Skip to Main Content

Kurzweil 3000: About Kurzweil 3000

Information and resources for students using Kurzweil 3000

About Kurzweil 3000

 

Kurzweil 3000 utilizes text-to-speech technology to aid students in their studies.  The Read the Web browser extension enables students to easily have digital text read out loud, within Canvas or anywhere else on the web. Quick access to dictionaries and translation tools is also available. Students can use the web or desktop versions of Kurzweil 3000 to aid in note-taking, studying, writing, organization and more.

Please review this guide to learn more.

Start Here

Transitioning from high school to college is a challenge. Students are in a less structured environment, often times receiving fewer supports. The challenge can be even greater for:

  • Students with learning differences
  • English language learners
  • Athletes who are balancing increased academic workloads with intense practice and travel schedules
  • Returning military veterans or adult learners who have not been in a classroom in a while

Kurzweil 3000 enables learners of all abilities to address their own unique learning challenges and build the skills and confidence to succeed academically. Kurzweil 3000 provides college students with the tools to persevere and complete their studies, including:

  • Reading large volumes of text
  • Working independently
  • Using their study time effectively
  • Assisting with test taking for those with reading disabilities

Students can use Kurzweil 3000 to:

  • Simultaneously listen to and read scanned text, image text (such as PDF files), digital files and Internet pages
  • Access multiple file types that include: EPUB; TXT; HTML; PDF; TIFF; NIMAS; DOC; RTF; DAISY and ANY scanned paper with text and photos
  • Visually track words and phrases on screen as they are read aloud
  • Use colored highlighters and other visual prompts to identify important information
  • Support strategies for text or recorded note taking, organization, editing
  • Create MP3 audio files for use with mobile devices
  • Hear their own writing read aloud to them
  • Take advantage of the language learning supports such as multiple English and bilingual dictionaries, Google® Translate and voice note tool
  • Improve study skills by using the research and writing functionalities such as sticky notes, extraction of outlines and column notes, auditory spell check and word prediction
  • Enter the writing process from multiple points: the graphic organizer, outline or draft views

 

  • Kurzweil 3000 installed application: installed on your Windows or Mac desktop or laptop.
  • Kurzweil 3000 for web browsers (kurzweil3000.com): web-based, companion to Kurzweil 3000 - requires no installation.
  • Read the Web extension for Chrome or Firefox: add this extension to Chrome or Firefox to have basic Kurzweil 3000 reading tools at your fingertips in your web browser
  • iPad App: downloaded for free at the iTunes store, provides mobile access and a very simple user interface. Search "Kurzweil 3000" in the App Store.
  • Universal Library: Unlimited, secure cloud storage which users can access via Kurzweil 3000, Kurzweil3000.com, and iPad App; contains 1800+ titles, including Classic Literature and Nonfiction Bookbag.

All Waubonsee Community College students can access Kurzweil 3000.

To register your account, go to the Kurzweil 3000 website and click on the "Sign in with Google" button:

Select your Waubonsee Community College student e-mail and continue.

You will be asked to grant Kurzweil certain permissions. Click allow to grant Kurzweil the proper permissions.

You will use this method to log in however you choose to use Kurzweil 3000.

Kurzweil 3000 utilizes text-to-speech technology (TTS) to convert text into spoken speech. 

Kurzweil recommends the following strategies for students using text-to-speech technology:

  • Use Different Voices: Choosing the right voice for your text-to-speech technology is important to help you increase comprehension and retention of your learning materials. Make sure to spend time identifying multiple voices that you feel comfortable listening to and using different voices for different subject areas in the classroom. Kurzweil offers 18 different languages and dialects coupled with high-quality acapella voices to give you variety.

 

  • Take Advantage of Customization: Kurzweil's educational technology products feature a high level of customization. Take advantage of this by using different features such as highlighting spoken words and increasing or decreasing the rate at which the text-to-speech reads to you aloud.

 

  • Do Your Reading on the Go: If you find yourself driving, going to the gym, or relaxing in your room, take your reading on the go. Kurzweil’s products allow students to create an audio file and add it directly to iTunes or Media Player playlist, so you can have access to a specific page range or the entire document wherever you go!

Student Technology & Library Services Manager

ServiceDesk for Student Tech

The college can provide technology loans to students in need. Available devices include laptops, wireless hotspots and webcams. Students can request an equipment loan through ServiceDesk or by calling the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) at (630) 466-4357.

Our Library Student Technology Support staff provide free technical support for students.

We can help with:

  • Canvas
  • Microsoft Office (signing up for FREE, accessing on the web and/or installing the software on your personal device)
  • Zoom
  • mywcc
  • Accessing e-materials
  • laptops, phones and other electronic devices
  • ... and more!

To request 1-on-1 help, please use the Student Technology Assistance form in the ServiceDesk portal. Log in to ServiceDesk with your X-number and password.

For step-by-step instructions for using the ServiceDesk portal, please view the PDF below.