ClaroRead 2007 for Windows Review
by Gerry Kennedy
Author: Kennedy © June 2007
ClaroRead 2007 for Windows: by Claro Software Ltd
Distributor: Spectronics (www.spectronicsinoz.com)
ClaroRead 2007 is a discreet, literacy support tool that operates with all MS Windows text based programs and resources. High quality Australian voices, both male and female, can be used to voice text that is highlighted or selected in a program. Additional voices are also included and each voice can be customised to suit individual user’s needs. It assists users who are struggling with reading; need support with editing their own text as they type, or after it is generated. It also supports vision impaired users and students who wish to be more independent. The various versions of the software cater to students in upper primary and secondary through to tertiary settings as well as to adults.
ClaroRead 2007 offers a great deal more, though. It includes a text-to-speech pronunciation tool, a talking calculator and a word prediction function. A comprehensive, very useful and easy to use and master text-check function is included. It is a feature that is used for fast and accurate checking of spelling, grammar and homophones.
Words Can Confuse
Homophones often confuse students, as spell checkers dismiss words that sound similar but are spelt differently. When students use ‘real’ words’ they may be unaware that they are incorrectly chosen. Homophones are words that are pronounced alike even though they differ in spelling or meaning, such as “where” and “we’re”, “there” or “their”. The homophone finder alerts the users as to the meaning of a word and the correct usage and spelling. The context can therefore be checked. Words as well as their meanings can also be voiced for readers who require this support. The ClaroRead Homophone feature will mark in colour all the homophones and confusable words in a document. Students and educators working with them can also add additional tricky and confusable words. The Check Feature will list alternative words that sound the same, along with the meaning of each word. In addition, the software will mark all homophones in colour as text is typed.
If a word is listed as a homophone, the Homophone Check Box will appear, along with meanings. If the word has alternative words with the same or similar meaning, the Meaning Check Box will appear. Students can then look down further to see the dictionary definition. After checking for homophones, users can then use the spell-check function for individual words or check the entire document. To cater directly to student needs, the Check Boxes are fully speech enabled. Simply by hovering the mouse over text will make words speak. Over 1000 picture icons are included in this new version to help users with word meanings.
A Simple Toolbar
All this is controlled by in one floating toolbar. Most importantly, it will lock onto any active MS Windows software program. Features can be easily added and removed from the toolbar. Students, teachers and teacher assistants or parents can determine which buttons will be included for a student, depending on the application being used, the subject or topic being covered or the features required at the time. Colourful buttons represent each function. This option is very handy when employed in training as buttons can be added progressively or as required when each function is introduced. ClaroRead 2007 (CR) is closely integrated with Microsoft applications, especially with MS Word and MS Internet Explorer.
The software provides a single tool bar for use in Microsoft Word. It combines the homophone and tricky word dictionary, font and spacing commands, a thesaurus, spell checker button and the ‘save to audio’ function. The graphic icons are intuitive and graphically well represented so that new users immediately recognise and identify them. The font and spacing feature is practical and useful. You can quickly cater to a student’s visual acuity by increasing the spacing of text between words or lines. Being able to easily and quickly modify the font and spacing in a document so that reading and recognition of text is made more apparent is truly a clever and handy feature.
High Quality Text-to-Speech
CR incorporates the RealSpeak text-to-speech voices. They provide very high quality voicing of text in most computer applications, particularly productivity tools (e.g. Office type applications). As long as the user can select the text (for cutting, copying and editing purposes), it can be read back. CR has features that make text clearer and more visible (i.e. with colour choices and differentiation) that compliment and work in tandem with the text-checking tools. Spoken words can be tracked using a custom colour selection. Any accessible text under the mouse can be spoken. This assists in developing accurate documents and ultimately saves time, helps build confidence and lessens frustration. It accommodates students and users who have dyslexia, reading and writing difficulties, students who fatigue and students who wish to improve performance with text. CR will provide opportunities for struggling or failing students to improve and begin to renegotiate school assignments, writing tasks and projects with added interest and vigour.
As text is voiced, users can determine whether sentences are too short, overly long and disjointed. They hear most spelling errors, as words ‘do not sound right!’ They better understand and begin to appreciate pronunciation rules as they hear the pauses in text created by commas. They hear and identify inflections when using question marks and exclamation marks. Long passages of text that include too many conjunctions can be identified and rectified quickly. Older or more experienced users can critically examine their content and edit it accordingly where the text does not make sense or does not convey intent. All adults will appreciate text to speech in report writing, correcting student’s work and in their own text creation.
