One of the more useful features of Universal Reader Plus might be the summary tool. Using algorithmic language technology, it can solidly summarize any amount of text, from a single paragraph to a full chapter. This awesome feature can help kids with comprehension issues — furthermore, learners can get a synopsis of a text to help them decide if it’s what they need to read.
With its simple toolbar, Universal Reader Plus reads selected text aloud, helping kids with comprehension and reading difficulties that would otherwise be a barrier. There are other free readers, auto summarizers, and language translators out there, but Universal Reader Plus is the whole package in one tool.
The program can read Flash files, has a talking pointer that reads anything (even if a computer doesn’t see it as print), can summarize texts (no matter how short or long), and can translate text into eight languages. It’s difficult to find all of these features in one place, and the toolbar here combines them in an intuitive way. Using the tool, learners can comprehend texts that are beyond their reading level, while also improving their reading.
Website: http://www.premierathome.com/products/UniversalReaderPlus.php
Overall User Consensus About the App
Student Engagement
Kids will enjoy engaging with content they may not have been able to access before. The toolbar is easy to use and visually appealing.
Curriculum and Instruction
The website provides access to key learning materials, and interpreting texts in multiple ways (both seeing and listening) can be a great way for kids to improve their reading fluency and comprehension.
Customer Support
Within the help menu, short, simple, and specific videos assist while also keeping kids’ attention. Also, there are support texts that can — of course — be read aloud.
