Bett 2017: Edtech innovations that are enabling independent reading

Scanning Pens Ltd

Scanning Pens Ltd is the largest supplier of mobile scanners. The recently launched Exam Reader can be used in UK Exams to help students read the questions. A free 30 day trial is available for schools.

Website: www.scanningpenshop.com/ Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Most people would agree that for children in the education system, the most important and most stressful time at school is exam time. What is key for students with dyslexia (and their teachers) is to remember that nearly all exams are not testing reading ability but knowledge of a subject. Therefore, it is absolutely crucial for struggling readers to be given the necessary support to read the questions. If you can’t read the question, how can you possibly answer it! C-Pen Exam Readers have tackled this issue, and you can find out more about them at Bett stand A220.

The first big development was gaining approval from the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) for pen scanners to be used in exams. This was followed by us working with C-Pen to develop new state of the art pens scanners that have built-in cameras rather than scanners and that speak with a really good digital voice.

More than 50,000 children a year in the UK have help with reading the exam questions in their GCSEs and A-Levels. Typically, these students are put in a separate room to their peers with a human reader. The advent of the C-Pen Exam Reader now means students who struggle with reading can be back in the main exam hall with headphones plugged in hearing any words or lines of text read aloud.

The arrangement is ‘centre delegated’, so a school can allow anyone who struggles with reading to use the pen, as long as it is part of their normal way of working. So as well as helping people who have Access Arrangements, this pen can now be used by people who didn’t qualify for Access Arrangements and for people who have English as an additional language.

The device can also be used in Cambridge International Exams such as the iGCSE and in Scottish Qualifications Authority exams and the International Baccalaureate are expected to make an announcement soon.

In a nutshell the C-Pen Exam Reader helps a school relieve the pressures of resourcing both exams and everyday classroom support. But most importantly a student equipped with a C-Pen is able to work and learn on their own. It increases independence, confidence and raises self-esteem, which ultimately sets them up for the real world where they’ll have to manage without the continual support of another human being.

The pens are £166.67ex vat and available in two formats: the C-Pen Reader, which includes reading aloud, Collins dictionary, data capture and voice recorder, and the C-Pen Exam Reader, which has only the reading aloud functionality. Scanning Pens Ltd offers schools a 30 day free trial so they can effectively try before they buy.

Visit Bett stand A220 to find out more. Alternatively, visit www.examreader.com / www.readerpen.com or contact [email protected] / +44 (0)20 7976 4910 for more information.

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