Accurate reading with IBM

       Students may find reading lessons more enjoyable than before as IBM Thailand recently launched an online web-based reading programme,named "Reading Companion".
       The company has granted the programme to two schools: Chulalongkorn University Demonstration (CUD) Elementary School and Kasetsart University Laboratory School Center for Educational Research and Development (KUS).
       For Thais to be successful at the international level, it is important that they master their English-language skills, according to Thanwa Laohasiriwong, country general manager at IBM Thailand.However, many Thais are still facing the English-language barrier. This has led to the company initiating the use of its technology to advance the oral communicative excellence of Thai students. Features
       "Reading Companion" is an online virtual library, which currently offers over 200 books online. Users can read the reading materials aloud into the microphone and the programme will provide immediate audio comments on the accuracy of the pronunciation via its proprietary speech-recognition technology.
       Accurate readers receive positive reinforcement while readers who have difficulties will be provided with gentle reminders and corrections and are encouraged to read again. Readers can also listen to reading samples of the texts.
       As it is a online programme, users can access the programme at any time and place. All that is needed is an internet connection and a headset.
       The programme also enables teachers to create and add their own content to the library. It also generates an evaluation report on each reader's progress on the website for teachers and students to follow up on progress and achievements. Pilot schools
       "Initially, we will use the programme in Prathom 5 and 6(Grades 5 and 6) as a free elective course. Later, the application will be expanded to Prathom 3 and 4 students (Grades 3 and 4)," commented Assoc Prof Supranee Jiranarong,principal of CUD Elementary School.
       The programme will also be used by students who have difficulties in English reading and pronunciation, as well as by the teachers themselves, Prof Supranee added.
       "This is an interesting programme because after we read aloud, the system will respond back immediately. This is like an immediate evaluation, which students really like, unlike other assignments where teachers have to spend days checking the answers," she said.
       Assoc Prof Dr Daranee Utairatanakit,principle of KUS, said the programme will help students with pronunciation and sentence structure.
       "Although the programme does not provide comprehension features, students can hear correct pronunciations and see proper sentence structures. By repeating phrases while reading and learning pronunciation, students will create their own learning process, which they can apply to other lessons," Prof Daranee added.
       "Today, we encourage students to take a self-learning approach. This programme will inculcate more confidence in students to pursue their education through self-learning and to spur them to seek knowledge by themselves," she continued.
       KUS will apply the programme to gifted, average and weak students and conduct research on how the programme contributes to academic success among these three student groups. Teachers who seek to improve their English are also welcome to use the programme,according to Prof Daranee.
       IBM invites other schools to apply to participate in the programme.
       According to On-uma V. Rerkpattanapipat, IBM Thailand's country mar-keting and communications manager,the approved schools are required to put the programme into real use, and the company conducts an evaluation exercise every six months. Prospective schools that are interested to take part in the programme would need to have a sound lab and teachers with some English and computer skills.
       Schools that are interested in participating in IBM's 'Reading Companion' project are invited to contact IBM Thailand at 02-273-4633 or for more information, visit www.readingcompanion.org.