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Microsoft 365 Accessibility

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Immersive Reader Overview:

Microsoft Immersive Reader is a free tool built into several Microsoft applications designed to assist with reading and comprehension for people of all ages and abilities. It offers a variety of features to tailor the reading experience to individual needs, regardless of learning style or challenges.

Here are some key aspects of Immersive Reader:

Customisation:

  • Text appearance: Adjust font size, style, spacing, line colour, and background colour for improved readability.
  • Focus mode: Highlight individual lines or words to minimise distractions.
  • Grammar tools: Break down sentences into syllables, parts of speech, and definitions for deeper understanding.
  • Picture dictionary: See visual representations of words for increased vocabulary development.

Reading Support:

  • Read aloud: Listen to the text read aloud in different voices and speeds to enhance focus and auditory learning.
  • Translation: Translate text into over 100 languages, with some available for read-aloud functionality.
  • Text to speech: Convert any typed text into spoken word on the fly.

Additional Features:

  • Dictionary and encyclopaedia: Look up word definitions and information easily within the application.
  • Learning tools: Integrates with Microsoft Learning Tools for additional features like focus lines, grammar hints, and learning progress tracking.

Who benefits from Immersive Reader?

  • Students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences.
  • English language learners.
  • Emerging readers who need scaffolding to improve fluency and comprehension.
  • Anyone who prefers different reading formats or auditory learning.

Where can I find Immersive Reader in Glow?

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Microsoft Dictate

Speech-to-text functionality within Microsoft applications::

  • Voice activation: Start dictation by using a keyboard shortcut or voice command (varies by application).
  • Punctuation and formatting: Dictate punctuation marks and basic formatting commands like “comma” “stop” or “new line.”
  • Editing and corrections: Review and edit the transcribed text using traditional editing tools.
  • Customisation: Some applications offer options to adjust microphone settings, voice recognition language, and keyboard commands.

Where can I use Microsoft Dictate within Glow?

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How to use Microsoft Dictate

  • Word: Click the “Dictate” button on the Home tab. Speak your text and use voice commands like “period” or “new paragraph.”
  • Outlook: Click the microphone icon in the compose window. Dictate your email and use voice commands for formatting and actions.
  • PowerPoint: Click the “Present” tab and then “Start Dictation.” Speak your presentation notes and use voice commands for slide navigation.
  • OneNote: Click the “Dictate” button on the Home tab. Speak your notes and use voice commands for formatting and organisation.
  • Teams: Click the three dots menu in the chat window and choose “Start Dictation.” Speak your message and use voice commands for punctuation and formatting.

*Remember, the specific features and commands may vary slightly across different applications. However, the overall functionality of converting spoken words to text remains consistent.

Benefits of Microsoft Dictate:

  • Increased productivity: Create content faster and more efficiently compared to typing.
  • Accessibility: Enables hands-free writing for those with physical limitations or preferences.
  • Improved focus: Helps maintain focus on ideas rather than mechanics of typing.

Useful Links

Microsoft 365 Accessibility | Microsoft Accessibility
Digital Learning Tools | Microsoft Education
Digital Learning Tools, Immersive Reader | Microsoft Education
Immersive Reader – YouTube