The Bottom Line
Pros
- The Readingpen comes in k-12 and advanced editions.
- The device comes with earbuds for privacy.
- The Readingpen can be programmed for left or right-handed users.
- The pen reads words and sentences in an electronically generated voice.
- The Readingpen and ear buds are well made.
Cons
- Users must scan the pen carefully across text for it to work correctly.
- Children with weak coordination my need practice with the pen.
- The pen works best with standard fonts.
- Sometimes text is misread by the pen, and rescanning is necessary.
Description
- The reading pen is a hand-held scanning device measuring 6.4" x 1.5" x 1" and weighing 3 ounces without batteries.
- The product is UL listed and is an FCC class B device with 192KB RAM and 8MB ROM.
- The display is a monochromatic image with 122 x 32 pixel resolution.
- The device has a digital voice output and can read words, phrases, and sentences.
Guide Review - Assistive Technology for Dyslexia - Wizcom Readingpen
The Readingpen gives users unlimited access to reading materials at home, school, and on the job. With this product, users no longer need to wait for audio or digital versions of books and can access practically any book in any library, newspapers, and magazines.
The Readingpen uses two standard AAA batteries and comes with a protective case. The device has a built in speaker or may be used with the earbuds. The pen has a digital display that allows the user to choose what function to use and displays text being read. The pen includes digital dictionary, thesaurus, functions and can:
- Read whole words and phrases;
- Spell words;
- Give readers the definition of words;
- Provide synonyms for words; and
- Translate words to from Spanish to English or English to Spanish, making it a helpful tool for spanish-speaking English as a Second Language students.
With practice, most students with learning disabilities will be able to use the Readingpen with some practice and little assistance. I would not recommend the product for students and adults with severe cognitive delays and significant fine motor weaknesses.
For this review, I borrowed an advanced version of the Readingpen from Quick-Pen.com. I tested the pen and also had a high school student use it and provide opinions on the product.
