Disclaimer: this post assumes that users have both installed and signed into Read&Write, and self-registered in the Read&Write Tutorial in LEARN. If you haven’t, we suggest reviewing:

• Our Summer Reading with Read&Write – Kick Off blog post,
• Post two, Summer of Reading with Read&Write – Reading Basics,
• and post three, Summer of Reading with Read&Write – Unreadable Text,

Screen Masking

Do you find it difficult to read digital text? You are not alone. Bright backgrounds, small text, high or low color contrast, and long paragraphs may make digital reading hard. We get that. And this blog post is here to help!

Screen Masking is a set of tools within Read&Write. These tools aim at reducing eye strain, and make it easier to read or follow along while reading on-screen text. Screen Masking gives you tools to change how your screen looks so reading (or even viewing your screen) becomes easier and less tiring. You can adjust the colors, add helpful visual guides, and create a reading environment that works best for you.

Screen Masking Tools

Tint Whole Screen

Tint whole screen changes the color of the entire screen. It’s like putting a colored piece of glass over your computer.  You can customize the color and opacity of the screen. It reduces eye strain by lowering the contrast between the background and text.

Change Page Color

Change page color only changes the page’s color. It does not affect the toolbars or other panes (like Tint Whole Screen does). You can customize the color and opacity of page color. It reduces eye strain by lowering the contrast between the background and text.

Underline Typing Line

Underline typing line places a colored bar underneath where you are typing. You can customize the color, opacity, and size of the underline. This feature may help with visual tracking while typing.

Tint Typing Line

Tint typing line places a colored bar over the text you are typing. You can customize the color, opacity, and size of the underline. This feature may help with visual tracking while typing.

Underline Cursor

Underline cursor places a colored bar, the width of your computer screen, underneath your cursor. As you move your cursor, the bar moves too. It supports visual tracking while navigating your computer. You can customize the color, opacity, and size of the underline.

Reading Light

Reading light places a line of light across your computer screen that follows your cursor. You can adjust the height of the line so that it is the height of a line of text, supporting visual tracking. You can customize the color, opacity, and size of the light.

More Information

For more information, check out the Screen Masking section of the Read&Write LEARN Tutorial!

“Homework”

• Locate the Screen Masking feature in either the desktop or web extension (bonus points for locating it in both!)
• Explore the different Screen Masking Tools
  • Try each one, and play around with the available customizations

“Homework” Help: if you’re not sure which Screen Masking tools might work for you, we suggest trying the Tint Whole Screen option in a light grey or pale blue tone.

AI Usage Acknowledgement

This post was jointly written by Copilot and a human.

Disclaimer: this post assumes that users have both installed and signed into Read&Write, and self-registered in the Read&Write Tutorial in LEARN. If you haven’t, we suggest reviewing our Summer Reading with Read&Write – Kick Off blog post. We also suggest checking out post two Summer of Reading with Read&Write – Reading Basics.

Scan

The Scan feature, available only on the desktop version of Read&Write, turns non-readable text into text that Read&Write can read aloud. Some examples of non-readable text include: images of text; scanned pages; photocopies of text.

If you’re using the desktop version of Read&Write and cannot get the text read aloud, or it reads odd (like mispronounces words, reads words that span multiple lines as two separate words, etc…), digitally scan the file with Read&Write. The scan tool uses OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to “convert” that non-readable text into real, usable text (that can be read aloud).

How to Use Scan

1. With Read&Write open, select the scan icon on the toolbar
2. A new pop-up window will appear, select the file folder icon
3. Then either drag and drop the file you want digitally scanned into the dashed box, or choose to “Select File(s)” (which opens your file explorer)
4. Choose if you want a PDF or Word Doc created (we suggested sticking with the same file type as the original)
5. Then select scan – when finished your document will automatically open in Read&Write

Screenshot Reader

The Screenshot Reader is available on both the desktop and web extension versions of Read&Write. We like to think of it as a “back up plan” when you cannot get text read aloud, and cannot use the scan feature. For example: text within an image, diagrams, and buttons on webpages.

How to use Screenshot Reader

Check out the Screenshot Reader section of the Read&Write Tutorial for text and video instructions on how to use the Screenshot Reader!

