how to use the basic features of Texthelp

1. TEXTHELP
Support is just a
click away
Read, Write, Gold

2. ‘Texthelp Read Write
Gold’ - can be found on
most computers in DIT.
Look for this icon on the
computers desktop.
Where can I find it?

3. What does Text help do?
• Text reading in quality computerized voices;
• Editing tools such as a spell checker, word
predictor, dictionary, word wizard thesaurus,
and a sounds alike tool An MP3 converter to
convert text into files for later playback in an
MP3 player;
• A pronunciation tutor, fact finding tool, fact
mapping graphic organizer tool;
• A voice dictation tool for writing assistance; and
• A floating toolbar that allows users to access
Read & Write Gold from within other programs
such as word processing programs or .pdf reader
programs.
…..and more too

4. Getting started
 Try using a computer in the library as Texthelp can be
found on the PCs there.
 A set of headphones are useful so you can listen to the
Texthelp features.
 A USB key/ memory stick allows you to use the mp3
feature in Texthelp.
 The Texthelp videos can offer support and tips (links
can be found throughout the presentation).

5.  Just click on the icon on the desktop and in a
few seconds the tool bar that you see above
will appear.
 The appearance of the buttons can vary in
different versions of Texthelp but they are still
recognisable.
 Read&Write Gold takes the form of a flexible
toolbar with many assistive features that help
with reading, writing and research skills.
The Texthelp Tool bar
Click here to
see a video
about the
Toolbar

6. Useful tip
Take your time to look at
rhe toolbar options in
Texthelp:
Click on the small
‘texthelp’ icon to the
right and there you can
view the toll bar in
different ways.

7.  The ‘Spell Check’ option can be used to check Word
docs, emails, blogs and more.
 Click here to see a video about the ‘Spell Check’
option.
Spell Check

8. Useful tip
It is extremely easy to
use this spellcheck- its
just a simple click away.
Feel free to have the
program read out the
contents of the
spellcheck window too.

9. Predictive Spelling
 The ‘Predictive’ option can be used with Word docs,
emails, blogs and more.
 Click here to see a video about the ‘Spell Check’
option.

10. Useful tip
The predictive text
feature is useful for
quickly clicking on long
words and for predicting
the next word too.

11. Dictionary
 The ‘Dictionary’ allows you to check the definition of a
word when you highlight it and press the button.
 Click here to see a video about the ‘Spell Check’
option.

12. Useful tip
The Dictionary feature is
very easy to access too.
The drop down menu
beside it has a few other
features that include an
online dictionary. Choose
this option if Texthelp
cannot find the word.

13. Sounds Alike
 The ‘Sounds alike’ allows you to check for the correct
word e.g. Your, you’re ot two, too, to etc.
 Click here to see a video about the ‘Spell Check’
option.

14. Useful tip
When using the Sounds
alike word option, take
your time to find the
correct word. These little
details in an assignment
are worth correcting as
you proofread an
assignment.

15. Play
 The ‘Read aloud’ allows you to choose text in a word doc
and have it read aloud.
 Click here to see a video about the ‘Read aloud’ option.

16. Useful tip
Explore the drop down menu
beside the Play button. Features
here include documents being
read by line or paragraph.
You can also choose the voice type
here and then tweak the voice
slightly in terms of speed and
pitch.

17. Screen shot Reader
 This option allows you to read websites. Click on this
option and draw a rectangle around the text.
 Click here to see a video about the ‘Screen shot reader’
option.

18. Useful tip
Using the screen shot
reader is useful as having
the option for
information read out to
you can be more
effective for some
students. If youre an
auditory learner this
option is favourable.

19. Speech Maker- Mp3 files
 The ‘ Speech maker’ option allows you to convert an a
Word doc into an Mp3.
 Click here to see a video about the this feature.

20. Useful tip
This option is very flexible.
Convert assignments into Mp3s so you
can proofliten rather than proofread.
Convert study notes into sound files.
Prepare for Presentations by converting
your dialogue for a presentation into an
Mp3 file.
Move these sound files on your phone,
tablet, mp3 player and computer.

21. • Speech to Text
• Factmapper – mind map tool
• Screen masking
• Verb Checker
• Translator
And even more……
Check out this YouTube page with Videos about how to use each feature
Click here
Other features involve:
Viewing more
features can be
found by clicking on
the arrow beside
the Texthelp button
above.
Go to ‘Current tool
bar’ and then ‘All
features’ to see all.

22.  Texthelp- Read&write gold
A limited application you can downloaad for your Chrome browser too.
http://atindit.tumblr.com/page/2
Visit the AT blog to access
the links

23.  Texthelp- Read&write gold
Feel free to contact me at:
Trevor.boland@dit.ie
Assistive Technology Blog:.......Click here
Interactive information...........Click here
Slideshare:...............................Click here