Voicing text has other advantages. Students can become more independent by negotiating and completing reading and writing tasks with less intervention. They are less reliant on others to read emails, web sites, documents and study notes to them. They can research and collect data more easily. They can read e-books online or follow instructions and directions provided to them by teachers. Scanned text from printed sources is also made accessible. Using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) they can acquire any text from any book, note, magazine, newspaper article or printed library resource. After scanning it, it then becomes useful text that can be enlarged, edited, saved, printed or Brailled. Note: This feature is included in the ClaroRead Plus 2007 and ClaroRead Premium 2007 versions.
The Text to Speech Pronunciation Dictionary is available to modify the way words are pronounced. Some words, place names, or words specific to a topic or region can be mispronounced by computer-generated voices. Users can change the structure of a word’s pronunciation phonetically, alter the way it is pronounced and tailor it to how to meet short or long-term needs. Different parts of Australasia have towns, place names, words, terms and objects that are pronounced differently.
CR speaks back text as it is typed as well. Users of all abilities can check and proof-read their work as they go or as they complete sections, quickly and easily. Their work can be voiced at any time during text entry simply by selecting sentences or paragraphs and pressing the play button. This provides an efficient and timely editing technique.
The two RealSpeak Solo voices are included and these offer the most natural and realistic sounding human voices at the moment. The Australian English male (RealSpeak Lee) and female (RealSpeak Karen) human-sounding voices give increased clarity and sound similar to typical newsreader voices. Users no longer have to suffer the robotic, approximated voices previously used in older voiced applications.
Saving Text as Audio Files
Students and other users can create audio files from text in any document with a few mouse clicks. The audio format that is generated can be replayed on a computer or copied and transferred to an MP3 player or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The resulting text is immediately ready for listening on a notebook or desktop computer using speakers or headphones or replayed once or many times on a portable audio player – anywhere and at any preferred time. Revision of content, listening of e-books for pleasure or studying and memorization of data is all made possible, in all domains or situations that suit the user. Audio files are created using a preferred voice with settings that accommodate and cater to the user.
Now, students are not restricted to when and where they study, learn or conduct research. The audio quality in this new version has been improved. Students understand and appreciate this technology as it compliments today’s culture. It gives purpose and meaning to using MP3 players at school and helps justifies their use as a significant learning tool.
Ease of use is enhanced by a variety of simple controls for font selection. The text size, character, line and paragraph spacing, and use of colours are all user selectable. When working in MS Word, the Font Button allows the user to modify the font size, type, and colour of the whole document. Users can opt to increase or decrease the font size and change the font to one of 3 popular fonts with only one click. The fonts can be chosen in the new Advanced Settings Editor. They can also modify the colour of the text in an entire document as well as change the background colour of their PC. Spacing out text, both in Word and on web pages (using Internet Explorer 6 or 7) is made so easy and elegant.
By pressing the Spacing Button (from the toolbar) when working in MS Word or Internet Explorer will help students expand spacing, change line spacing or change the number of points (spaces) after the end of each paragraph.
Predicting the Next Word
CR contains a word prediction feature. It has been enhanced in the 2007 version. This function is not for everyone, but can be useful for some students and adult users. It contains a base prediction dictionary consisting of the most frequently used words in the English language. Most importantly, the dictionary learns as a user types. 
Critically, it rejects words that don’t pass the automatic spell-check. The inbuilt prediction list will automatically appear by your cursor during typing after a student invokes this function. Prediction windows can be docked or positioned anywhere on the screen so as to use it as a reference. Importing words from existing documents or lists of words can be used to create multiple prediction dictionaries. This is very practical and useful for creating subject and curriculum specific dictionaries, as it puts the tool into the hands of the teacher and parent. With prior knowledge and pre planning, a student can prepare for a new topic, theme or subject well in advance. Alternatively, words can be added ‘on the fly’.
Talking Calculations
ClaroRead adds a voice to the Windows Calculator. Users simply enter the sum using the numeric keyboard and the figures are voiced back to them. The buttons on a standard as well as a scientific calculator can be voiced (i.e. providing the speech settings are enabled). In addition, figures from Microsoft Excel can be spoken when using the cursor keys to move around.