“Homework”

• Use the Scan feature on a PDF file (even if it reads properly)
• Use the Screenshot reader to read a paragraph of text from that same PDF file

AI Usage Acknowledgement

This post was jointly written by Copilot and a human.

Disclaimer: this post assumes that users have both installed and signed into Read&Write, and self-registered in the Read&Write Tutorial in LEARN. If you haven’t, we suggest reviewing our Summer Reading with Read&Write – Kick Off blog post.

Read Aloud

With Read&Write you can have digital text read aloud, in a variety of voices, languages, and speeds!

Why Use Read Aloud?

Everybody learns differently! Some may find listening to content instead of reading a more reliable way to take in information. Some may need to multitask and listen while completing another task (such as cleaning, or going for a walk). Others may find that computer use increases headaches or migraines and use read aloud to reduce their screen time.

How to Read Aloud with Read&Write

Rather than rewrite those instructions here, we suggest checking out the Read Aloud (Play) section of the Read&Write Tutorial. This link gives text and video based instructions on how to have digital text read aloud both in the desktop and web extension versions of Read&Write.

Customize Your “Reading” (Listening) Experience

Ever try listening to text read aloud by a mono-tone robot reading at the pace a snail moves? It’s not only difficult, but odds are you’re more focused on how annoying the voice is, rather than digesting the information that is being read aloud. This is not what we want. But never fear, Read&Write has different settings you can adjust to customize your reading/listening experience.

Voice

With Read&Write you can select from a variety of natural sounding voices – pick one that sounds “good” to you (easy to listen to, not distracting, etc…).

Hint: the more natural sounding voices have “Eleven Labs” in the name (for the desktop). On the web extension you can choose to search for the “AI enhanced” voices. These will be the most natural, real, human sounding voices available.

Reading Speed

An often overlooked setting that is really valuable. Think of it like this: if someone is speaking to you too fast, you’ll most likely get frustrated and stop listening, or at the very least, only catch part of what they are saying. On the reverse, if someone is speaking too slow, you’ll most likely get bored with the conversation and stop listening. The same is true when listening to content read aloud to you.

Choosing an appropriate reading speed is also impacted by things such as how tired you are, how difficult the content you are reading is, and if there are a lot of terms that you don’t understand.

Long story short, adjust the reading speed, and adjust it often! Find that middle ground where you’re not bored, or frustrated, with the speed the information is being presented to you at.

Reading Settings

The Reading Settings consists of two settings, essentially “what” and “how” does Read&Write read to you?

With the “reading mode” you can choose “what” is read together, either sentences or paragraphs. Then you can choose to turn “continuous reading” on or off.

• Sentence mode with continuous reading off – Read&Write would read a sentence and then stop
• Sentence mode with continuous reading on – Read&Write would read a sentence, take a short pause, then read the next sentence
• Paragraph mode with continuous reading off – Read&Write would read a paragraph and then stop
• Paragraph mode with continuous reading on – Read&Write would read a paragraph, take a short pause, then read the next paragraph

Voice options, reading speed, and reading settings are discussed further in the Speech Settings of the Read&Write Tutorial.

“Homework”

As a means of testing your knowledge from this blog post, your “homework” is to:

• Open a PDF file in the PDF reader of Read&Write
• Have the file read aloud to you
• Customize how Read&Write reads to you through the voice, speed, and reading modes

AI Usage Acknowledgement

This post was jointly written by Copilot and a human.

Summer is also the perfect time to set yourself up for success in the upcoming academic year. Which is why we’re going to feature a summer blog series, yes, starting now in May, on reading with Read&Write! We’ll start off with the basics of what Read&Write is, how to access it, and how to install it. Then we’ll move into some more specific posts on features and unique uses of Read&Write.

What is Read&Write?

Read&Write (also known as R&W), is an application available (for free) to all staff and students at Red River College Polytechnic. Features in the application support learners with reading, writing, studying, and more!

While Read&Write does have features that support writing, we’re going to focus this series of blog posts on reading supports.

Versions of Read&Write

The desktop version of Read&Write is available for download on MacBook and Windows Devices. It reads and interacts with text-based content stored on your computer. If you are working off of a device other than these two listed, you can use OrbitNote.

