Pen scanners have been around for a number of years now, however, the current technology has had a positive impact on the accuracy of the pen scanners and they have improved tremendously. The pen scanner is used the same way you use a marker highlighter. Simply take the pen scanner across the text. The pen scanner will let you scan, store and transfer your printed text as well as smaller images to your computer. It's ideal for taking notes or scanning text for students that use a text reader. Many of the newer pen scanners also have synthetic voice and read the scanned text. Many teachers claim that the use of the scanner pens aids children with dyslexia.

If you are making a decision as to whether your student will benefit from using a scanner pen, consider the following:

• fine motor control is essential
• responsibility (the student will need to keep the pen with him/her)
• auditory discretion is important as many of the pens read but the voice is synthetic which can be frustrating for many students
• confidence, these students need to be comfortable using their assistive devices around their peers

The student can benefit tremendously from the use of scanner pens for test taking, note taking, greater access to materials, auditory support and overall productivity.

Technical Details

• Scans up to 500 pages of text in 7 languages
• Able to read EAN 13, EAN 8, UPCA, UPCE, code 39, code 128, and Inter 2 of 5 barcodes
• Reads print sizes from 6 to 22 points in 5 type styles
• Infrared and USB data transfer
• For Windows-based operating systems; 1-year warranty