Scientific Learning Reading Assistant app Learning Software User Guide
Below you will find brief information for Fast ForWord Language app, Fast ForWord Literacy app, Fast ForWord Reading app, Reading Assistant app, Reading Progress Indicator app. This user guide provides educators and providers with essential information for using Scientific Learning apps on iPad. It covers technical requirements, headset setup, enabling microphone access, guiding students through sessions, and troubleshooting common audio and connection issues to ensure an optimal learning experience for language and reading development programs.
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Reading Assistant™ on iPad User Guide
For educators and providers using
MySciLEARN™
December 2015
Copyright
© 1996 through 2015 Scientific Learning Corporation. All rights reserved. This document is supplied subject to the terms of the Scientific Learning Corporation license agreement. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Names, data, and other information used in examples and exercises herein are fictitious.
Trademarks
Fast ForWord® and SciLEARN® are registered trademarks of Scientific Learning Corporation, registered in the U.S. and certain other countries.
MySciLEARN™, Reading Assistant™, and SciLEARNU™ are trademarks of Scientific Learning
Corporation.
Third-party trademarks
Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, Mac, iPad, iPhone, and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.
Other brands and their products are trademarks of their respective holders. Trademark symbols are used only in the first occurrence of a trademarked name.
Scientific Learning Corporation
Scientific Learning Corporation
300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 600
Oakland, CA 94612-2040
888-665-9707
510-444-3580 (fax) www.scientificlearning.com
Customer Support
Customer Support
888-358-0212 (US & Canada)
520-917-1200 (International) www.scilearn.com/contact
Contents
Contents
Getting help
About the Scientific Learning apps
iPad client requirements
Reading Assistant headset requirements
Downloading the Scientific Learning apps
Tips for using the Reading Assistant app
Preparing for Reading Assistant sessions
Enabling microphone access on iPad
Setting up the Reading Assistant lab
Connecting the Reading Assistant headset
Completing the Reading Assistant microphone check
Correcting Reading Assistant audio issues
Starting Reading Assistant sessions on iPad
Exiting Reading Assistant sessions on iPad
Using the Reading Assistant tutorial on iPad
Troubleshooting the Scientific Learning apps
Contents
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11
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13
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15
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5
25
27
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Getting help
Getting help
MySciLEARN provides several methods for getting help.
Use the Get Help link
Use the Get Help link at the top of any page in MySciLEARN to access help, which provides user-specific help topics and downloadable PDF guides.
Download the PDF manuals
Scientific Learning provides user guides, specifications and teacher manuals in PDF format. Use the Get
Help link within MySciLEARN to download them.
Visit SciLEARNU
This professional development hub within MySciLEARN provides access to all program training materials, including video tutorials, staff training courses, teacher materials, and special learning events. Log in to
MySciLEARN and click the SciLEARNU tab to access it.
Search our knowledge base
Our knowledge base provides up-to-date troubleshooting articles and tips on using the software, along with release notes. To search the knowledge base, go to http://scilearn.force.com/Support .
Contact Customer Support
If you need further assistance or have more questions, contact Scientific Learning Customer Support.
Customer Support
Web www.scilearn.com/company/contact-us
Phone [email protected]
1-888-358-0212 (US & Canada)
1-520-917-1200 (International)
Hours Monday - Friday 5 AM - 5 PM PT
4
About the Scientific Learning apps
About the Scientific Learning apps
The Scientific Learning program apps for iPad allow students to log in to MySciLEARN from an iPad mobile digital device and work on the Fast ForWord and Reading Assistant programs. The apps leverage the latest mobile technologies to provide MySciLEARN users with the best possible experience on iPad.
For example: l
Engaging – Touchscreen technology and bright, animated graphics captivate elementary school, middle school, and high school students alike.
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Accessible – iPad portability allows students to use the programs wherever they want, whenever they want.
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Versatile – With just a username and password, students can access the program from any supported device and switch among them (computer to iPad to laptop, and so on).
This topic answers some frequently asked questions.
How do the Scientific Learning apps work?
Just like MySciLEARN on a desktop or laptop computer, the Scientific Learning apps use the Internet to communicate with MySciLEARN. When the student opens a program app on iPad, it connects to
MySciLEARN and prompts the student to log in and use the program as usual. When the session ends, the student's results are added to the MySciLEARN reports.
Which Scientific Learning programs are available for iPad?
All of the Scientific Learning programs are available for iPad, including the Reading Progress Indicator
(RPI) assessments. Please note that in order to use the RPI app, you'll need an active Results Now! package subscription for your MySciLEARN account.
