The Next Generation of Premier Learning Software
Premier Assistive Canada is pleased to announce the release of Version 12 of their Accessibility Suite of software literacy tools. For more than seven years, Premier has been building robust products that are easy to use and don't force users into cumbersome proprietary file formats. Version 12 of our successful suite of learning products is the next chapter in our ongoing commitment to improved learning for everyone.
The Accessibility Suite Version 12, which is comprised of 14 different applications that are task specific and are optimized to assist individuals with a broad spectrum of learning activities, has been improved to better serve new generations of learners. The improvements of Version 12 include:
- Full compatibility with Windows 7
- Improved Premier Internet Toolbar to transform the entire experience of using the Internet for all websites
- Available in both 32 and 64-bit versions
- Applications are optimized for both workstation and network storage and performance
- High-speed highlighted text extraction with enhanced output options
- Fully functional with all Windows-based "netbook" workstations
- "Auditory highlighting" to allow multiple digital voices to change when reading selected highlighted text
- Refined enhancements for the latest OCR scanning technologies and device driver selection
- Expanded reading options for tracking and display of words, sentences and paragraphs
- Updated training videos integrated into each tool making it easy to master all new features
A Powerful New Premier Feature - Auditory Highlighting
AuditoryHighlightPremier Literacy is pleased to announce a revolutionary break-through in Text-to-Speech technologies. Auditory highlighting is a concept designed to assist students in distinguishing the most relevant parts of a document through audible changes in the way it is read. A student using a Premier learning tool to read a document can hear highlighted portions of text read aloud in a different voice. The change in voice alerts the reader to a change thus enabling the user to see and hear the most relevant parts of a document.
Auditory Highlight OptionsAuditory Highlighting works in conjunction with the Premier award-winning Language Model Information Summary "LMIS" technology and combines it with an information extraction engine. Premier LMIS summarization technology works using weighted language principles and assumes that all words vary in importance and not every paragraph contains information that should be included in a summary. The LMIS technology is used to read and identify the most important parts of a document. It is fully adjustable and allows the user to determine how much or how little is summarized. Once the information has been identified, it is highlighted throughout the document to allow users to visually see the main topics.
The identification and highlighting is automatic and the text-to-speech voice automatically changes when it comes to a highlighted portion of the document. The Premier Auditory Highlight technology actually switches voices providing a clear auditory indication when something important is being read. The concept behind Auditory Highlighting is simple yet powerful. It can significantly improve the retention of information. It breaks up the monotony of Text-to-Speech engine pauses by switching to a different voice chosen by the user. Once highlighted portions of text have been read, the voice reverts back to the previous voice. The pausing and switching of the voices provides enough variation to jar the brain awake again. The audible change in reading serves as a stimulus to re-engage the reader's attention.
Pilot Project Among Grade Three Students Using Premier Products
A recent pilot project conducted in an Ontario school compared the results of standardized test scores over a period of five years among grade three students with special needs. The pilot project compared the literacy levels achieved in standardized testing of grade three students each year for five years. The chart below details the increase in measured literacy skills with the introduction of Premier into the classroom and the testing process. The chart presents a definite and measurable increase in the number of students achieving improved results in standardized testing. Prior to the introduction of Premier technology to the testing process in 2004-2005, 60% of students with defined special needs were exempted from the testing process, and there was insufficient information (NEI) to make a determination for 40% of students. Following the introduction of Premier learning technology, improvements in literacy levels achieved in standardized testing increased. In the most recent standardized testing conducted in 2008-2009, 100% of students achieved measurable levels of literacy skills in standardized testing.
Level one is described as very poor literacy skills. Level two is described as a capacity to deal only with simple, clear material involving uncomplicated tasks. Level three is described as adequate to cope with the demands of everyday life and work in an advanced society. Level four and five are described as strong skills. Students participating in the pilot project had access to the suite of Premier learning tools within the classroom and utilized the Talking Word Processor during the testing process.
If you have questions about any of Premier's products or would like more information, please contact me directly at 902-482-4680 or email me at ian@readingmadeeasy.com.
Sincerely,
Ian McVicar
Director of Canada Operations
Premier Assistive Canada
PO Box 875, STN A
Sydney, NS
B1P 6J4