Scanning Pens
What is it?
Scanning pens, also known as pen scanners or text scanners, are handheld devices designed to assist individuals with reading difficulties or visual impairments in accessing printed text. These portable gadgets feature an optical character recognition (OCR) technology that allows them to scan printed text and convert it into digital text, which can then be read aloud through integrated text-to-speech functionality or displayed on a screen. Scanning pens are compact, lightweight, and easy to use, making them convenient tools for reading printed materials such as books, documents, and worksheets in various settings.
How to use it?
Hold the scanning pen over the printed text you wish to capture, ensuring the pen's scanner tip is aligned with the beginning of the text. Press the scan button or swipe the pen across the text, allowing the device to capture and process the information. Once scanned, the pen will either display the text on an integrated screen or read it aloud using text-to-speech functionality. Users can then listen to the text, review it on the screen, or transfer it to a computer or mobile device for further use.
Why use it?
Scanning pens offer numerous benefits for individuals with reading difficulties or visual impairments, making them valuable tools in educational and everyday settings. By providing instant access to printed text, scanning pens promote independence and autonomy, allowing users to read and comprehend materials on their own terms. These portable devices enable users to access a wide range of printed materials, including books, documents, and worksheets, in various environments such as classrooms, libraries, and workplaces. Scanning pens also support literacy development by providing opportunities for repeated exposure to text and facilitating active engagement with written content. Additionally, they promote inclusivity by leveling the playing field for individuals with diverse reading needs, ensuring equitable access to information and fostering a sense of confidence and empowerment.
