Tools to Support Studying and Working

Accessible tools that support learning help all learners use learning environments and materials according to their needs. They are especially helpful for students who have challenges related to vision, hearing, motor skills, language, or concentration.

Assistive technology refers to software or devices used in online environments that enable a person with a disability to use a digital service or read content. Assistive technologies can be programs installed on the user’s computer — such as screen magnifiers or screen readers — or separate devices like switch controls.

Virtual assistants like Apple’s Siri or Microsoft’s Cortana are also assistive technologies because they enable voice control.

Apps that convert speech to text or text to speech are also considered assistive technologies. These support, for example, students with limited Finnish language skills or reading difficulties. Such tools exist by default in most modern smartphones and computers. Microsoft’s Immersive Reader is an example of a widely used and effective tool for language and reading challenges.

Various learning difficulties can affect reading, writing, learning foreign languages, and mathematics. Challenges with concentration and memory are also common. In these cases, tools that support note‑taking, language learning, and time management can be helpful. Translation apps support language learning or help when the language is unfamiliar. 1
In Microsoft Teams meetings, real‑time subtitles are available. By default, subtitles appear in the spoken language. Real‑time translated subtitles allow users to see the subtitles translated into another language.

Conversational AI tools such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot can support learning, especially when the user’s Finnish skills are limited.

The Datero page “Smart tools – better results” provides extensive guidance on how reading, writing, and concentration can be supported with various settings on a computer or smartphone. This can help you guide students to use free reading tools that often already exist in their own devices.