THE THREE KUZWEILS
"Kurzweil" can refer to three distinct applications.
DESKTOP
The desktop version of Kurzweil is referred to as "Kurzweil 3000." The icon looks like this:
The desktop version of Kurzweil is referred to as "Kurzweil 3000." The icon looks like this:
This version must be downloaded onto individual computers, in order to function. It is a software application that is installed on specific computers (similar to Microsoft Word). Your scanned textbooks; however, live in the "Universal Library," or "The Cloud" (accessible from anywhere where there is Internet), and Kurzweil accesses them. Generally, Kurzweil needs the Internet to function.
(All computers in the LNSK labs at MPC and some in the MPC Library have this version of Kurzweil on them. You too have the option of downloading this onto your personal computer, when you have a Kurzweil login.)
WEB-BASED
The web-based version of Kurzweil is also referred to as "Kurzweil 3000" (which doesn't help with clarity). This application used to be called "Firefly by Kurzweil;" you still may see that phrase being used out there, although the name has been changed. This Kurzweil can be accessed on most devices that have Internet access, by typing "kurzweil3000.com" into an address bar. The logo looks like this:
(All computers in the LNSK labs at MPC and some in the MPC Library have this version of Kurzweil on them. You too have the option of downloading this onto your personal computer, when you have a Kurzweil login.)
WEB-BASED
The web-based version of Kurzweil is also referred to as "Kurzweil 3000" (which doesn't help with clarity). This application used to be called "Firefly by Kurzweil;" you still may see that phrase being used out there, although the name has been changed. This Kurzweil can be accessed on most devices that have Internet access, by typing "kurzweil3000.com" into an address bar. The logo looks like this:
As with the previous Kurzweil, your textbooks live in the "Universal Library," or "The Cloud." This Kurzweil is completely Internet-based (similar to Google Docs, except you do need to "save" with Kurzweil). To get started, please see our web-based Kurzweil orientation.
(During this time of heightened online use, we recommend that students use this web-based version, which has almost all of the capabilities of the desktop version.)
READ THE WEB
The final version of Kurzweil is called Read The Web. It is an extension to the Chrome web browser that you add to a computer. Download it here. It is a much-simplified version of Kurzweil, specifically made for reading websites and Internet-based materials. In other words, you can use it to read Wikipedia, Google Docs, and Canvas, but you cannot use it to read PDFs or your scanned textbooks. The icon looks like this:
(During this time of heightened online use, we recommend that students use this web-based version, which has almost all of the capabilities of the desktop version.)
READ THE WEB
The final version of Kurzweil is called Read The Web. It is an extension to the Chrome web browser that you add to a computer. Download it here. It is a much-simplified version of Kurzweil, specifically made for reading websites and Internet-based materials. In other words, you can use it to read Wikipedia, Google Docs, and Canvas, but you cannot use it to read PDFs or your scanned textbooks. The icon looks like this:
(All computers in the LNSK labs at MPC have this extension, and you can add it onto your personal computer, when you have a Kurzweil login.) Note: Can be used on Firefox browser, but not available for the Safari browser on Macintosh computers
THAT'S HOW THEY ARE DIFFERENT - NOW . . . WHAT IS THE SAME?
Each turns TEXT INTO SPEECH.
Each uses your same login information (username and password).
Each offers you control over voice, speed, and reading chunk
and gives you dictionary and translation access.
SPEND TIME PLAYING WITH EACH - THAT IS THE ONLY WAY TO LEARN!
Each turns TEXT INTO SPEECH.
Each uses your same login information (username and password).
Each offers you control over voice, speed, and reading chunk
and gives you dictionary and translation access.
SPEND TIME PLAYING WITH EACH - THAT IS THE ONLY WAY TO LEARN!
