Fast ForWord and Reading Assistant
© 2014 Scientific Learning Corporation
Fast ForWord is a PC-based language and literacy intervention that incorporates speech recognition. It is based on a cognitive science theoretical framework (WB: I don't like the "rewire the brain" magic language). It is designed for children who are struggling (special education, ELL, RTI (Tiers 1-3) and at risk learners in grades K-12). It is designed to work with Reading Assistant; an online reading tool that uses speech recognition to correct and support students as they read aloud, helping them build fluency and comprehension. It contains 300+ leveled reading selections that watch student progress and gives teachers the ability to access comprehension and vocabulary reports. Fast ForWard competes with products like Cogmed. In the language/reading area it competes with other reading interventions including Read 180/System 44, Lexia, and Achieve3000. Reading Assistant competes with other online read/record solutions like Reading A-Z and myON. In 2014, a site license of Fast ForWord is $18,900/year and a site license of Reading Assistant is $3,500/year. Volume/multi-site discounts and perpetual licensing options are available. Make sure you research the program carefully before taking the plunge. Note: An iPad version is "in the works" (as of 2014).
$18900, Windows, Mac OSX (iPad coming in 2015)
Teaches: language and listening skills, speech, sound discrimination