The web extension of Read&Write is available for the Chrome or Edge browser. It reads and interacts with text-based content accessed online (including content in LEARN).

Read&Write LEARN Tutorial

We recommend that anyone interested in using Read&Write and following this Summer of Reading Blog Series, to self-register in the Read&Write Tutorial in LEARN.

Installing Read&Write

Once you are registered in the Read&Write Tutorial in LEARN, you’ll have access to all of the content including how to install both versions of Read&Write, and how to access OrbitNote.

If you are already registered in the Read&Write Tutorial, here is a direct link to the page that walks you through the installation process. There are both videos and text-based instructions.
Installation – Read&Write Tutorial

“Homework”

We’re going to playfully assign “homework” in each of these blog posts, specifically aimed at you practicing the skills discussed in each blog post.

This time around, your “homework” is to:

• Install both a desktop and web extension of Read&Write
• Sign in to Read&Write (this is further explained in the tutorial, but you sign in using the same email address and password used to log into HUB or LEARN)
• Have this blog post read aloud to you using Read&Write

Why Use Live Captions

• Quiet Environments – for example, taking a call in a library but you’ve forgotten your headphones (or forgot to charge them)
• Noisy Environments – for example, working in a shared space where even with headphones, it can be difficult to hear what is being said
• Language Support – captions can help those who speak languages other than what is being spoken follow along more easily, and even improve comprehension
• Accessibility – not just for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, but some individuals find it easier to process written information rather than auditory information
• Focus & Comprehension – captions can reinforce spoken content, helping with focus, memory and understanding (especially during fast paced conversations or lectures)
• Clarity in Calls – Live Captions work during video calls (such as Teams), helping you catch every word even if the audio quality isn’t perfect.

Live Captions on Android Devices

To turn live captions on:

1. Go to Settings
2. Then Sound & Vibration
3. Toggle on Live Captions

Live Captions on iOS Devices

1. Go to Settings
2. Then Accessibility
3. Toggle on Live Captions

AI Usage Acknowledgement

This post was jointly written by Copilot and a human.

Why Use Live Captions

• Quiet Environments – for example, taking a call in a library but you’ve forgotten your headphones (or forgot to charge them)
• Noisy Environments – for example, working in a shared space where even with headphones, it can be difficult to hear what is being said
• Language Support – captions can help those who speak languages other than what is being spoken follow along more easily, and even improve comprehension
• Accessibility – not just for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, but some individuals find it easier to process written information rather than auditory information
• Focus & Comprehension – captions can reinforce spoken content, helping with focus, memory and understanding (especially during fast paced conversations or lectures)
• Clarity in Calls – Live Captions work during video calls (such as Teams), helping you catch every word even if the audio quality isn’t perfect.

Live Captions on Windows Devices

To turn Live Captions on for a Windows Device:

1. Click Start
2. Then Settings
3. Then Accessibility
4. In the “hearing” section, select Captions.
5. Toggle Live Captions to On.

You can also select Windows Key + CTRL + L (all at the same time) to toggle Live Captions on and off

Live Captions on MacBook

1. Select your Apple Menu
2. Go to System Settings
3. Then Accessibility
4. Click Live Captions
5. Toggle it On.

AI Usage Acknowledgement

This post was jointly written by Copilot and a human.

What is “Present in Teams”?

Present in Teams is a feature built into the desktop version of Microsoft PowerPoint. Present in Teams allows you to open and share your PowerPoint Presentation from PowerPoint directly into Teams.

Why use “Present in Teams”?

Built-In Inclusive Learning

When you Present in Teams, you provide your audience with more control over how they digest the information on your slides. Your audience then has the ability to:

• Adjust text and overall slide size
• Adjust contrast on slides
• Translate slides into another language
• Navigate through the slides at their own pace (without needing to stay on the same slide as the presenter)
• Select links to view referenced content

No Need to Share your Entire Screen

You can share your presentation without sharing your entire screen. No more accidentally sharing the wrong screen, pulling up a window you didn’t want people to see, or having notifications flash on your screen!

Presenter Tools

The Present in Teams view for the presenter is often considered a cleaner and more direct view for the presenter. Notes, thumbnails and upcoming slides are visible without needing to juggle different windows.

