A communication system and method are provided to assist a user in conveying and/or exchanging a communication. The present communication system and method provide a low tech platform that enables a user to utilize an icon exchange communication system and method while allowing the integration of core vocabulary instructional concepts and techniques. The present communication system and method allows for seamless presentation of core vocabulary while also providing access to fringe vocabulary words.

A communication system and method are provided to assist a user in conveying and/or exchanging a communication. The present communication system and method provide a low tech platform that enables a user to utilize an icon exchange communication system and method while allowing the integration of core vocabulary instructional concepts and techniques. The present communication system and method allows for seamless presentation of core vocabulary while also providing access to fringe vocabulary words.

Dyslexic-friendly, readable images are generated from linear formatted images. Each dyslexic-friendly, readable image may include one or more positioned, non-linear (e.g., curved) boundaries and a plurality of textual objects, where each object is positioned at a distance from the boundaries and follows a boundary. The dyslexic-friendly, readable images can be edited.

Systems and methods of improving reading fluency by presenting a virtual reading partner that takes turns reading aloud with a reader, are presented. First audio data comprising speech corresponding to the reader reading aloud from a first portion of a written transcript is received. The first audio data is processed to identify spoken words from the speech. The reader's speaking of the words in the first portion of the written transcript are compared to correct speaking of words in the first portion of the written transcript. A reading fluency of the reader is assessed. Second audio data comprising a pre-recorded narration of a second portion of the written transcript or automatically generated text to speech of the second portion is generated. The virtual reading partner is presented to the reader and takes turns reading aloud with the reader until the end of the written transcript has been reached.

Systems and methods of improving reading fluency by presenting a virtual reading partner that takes turns reading aloud with a reader, are presented. First audio data comprising speech corresponding to the reader reading aloud from a first portion of a written transcript is received. The first audio data is processed to identify spoken words from the speech. The reader's speaking of the words in the first portion of the written transcript are compared to correct speaking of words in the first portion of the written transcript. A reading fluency of the reader is assessed. Second audio data comprising a pre-recorded narration of a second portion of the written transcript or automatically generated text to speech of the second portion is generated. The virtual reading partner is presented to the reader and takes turns reading aloud with the reader until the end of the written transcript has been reached.

A communication system and method are provided to assist a user in conveying and/or exchanging a communication. The present communication system and method provide a low tech platform that enables a user to utilize an icon exchange communication system and method while allowing the integration of core vocabulary instructional concepts and techniques. The present communication system and method allows for seamless presentation of core vocabulary while also providing access to fringe vocabulary words.

A communication system and method are provided to assist a user in conveying and/or exchanging a communication. The present communication system and method provide a low tech platform that enables a user to utilize an icon exchange communication system and method while allowing the integration of core vocabulary instructional concepts and techniques. The present communication system and method allows for seamless presentation of core vocabulary while also providing access to fringe vocabulary words.

Handwriting learning apparatuses and associated methods that facilitate the ability of a user to learn how to correctly and/or preferably form at least one character are disclosed. In an aspect, handwriting learning apparatuses and associated methods of use are disclosed that comprise at least one substantially flat at least partially rigid medium within which one or more segments of one or more characters may be defined by one or more grooves. At least one protruding element may extend outwardly from at least one portion of at least one inner surface of the grooved character(s) at an angle such that when the user attempts to use an elongated insertion device to trace the grooved character segment(s), the insertion device may only slide in one single direction. This may help prevent users, such as children and other students, from forming characters incorrectly (e.g., writing them backwards) when they practice handwriting in an at least partially unsupervised setting, thereby minimizing the potential for bad writing habits to go unnoticed when handwritten characters may otherwise appear to have been formed correctly. Additionally, the at least one protruding element may be at least partially flexible so that, when the insertion device makes at least partial physical contact with at least one portion of the at least one protruding element, the at least one portion of the at least one protruding element may be temporarily displaced, thereby producing one or more sounds and/or vibrations that may be heard and/or felt by the user, respectively, thereby creating a multisensory learning experience for the user that may increase the user's ability to learn and retain one or more correct and/or preferred character formation techniques.

Dyslexic friendly and readable images are provided. Each image includes one or more positioned, non-linear (i.e., curved) boundaries and a plurality of textual objects, where each object is positioned at a distance from the boundaries and follows a boundary.

Various embodiments of a pointer for focused reading of a word or character are disclosed. For example, the pointer may include a frame, a reading pane defined inside the frame, a marker formed on the frame for pointing to a particular location of the reading pane, and an elongated handle attached to the frame at a non-zero angle.