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Kurzweil is content free software.  The teacher has the option of scanning in text or typing in the text.  Handwritten work cannot be scanned.  This type of software allows the user to adapt the material to meet the needs of their individual students.  A teacher of any theory-based subject on the curriculum could use it.  It can be used with a range of age groups from young students to adult level.  The instructions for using the program are easy to follow.

The software is designed to tap a variety of learning modes.  There is the visual aspect, as students can follow the text on screen and have it highlighted if needed.  Having the text read helps with aural skills.  The study skills component is a language component.  It is at the teacher’s discretion to structure the work at an appropriate level.

It is an American product, and this is sometimes evident when finding definitions, synonyms.  The voices are computer-generated.  There is a selection of male/female voices.  They tend to be monotonous.  It is the main criticism made by the students of this program.  Another irritating aspect is that it reads everything on the page.  Generally they find the study skills section very helpful.