Microsoft OneNote helps dyslexic children read and spell better

A study conducted at a top UK school has demonstrated that Microsoft's OneNote, a digital notebook has helped dyslexic children to improve on their reading and spelling abilities. Microsoft teamed up with British Dyslexia Association (BDA) to lend school children Surface laptops in a Surrey school that specialises in teaching children with language related conditions. Twenty children with dyspraxia, dyscalculia, attention deficit disorder, specific language impairment and autism took part in an eleven week trial to see if Microsoft technologies can benefit them.OneNote is a digital notebook that allows users to jot down notes as well as draw and sketch. An immersive reader can read out the notes aloud, and incorrect spellings are automatically underlined in red. After eleven weeks, eleven of the children moved to a higher band in standardised scores. The tools helped students with checking mechanisms, made them worked independently, reduced the feeling of embarrassment associated with mistakes, and improved the well-being and self esteem of the students.Although the study was a small scale test, it showed that technology can be used to have a positive impact on those suffering from learning disabilities. The laptops and OneNote software built up the confidence levels and emotional resilience of the children, which are an important part in the learning process. "A key feature of our work at Microsoft is narrowing the achievement gap and supporting inclusion in mainstream and special schools, and we are delighted to have supported this pioneering project with the British Dyslexia Association," said Ian Fordham, director of education at Microsoft UK.