{"id":293,"date":"2024-12-19T10:38:42","date_gmt":"2024-12-19T10:38:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/?p=293"},"modified":"2026-05-18T14:24:26","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T13:24:26","slug":"your-guide-to-texthelp-readwrite","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/2024\/12\/19\/your-guide-to-texthelp-readwrite\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Guide to Read&amp;Write for Literacy Support"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Your comprehensive guide to using <strong>Read&amp;Write<\/strong>, a powerful assistive technology tool designed to support reading, writing, and learning for all students.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is Read&amp;Write?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Read&amp;Write is an intuitive literacy support tool that provides a range of features to make reading, writing, and studying easier. It\u2019s designed to help students with learning differences like dyslexia, neurodiversity as well as those who simply want to enhance their productivity.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Text-to-Speech:<\/strong> Reads digital text aloud.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Speech-to-Text:<\/strong> Converts spoken words into text.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Screen Masking:<\/strong> Highlights and focuses on specific sections of text.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dictionary &amp; Picture Dictionary:<\/strong> Provides word definitions and visual aids.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Highlighter &amp; Study Tools:<\/strong> Allows you to highlight and extract key information.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>PDF Reader:<\/strong> Makes PDFs accessible with reading and annotation tools.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Learn more on the official <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.texthelp.com\/en-gb\/products\/read-and-write-education\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Texthelp Acadamy Website<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Access Read&amp;Write<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Read&amp;Write is already available on QUB-managed computers in Chrome and Edge \u2014 just look for the purple puzzle-piece icon in your browser toolbar or extensions. You can also download it  for <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/chromewebstore.google.com\/detail\/readwrite-for-google-chro\/inoeonmfapjbbkmdafoankkfajkcphgd\">Chrome <\/a>or <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/microsoftedge.microsoft.com\/addons\/detail\/readwrite-for-microsoft-\/bjglhpoliipklkfjcahfefdlfpifcinb?refid=bingshortanswersdownload\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/microsoftedge.microsoft.com\/addons\/detail\/readwrite-for-microsoft-\/bjglhpoliipklkfjcahfefdlfpifcinb?refid=bingshortanswersdownload\"><strong>Edge<\/strong><\/a> to your own device, and by signing in with your QUB email address through Microsoft, you\u2019ll get access to the full version.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Watch the Demo Video<\/strong>:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Read&amp;Write: Back to Basics\" width=\"910\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/oVfeWdqUuvU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Using the Key Features<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Text-to-Speech<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What it does:<\/strong> Reads text aloud with customisable voices and speeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to use:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Highlight the text you want to hear.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click the <strong>Play<\/strong> button on the toolbar.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adjust the voice settings under <em>Options &gt; Speech<\/em>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Speech-to-Text<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What it does:<\/strong> Converts spoken words into typed text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to use:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open a blank document.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click the <strong>Microphone<\/strong> button and start speaking.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your words will appear as text in real time.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Highlighters and Collect Highlights<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What it does:<\/strong> Lets you highlight important sections of text and extract them into a new document.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to use:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Select text and use one of the coloured highlighter buttons.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click <strong>Collect Highlights<\/strong> to compile them into a study guide.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>PDF Reader<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What it does:<\/strong> Makes PDFs interactive with text-to-speech and annotation tools.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to use:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open a PDF file using the Read&amp;Write PDF Reader.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use the toolbar to read text, highlight, or annotate directly on the document.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Dictionary and Picture Dictionary<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What it does:<\/strong> Provides definitions and visual representations of words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to use:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Highlight a word and click the <strong>Dictionary<\/strong> or <strong>Picture Dictionary<\/strong> button.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explore the definition or image provided.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Troubleshooting and FAQs<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why isn\u2019t the text-to-speech working?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ensure your device volume is on, and the correct voice is selected under settings.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How do I change the voice in Text-to-Speech?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go to <em>Options &gt; Speech<\/em> and choose a new voice from the list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Can I use Read&amp;Write on mobile devices?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Yes, but features may vary. Check the Texthelp mobile apps page <a href=\"https:\/\/www.texthelp.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Free Alternatives to Read&amp;Write<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t have access to Read&amp;Write, or prefer something else, consider these free alternatives:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/support.microsoft.com\/en-us\/office\/use-immersive-reader-in-word-a857949f-c91e-4c97-977c-a4efcaf9b3c1#:~:text=You%20can%20change%20the%20appearance,Change%20background%20color\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Microsoft Immersive Reader<\/strong><\/a><strong>:<\/strong> Integrated into Word, OneNote, and Edge<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/speechify.com\/?utm_campaign=GammaGBP&amp;utm_content=604452764595&amp;utm_campaign=Search-Gamma-USD&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=search-gamma-USD&amp;utm_content=gamma-kw&amp;utm_term=realistic%20text%20to%20voice&amp;gc_id=21365183410&amp;h_ad_id=701683193276&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21365183410&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAogD2qDuORFOx_ezacCf0DQHBTXjZ&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw3tzHBhBREiwAlMJoUnz6y68ldAxQDuje6rN2-E_TRQ3GxqNwSXuBMRhLui4yIVX_ZmTNCRoCifMQAvD_BwE\"><strong>Speechify&nbsp;<\/strong><\/a>(free online version) \u2013 turns any text\u2014like articles, PDFs, or emails\u2014into audio you can listen to in natural, celebrity voices (yes, even Snoop Dogg and Gwyneth Paltrow!) and now even lets you create your own mini podcasts from what you\u2019re reading.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.naturalreaders.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>NaturalReader<\/strong><\/a><strong> (Free Version):<\/strong> Offers text-to-speech functionality.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\/en-gb\/guide\/iphone\/iph3e2e415f\/ios\">Apple VoiceOver (Built-in<\/a><\/strong>): Screen reader that provides spoken feedback and gesture-based navigation for visually impaired users.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\/en-gb\/guide\/mac-help\/mh40584\/mac\"><strong>Apple Dictation (Built-in):<\/strong><\/a> Tool that converts spoken words into text, enabling hands-free typing in apps like Notes, Messages, and more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explore the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flipsnack.com\/digitalinsights\/study-tools\/full-view.html\"><strong>Online Study Tools Guide<\/strong><\/a> for more ideas and assistive technology to support your academic journey. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Google Chrome Extensions:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/chromewebstore.google.com\/detail\/read-aloud-a-text-to-spee\/hdhinadidafjejdhmfkjgnolgimiaplp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read Aloud<\/a>: Text-to-speech for web pages.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/app.grammarly.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Grammarly<\/a>: (Free version limited) Writing assistance with grammar and spelling suggestions.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Additional Resources and Tutorials<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/academy.texthelp.com\/read-and-write-education\/\">Read&amp;Write Academy<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/3dhv5KiJqO4?si=p4wqZJlrUmcwueKQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Advanced Features Demonstration<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>Support Channels<\/strong><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>IT Helpdesk: For licensing issues or technical support, reach out to the QUB IT Helpdesk.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2401,"featured_media":129,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-293","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-study-tools-resources"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2024\/11\/RW2.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/293","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2401"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=293"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/293\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1820,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/293\/revisions\/1820"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/129"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=293"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=293"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=293"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}