vocabulary alongside oral and written fluency has proven to be key to success . To have this support there , when they need it , and in the language they need it in is vital . Students in these bilingual settings are often ‘ translanguaging ’ - moving between both languages as they search out the words they need . Having a set of tools always available in multiple languages is crucial to support this .
Listening to James Ball , it ’ s clear that Texthelp are responding to the needs of the region . “ We like to think we are a company that listens to the needs of learners and respond with innovations and features that genuinely do help more students ” says Ball . Which explains why , for the first time , Texthelp have a dedicated version of software in Arabic . “ We didn ’ t want to simply add one or two features , or a token ‘ plugin ’” adds James . “ Instead we ’ ve put a year of Research and Development into ensuring that we have delivered a dedicated Arabic version of Read & Write that comprehensively benefits every student ”.
The new Arabic version of Read & Write is fully localised for the region . With a simple change in its options , users can move to a full user interface in Arabic . From there , text to speech is fully supported in a natural , localized Arabic voice . Add to that the regionally appropriate Arabic dictionary and its associated picture dictionary and all students now have access to the tools they need to improve reading , writing and fluency in their language of choice .
Texthelp is clearly focused on teaching and learning , with each feature of Read & Write grounded in research and pedagogy . That focus is still clear when it comes to the practicalities of the technology . The Arabic version of Read & Write is designed as a toolbar which sits right on top of the Windows desktop . Simple to deploy and to use , it ’ s there every time a student is using Word or the web . Purchased as a site , or school wide licence , Read & Write is available to every student both at school and at home . For language development , this home use is essential . Having it supports students outside of school which is particularly important when family may not be confident in the use of an additional language and therefore ensures that students have support at all times .
Patrick McGrath , Education Technology Specialist at Texthelp helps schools around the world implement Read & Write effectively . He ’ s there to help and support schools in maximising impact with Texthelp tools .” For us , helping every student achieve their full potential is our aim ”, said McGrath . “ And as educators we know and understand that it is vital for a school to evaluate any technology and maximise their investment in time and money - all whilst seeing improvement in literacy and fluency across the school ” adds McGrath .
To support this , Texthelp have launched a well structured evaluation pilot programme specifically for its new Arabic version of Read & Write . It provides a mechanism for any school to try the technology for 90 days . And it ’ s comprehensive . The programme provides help to get up and running , guides for teachers , training packs and pupil lesson plans that span the breadth of the product . Of course , all of the resources are available in both English and Arabic - a further commitment by Texthelp to support the region and the wider development of pupil language , literacy and fluency .
Getting started with this couldn ’ t be easier - just send an email to James Ball - j . ball @ texthelp . com titled ‘ Evaluation ’. From there , expect an email with everything you need to know to get started with Read & Write Arabic and experience the huge impact it can and will make for every student .
Texthelp are planning a series of events across the region throughout November when schools can get a closer look at this exciting new version of Read & Write and enjoy some fantastic , accredited CPD around the innovative use of EdTech to improve literacy .
Read & Write Arabic version . Helping every pupil understand and be understood in both Arabic and English is available for all schools from September 1st . To find out more , visit www . texthelp . com / arabic