Technology Feature Briefs

Screenshots from some of the Technology Feature Brief documents

The Center on Inclusive Software for Learning (CISL) at CAST conducted literature reviews and testing within Clusive, our adaptive and accessible web-based reader designed during the project, to develop Technology Feature Briefs. These briefs are designed for educators, developers, and researchers to find out more about particular features within technology tools, how they’re used, and whether they might be effective in addressing different barriers within a technology environment.

Choose a feature to learn more about the supporting research, connections to the UDL Guidelines and WCAG, and examples of the feature in technology tools.

Technology Feature Brief

Read Aloud

The ability to have text read aloud is an important access point for many learners and a helpful support to others. The feature gives those with challenges seeing or decoding text access to rigorous academic content.

CISL at CAST
2023

Screen capture of text with highlighted words and alternate phrasing.

Technology Feature Brief

Automated Text Simplification

Automated text simplification uses automated processes like natural language processing, machine learning, or artificial intelligence (AI) to change how texts are worded to make them easier to understand.

CISL at CAST
2023

Screenshot of Clusive switch panel that has text with least challenge, more challenge, or most challenge.

Technology Feature Brief

Manual Text Leveling

Text leveling is a process in which text is modified manually by a human to be simpler or more complex to fit a student’s reading skills. Text leveling is beneficial because educators can match reading materials to individual learners’ skill levels.

CISL at CAST
2023

Two images of the same article within the CISL reader environment are shown side-by-side. The article in the image on the right has letters that are more spaced out from one another, compared to the article in the left image. Above the two images a line of text reads “More or less space between letters?” with two arrows, one pointing to each image.

Technology Feature Brief

Adjustable Letter Spacing

The option to adjust the spacing between letters and words is an option that makes documents accessible for all. Do you prefer reading text with the letters spaced more closely together or further apart?

CISL at CAST
2023

Two images of the same article within the CISL reader environment are shown side-by-side. The article in the image on the right has more space between lines of text, compared to the article in the left image. Above the two images a line of text reads “More or less space between lines?” with two arrows, one pointing to each image.

Technology Feature Brief

Adjustable Line Spacing

Options to adjust line spacing can impact the accessibility of text and the level of engagement a reader has with the text. Readers value choosing to have the lines of text closer together or further apart.

CISL at CAST
2023

A tab for adjusting text settings including text size, line spacing, letter spacing, and font pops up over an article in a digital reading environment.

Technology Feature Brief

Adjustable Text Size

Making text sizes larger or smaller as needed can benefit readers of different ages and those with visual impairments. Having the ability to change the text size easily means that readers can easily use larger print when needed.

CISL at CAST
2023

Technology Feature Brief

Font Choice

Though research has shown that most fonts designed specifically for dyslexia do not lead to increased reading speed and accuracy, readers may want to choose a font they prefer that is most comfortable for them.

CISL at CAST
2023

Examples of different text and background contrast settings.

Technology Feature Brief

Color & Contrast

The option to choose screen colors and color contrast is an important access feature allowing users to select settings that best meet their preferences. Black text on a white background and yellow or white text on a black background are examples.

CISL at CAST
2023

Screenshot showing highlighted text from a longer piece of writing in situ as well as pulled out in a sidebar where the reader has taken some notes related to their annotations.

Technology Feature Brief

Annotation

Annotation can include multiple strategies but generally refers to highlighting interesting or important parts of a text and writing notes about the text as a person reads. Annotations typically include a person’s thoughts, reflections, and questions.

CISL at CAST
2023

Technology Feature Brief

Highlighting

Research spanning multiple decades supports highlighting text as an effective way to improve memory and reading comprehension. New research suggests that students often have highlighting preferences that further aid their comprehension.

CISL at CAST
2023

A screenshot of an article within the CISL reader environment is in the background of this image. An arrow extends from the underlined word “nutrients” in the article to a pop-up box in the foreground of the image. The box has the title “Nutrients,” a definition of the word nutrients, and a captioned image of a group of various food ingredients, including carrots, strawberries, and walnuts.

Technology Feature Brief

Glossary

Glossary and dictionary features provide ways for readers to gain an understanding of unfamiliar words immediately. Readers can access definitions of words directly within the text, eliminating the need for separate support texts.

CISL at CAST
2023

Screenshot of an embedded comprehension check in a digital reading environment.

Technology Feature Brief

Comprehension Checks

Embedded comprehension checks can be formative assessments that help teachers and students discern student understanding, provide feedback, and make informed decisions about when to move ahead to new content or revisit challenges.

CISL at CAST
2023

Technology Feature Brief

Affect & Student Learning

Applications and tools that capture and display learner affect, such as a mood meter, support students in identifying, assessing, and reflecting on their emotional state when engaging in readings or other learning activities.

CISL at CAST
2023

This content was developed under a grant from the US Department of Education, #H327A170002. However, the contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the US Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. Project Officer, Celia Rosenquist.