New e-frontiers of assistive software and their positive impact upon a blind student´s language learning experience

In her usual engaging style, Mariana Orsini-Jones gave us a presentation on the role of new technologies in enhancing student learning in the specific case of a visually-impaired learner. Harry is currently studying French for his BA. He used to access learning material through the JAWS for Window software, which reads data on the screen using synthesized speech. Gradually, he found it quite artificial and therefore disliked it. Later, he was introduced to Apple MacBook with a voice-over tool for each key he used. The new application improved his learning and raised his motivation. It was interesting to watch Harry recount his personal journey using various software for the betterment of his learning. One of the attendees found his account particularly interesting, as she also has a Chinese visually-impaired learner. By the way, Mariana is trying to find Harry a job, in case you come across something suitable :-)