UDL Resources for Literacy
Improving Readability
Tips for Printed Text
- Use a larger font size
- Select the correct font. In print a serif font such as Times New Roman is usually easier for most students to read than a sans serif font such as Verdana.
- Put in increased spacing - more "white space" on the page
- Use a strong contrast between the text and the paper
- Use graphics
- Use highly contrasting colors between background and text
- Dark blue and pale yellow work well
- Use sans serif font like Arial
- Keep the animation minimal and aligned to the content
- Provide a text-to-speech reader
- Enlarge the font in an Internet browser via the View menu
- Using Technology to Support Diverse Learners - This website highlights features of Microsoft Word that can be used to improve readability, both digitally and in print.
- Improve the Readability of Your Web Site - This website has more information about improving the readability of digital text.
Free Text-to-Speech Tools
Natural Reader-Free Version - This software can convert any written text such as
MS Word, Webpage, PDF files, and Emails into spoken
words. NaturalReader can also convert any written text into audio files
such as MP3 or WAV for your CD player or iPod. You use the "miniboard"
to read right on the Internet or in any other document. The program
comes with several voices.
*Needs to be downloaded and installed. Windows platform only.
*Needs to be downloaded and installed. Windows platform only.
Improving Comprehension
Supporting, Engaging and Enhancing Comprehension for Students in High School - A toolkit of resources to strengthen secondary students' comprehension skills.
Places to Read & Create Digital Books
CAST UDL Book Builder
- Use this site to create, read, and share engaging digital books that
build reading skills for students. Your universally designed books will
engage and support diverse learners according to their individual needs,
interests, and skills.
Tarheel Reader - a collection of free, easy-to-read, and accessible books on a wide range of topics. Each book can be speech enabled on the web site. The books may be downloaded as slide shows in PowerPoint, Impress, or Flash format. If you are a registered user you may write your own books using pictures from the huge collection at Flickr or pictures you upload.
Tarheel Reader - a collection of free, easy-to-read, and accessible books on a wide range of topics. Each book can be speech enabled on the web site. The books may be downloaded as slide shows in PowerPoint, Impress, or Flash format. If you are a registered user you may write your own books using pictures from the huge collection at Flickr or pictures you upload.
Guided Notes
Guided
notes can help students develop a stronger understanding of the content
they are studying. Guided notes are usually prepared by the teacher and
can be offered in a variety of styles. Often they consist of key
points from the lecture or reading where the student will fill in blank
spaces.
If your lecture is accompanied by a PowerPoint show, then you can quickly make note taking guides. First put the PowerPoint into outline view and then copy and paste it into Word. Save a "master" copy. Next remove some of the text and put in lines for the students to write on. Save this version. Take out more text and save another version. Take out even more text and save a final version. Allow students to experiment with the different guides to see which type they prefer.
PowerPoint for Note Taking & Studying - Tips on several ways you can use PowerPoint to help students take notes in class.
If your lecture is accompanied by a PowerPoint show, then you can quickly make note taking guides. First put the PowerPoint into outline view and then copy and paste it into Word. Save a "master" copy. Next remove some of the text and put in lines for the students to write on. Save this version. Take out more text and save another version. Take out even more text and save a final version. Allow students to experiment with the different guides to see which type they prefer.
PowerPoint for Note Taking & Studying - Tips on several ways you can use PowerPoint to help students take notes in class.