ClaroRead Plus 2007 Version – Additional Features
- Scanning PDF or Other Printed Documents into MS Word using OCR
The ClaroRead PLUS 2007 version contains accurate optical character recognition (OCR) technology making any paper document or PDF file accessible. The popular OmniPage 15 software is included with this version. Any newspaper, magazine, textbook, handout, instruction sheet, photocopy or typed page with or without graphics can be easily converted into MS Word documents. The text can then be voiced using ClaroRead or edited. PDF files can also be unlocked and edited. This feature provides opportunities for easy access to a wealth of material for every student, regardless of the format in which it was generated. This feature works using all models and makes of scanners that use TWAIN or WIA compatible scanner technology.
- ScreenRuler Magnification Software
ClaroRead PLUS 2007 also includes ScreenRuler, which is a strip magnification software utility. The ScreenRuler is a separate application that works as a reading bar and strip magnifier. Any part of the monitor’s display area can be highlighted and magnified in a horizontal band. This feature assists students when viewing or concentrating on text or objects. It provides a strip or ruler across the screen, which can magnify, change contrast, and greys out or dims a busy or cluttered background.
System Requirements
MS Windows Operating Systems include Windows 2000, XP and the different versions of the newly released Vista OS. The recommended RAM is 512 MB with at least 250 MB hard disk space. A sound card is vital. Versions of Microsoft Word 2000, XP, 2003 or 2007 are fully supported and recommended. It will work with other Office Suits (e.g. Open Office.Org or 602 Office) but it works seamlessly with MS products. A MAC OS version is also available.
In Summary
There is a number of literacy products vying for customer loyalty and attention. Each has its own unique features and strengths. A CD demonstration copy is available for nearly all products. It is always wise to trial the software with users to assess the program before commitment. It can be downloaded from their website: http://www.clarosoftware.com or you can contact Spectronics and request a demo CD at www.spectronicsinoz.com or phone (07) 3808 6833.
I consider this program to have the necessary functions and utilities to match one or more users’ needs as there are various versions with different feature sets. It is simple in design. The toolbar is intuitive and well designed with logical and easy to access sub menus. The high quality Australian voices can be used along with others installed with ClaroRead or SAPI 5 voices that may already be installed (from other products).
ClaroRead 2007 provides the necessary tools to assist users who struggle with study, reading, writing and handling of text. It works with a number of important technologies that students encounter at school or already possess. The features combine well to support users of all abilities, especially students who find schoolwork challenging and a chore. It will help them overcome their lack of confidence and give them opportunities for increased engagement and success. There are some support documents in PDF (i.e. Acrobat Reader) format that are provided that serve as a manual. A HELP system is also provided in the toolbar.
Offer ClaroRead 2007 software to them and they will help you decide whether the program can help them achieve, be more independent and confident when confronted with text.
Note:
- There is a ClaroRead for Mac version available as well as other language add-ons.
- There is a European RealSpeak Solo Language Pack Add-on for ClaroRead Window’s versions and WordRead PLUS (French, Italian, German and Spanish). The Nordic/East Europe RealSpeak Solo Language Pack Add-on for ClaroRead Window’s versions and WordRead PLUS (Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Russian, Polish) is available.
- You need to carefully consider which version will best meet your needs. The USB version is very useful for students who wish to use the software on multiple computers at school (e.g. in the classroom, resource area, library or IT pod) as well as at home.
- The keenly priced multi-user options offer an economical way to purchase the ClaroRead 2007 program for schools and learning centres. The discounted prices start when you purchase 5 or more licences of the program. Once you purchase eleven or more copies, the price per user drops again. These volume purchases must be purchased and delivered to one address i.e. a “site” with it being a single district, school, university or college to qualify.
- The ClaroRead PLUS/Scan2Text software requires a scanner with full TWAIN or WIA-driver support.
- Gerry based this review using a copy of ClaroRead Plus 2007 running on a Notebook with Windows XP Service Pack 2 with 448MB RAM memory.
Gerry Kennedy IT Consultancy: Computer Consultant and Trainer in Education
Phone: (03) 9894 4826 Email: specmelb@bigpond.net.au