LITERACY AND NUMERACY

Literacy and Numeracy Support

Literacy and Numeracy support for students has come a long way in recent years. The development of apps has opened students up to a range of learning supports and activities that develop their skills.

Here are some useful apps that can be downloaded and used to support student learning:

Literacy - “Free text-to-speech app”

Are you not a keen reader and find there’s just too much reading to do? Have a look at Natural Reader which has recently up-graded to offer free text-to-speech technology for high school students.

https://www.naturalreaders.com/index.html

There are two services Natural Reader offer. One is to convert text into ‘dyslexic font’ which emphasises the lower parts of letters so they don’t appear to jump around the page. This can make reading easier.

The other service is to use the free text-to-speech function. You upload the document, choose the voice type (gender or accent) and the speed at which the text is read.

(I recommend speed -2 or -3).

As a commercial company, Natural Reader offer up-grades which have to be paid for but the free plan gives you unlimited use with free voices and a pronunciation editor.

Numeracy - “Made By Maths”

MAV’s Made By Maths app is a comprehensive guide that explores mathematical beauty of key landmarks, structures and architecture in Melbourne and your local area.

http://madebymaths.mav.vic.edu.au/

Aimed at students and teachers to connect mathematical classroom learning with real world mathematics. Key mathematical terms are explained and explored through engaging and supportive graphics. The ability to take in-app photos of your journey and complete “Things to Do” challenges further enhances this learning experience.

Explore Your World Activity

Download the app and complete the ‘Explore Your World Activity’ by selecting “I’m out for fun”. The intent of this walk is to encourage walkers to discover mathematics in the built and natural environment. The different stops provide the opportunity to develop a mathematical lens through which to view and interpret the world around the walker. The focus of the walk is to exploit each location by initiating a mathematical investigation. It is the intent of the walk that participants will come to identify other opportunities for investigation.

Why not give the apps a try and let us know what you think?

We are interested to hear your feedback!

Happy learning!

Claire Power (Numeracy)

Andrea Loving (Numeracy)

Regina Bishop (Literacy)

Sheridan Graham (Literacy)

Andrew Brown (Numeracy and Literacy)