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Kurzweil 3000 FAQ

 

What is Kurzweil 3000?

Kurzweil 3000 is a software program that can convert text to speech and “read” documents to students struggling with reading. It includes on-screen study tools such as electronic highlighter pens, sticky notes, a dictionary and teacher-added prompts. This type of program is often referred to as “text reader software.” In addition, the Professional (scan and read) version of Kurzweil 3000 has the capability to scan worksheets, documents, and even books, and convert the scanned image to readable text. Learn more at Kurzweil's website.

How does Kurzweil benefit struggling readers?

  • Students who are not successful reading hardcopies of text, can use Kurzweil to read academic text independently. Unlike verbatim reading, Kurzweil reinforces print processing.
  • Students who most benefit from Kurzweil are those who can integrate auditory and visual information, but have slow reading rates or poor endurance. (Elkind, 1998).
  • Kurzweil helps students attend better to their reading, reduce reading distractibility, read with less fatigue, read for longer periods of time, and read faster to complete reading assignments in less time (Hecker, Burns, Elkind, Elkind & Katz, 2002).
  • Students with mild to moderate disabilities in 6th and 7th grades using Kurzweil text reader and study skills averaged a fluency increase of 16 WPM in a 23 week period, and an average of 13% improvement in comprehension. (Iowa Text Reader Project 2004-2005)

My school is interested in buying Kurzweil. What do we need to know?

  • You'll need to buy at least one Professional (scan and read) version so that you can scan documents.
  • Purchase as many Learn Station versions as you want to have available for student use.
  • It is preferable to have the network version so that you may access the software from any computer in your building. This way students are able to use it in all of their classes. For example, if you have 5 networked licenses, then 5 students will be able to use Kurzweil at the same time regardless of where those students are located in your school building.
  • Pricing is found on the MCPS bid list (posted on Outlook Public Folders -→Conferences→ - Curriculum→- Special Education→- Bid List)

We already have a scanner in my school. Do we need to buy a new one to use with Kurzweil?

What version should I get?

You need to buy the most current version at the time of your order. The current version is 10. Find out what's new in version 10.

My school bought Kurzweil but we are having trouble getting it installed and working properly. What should we do?

  1. Kurzweil should be installed by your USS. If your school USS needs help with installation and activation of the licenses, then s/he should call the USS supervisor.
  2. If Kurzweil is already installed and you are having technical difficulties, then you should put a request into the help desk by following your school's procedures for doing so. It is best if the person who knows most about using Kurzweil is listed as the contact person on the help desk request. Retain the ticket number for your help desk request.
  3. If you continue to have technical difficulties, you should reopen the help desk ticket.

Where can my school staff get help implementing Kurzweil in our school building?

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Updated March 8, 2007 | Maintained by by Linda Wilson