How to Use “Present in Teams”?

1. Join the teams room/meeting you are going to present in
2. Open your presentation in PowerPoint
3. Navigate to the “Slide Show” tab on the top ribbon
4. Select Present in Teams

AI Usage Acknowledgement

This post was jointly written by Copilot and a human.

Need a reminder about what Read&Write is? Check out this info page on Read&Write at RRC Polytech!

What is OrbitNote?

While OrbitNote is its own tool, we have limited access to some of its features through our Read&Write account. In this blog post we are promoting OrbitNote as a tool to support students with reading (and having digital text read aloud).

Why are we Promoting OrbitNote Instead of Read&Write?

The desktop version of Read&Write is meant to be installed on a Windows device, or MacBook. Users of other devices, such as iPads, Chromebooks, or Android tablets, are not able to install the desktop version.

Therefore users of these devices are not able to install the desktop version Read&Write and have content from their device read aloud.

However, this is where OrbitNote comes in!

What can OrbitNote do?

Access to OrbitNote through the College’s Read&Write subscription gives access to the following features:

• Read Aloud
• Highlighters & Annotation Tools
• Dictionary
• Screenshot Reader
• Screen Masking

Want to Learn More?

Within the Read&Write Tutorial in LEARN, there are modules on OrbitNote. Check them, and the Read&Write content, out!

Top 5 Posts/Groups of Posts

5 – Tech Supports (and Other Supports) at Red River College Polytechnic

Tech Supports (and Other Supports) at Red River College Polytechnic blog post

4 – Fun Features of Microsoft Word

• Fun Features of Microsoft Word – Part 1
• Fun Features of Microsoft Word – Part 2
• Fun Features of Microsoft Word – Part 3

3 – YuJa Panorama

Learn what YuJa Panorama is, why it’s in LEARN, and how it can help you!
YuJa Panorama blog post

2 – Accessibility of Devices

• Accessibility in Windows and Office Applications blog post
  • Which includes information on Voice Access and Voice Typing for Windows devices
• Voice Dictation for Apple Products blog post
• Voice Control on Apple Products blog post
• Android Accessibility Features blog post
• (More) Android Accessibility Features blog post
• (Even More) Android Accessibility Features blog post
• Google Pixel Accessibility Features blog post
• iPhone Accessibility Features blog post

1 – Accessibility of Applications

• Accessibility in Office Applications – Part 1 blog post
• Accessibility in Word blog post
• Accessibility in PowerPoint blog post
• Accessibility in OneNote blog post
• Make the Most out of Teams blog post

Bonus!

Subscribe to the Blog so that you never miss a new post! View this past Tech Tips: Work Smarter, Not Harder blog post on Subscribing to the Blog to learn how!

Read&Write

Read&Write (also known as R&W), is an application available (for free) to all staff and students at Red River College Polytechnic. Features in the application support learners with reading, writing, studying, and more!

• Learn more about Read&Write by visiting rrc.ca/ReadWrite
• Learn about the Read&Write LEARN Tutorial designed to help you become familiar with Read&Write, all the way from installation to professional use! Read&Write, & the Read&Write LEARN Course blog post
• View a recorded demonstration of Read&Write
• Check out a blog post highlighting New Content in the Read&Write LEARN Tutorial

Immersive Reader

Immersive Reader is a free set of tools developed by Microsoft built into the latest versions of Word, OneNote, Outlook, Teams, and Edge (among other applications). If you are one of the many, who finds reading or retaining information when reading difficult, Immersive Reader may be for you!

• Immersive Reader blog post
• PDF Files in Edge blog post
• Learn how to use Immersive Reader on content in LEARN (with YuJa Panorama)
  • Note sure what YuJa Panoram is and what it does? Check out this YuJa Panorama blog post!

Other Reading Supports

Here are some other posts and resources that may help you when reading:

• Reducing Distractions in Windows 10 or 11 blog post
• Fidget, to Boost Focus?! blog post

Bonus!

Check out this Self-Directed Tutorial on Reading in LEARN.

Subscribe to the Blog!

View this past Tech Tips: Work Smarter, Not Harder blog post on Subscribing to the Blog!