms including Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.

Technical: ★★★

Integration/Embedding within a Learning Management System (LMS) :: Not Applicable.
Operating Systems:★★★: Works Well. Read & Write is available on a variety of platforms including Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.
Web Browser:★★★: Works Well. The software can be used as a browser extension, including Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge
Additional Technical Requirements:★★☆: Minor Concerns. The software is both a stand-alone, downloadable application as well as a browser extension that allows users to access features from within other programs such as Word, web browsers or PDF readers.

Mobile Design: ★★☆

Access:★★★: Works Well. The software can be installed using an iOS or Android
Functionality:★★☆: Minor Concerns. Some features are not available in the mobile app, such as vocabulary list or Scan
Offline Access:★★☆: Minor Concerns.

Usage and Account Set Up: ★★☆

Sign Up/Sign In:★☆☆: Serious Concerns.
Cost of Use:★★★: Works Well. It is free for all Memorial students, faculty, and staff for use on and off campus.
Archiving, Saving, and Exporting Data :★★☆: Minor Concerns. Some activities can be saved such as voice to MP3 or note taking.
Data Privacy and Ownership:★★★: Works Well.

Social Presence: ★★★

Collaboration :: Not Applicable.
User Accountability:: Not Applicable.
Diffusion:★★★: Works Well. The tool is used globally in education, the workplace, and at home.

Teaching Presence: ★★★

Facilitation:: Not Applicable.
Customization:★★★: Works Well.
Learning Analytics:: Not Applicable.

Cognitive Presence: ★★★

Enhancement of Cognitive Task(s):★★★: Works Well. The tool helps to reduce cognitive load when reading text as well as enabling additional focus on comprehension.
Higher Order Thinking:★★★: Works Well. The tool helps learners integrate, rearrange, or extend new and existing information to achieve a purpose or find answers to a complex problem.
Feedback on Learning:: Not Applicable.

Security and Privacy

: The service is not offered by Memorial University and has not been reviewed by Information Management and Protection.

Support Information

Read&Write Learning & User Resources provide different guides and tutorials about the use of the tool.

The Tech Support page also comes with the latest updates and articles about the software.

The Read&Write for Education Youtube playlist also contains videos about the educational value and uses of the tool.

Note: Instructional Support is available through CITL. Please connect with Learning Technology Coaches for assistance ltc_citl@mun.ca or visit the Teaching and Learning Exchange in ED 1001, St. John’s Campus.