The program demos are also available for students using iPad, and can be accessed within the program apps. To use the demos as a staff member, use a web browser on a computer.
Are there any changes to the Scientific Learning programs for iPad?
The Scientific Learning apps for iPad are the same as the programs used on the browser, with a few enhancements for iPad.
Are there any technical requirements, licenses, or fees?
There are a few system requirements, including which iPad mobile digital devices are supported. To learn
more see iPad client requirements
.
No new licenses or fees are required—any student with a program license and an active online
MySciLEARN account can use the program apps. If you have any questions about licensing, check with your school administrator or contact Scientific Learning Customer Support.
Do I need to change any MySciLEARN settings to use the Scientific Learning apps?
No, the program apps do not require anything new or special on the administration side of MySciLEARN.
As a staff member, you'll continue using MySciLEARN as usual—managing students and assigning products, monitoring student training sessions, and reviewing student results reports.
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About the Scientific Learning apps
Can a learner use more than one type of device to work on the Scientific Learning programs?
Yes, students can switch among supported devices as they like. The program apps function as a typical
MySciLEARN client, so a student can switch from a computer to iPad and back again at any time.
Can a learner use the programs through a web browser on iPad?
No. When using iPad, students need to download and use the Scientific Learning apps. See
Downloading the Scientific Learning apps .
Can a staff member use MySciLEARN through a web browser on iPad?
No, staff members should use MySciLEARN on a desktop or laptop computer. To learn more see
.
Do the Scientific Learning apps work with MySciLEARN content servers?
The Fast ForWord and Reading Progress Indicator apps do not need a MySciLEARN content server—they include all of the content required to use that app. Any content servers already set up at the school or district will not be used or affected by using the apps.
The Reading Assistant app will use the MySciLEARN content server if one is installed at the school or district.
How secure are the Scientific Learning apps?
The Scientific Learning apps employ the same security as MySciLEARN, which requires that all students use a unique login and password to access the program. In addition, all of the data for MySciLEARN is hosted by Scientific Learning. If you have any additional questions about security, contact Scientific
Learning Customer Support.
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iPad client requirements
iPad client requirements
These requirements apply to students using the Scientific Learning program apps on iPad. MySciLEARN does not support using the Safari web browser on iPad; students must use the Scientific Learning apps on iPad, and staff members should only use MySciLEARN on a desktop or laptop computer.
Models
OS
Headphones
Network
Storage
Fast ForWord apps iPad 2 or later iPad Air or later iOS 6 or later
Reading Assistant app iPad 4 or later iPad Air or later iOS 9 or later
High-quality stereo headphone set with padded cups to cover ears (see knowledge base article #1383 )
Approved microphone headset (see
Reading Assistant headset requirements
)
Internet access over Wi-Fi or fast cellular data networks (up to LTE).*
870MB (approximate) for all apps; less for fewer apps. App sizes may vary slightly based on version; check the App Store℠ for exact storage requirements.
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150MB – Fast ForWord Language app l
235MB – Fast ForWord Literacy app l
155MB – Fast ForWord Reading app l
70MB – Reading Progress Indicator app l
260MB – Reading Assistant app
*The Fast ForWord and Reading Assistant apps vary in the amount of data transmitted and received based on multiple factors, such as the current exercise or reading selection, the program protocol or schedule, and the current status in the program. In addition, bandwidth requirements vary during an individual student session, with larger data transfers occurring during the first few minutes of a session, and in the case of Reading Assistant, after a recording session.
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Reading Assistant headset requirements
Reading Assistant headset requirements
Use this topic to help you choose an approved headset and adapter for Reading Assistant.
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Computer/Chromebook headset requirements
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Items not included in this list have not been certified to work with our software. For purchasing info and discount codes, see article #1383 in our knowledge base.
Computer/Chromebook headset requirements
Using Reading Assistant on a computer, laptop, or Chromebook requires an approved headset with either an integrated USB connection or an approved USB audio adapter.
If If you plan to use Reading Assistant and the Fast ForWord products together, all of the headsets in this table will also work with the Fast ForWord products except for the Logitech H390 headset, which is not recommended.
Headsets for computer use
Andrea EDU-455 USB
Logitech H390 (ClearChat Comfort
USB)
Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000
Andrea EDU-455
Califone 3066AV (not USB)
Cyber Acoustic AC-960
Needs
USB adapter
Durable
Easy to clean
Use with
FFW
Price range
$25-$32
$25-$35
$20-$35
$12-$17
$25-$35
$20-$30
When purchasing a USB adapter for your computer headset, choose the exact model number shown.
Other adapters sold by the same manufacturer are not approved.
USB adapters for computer use (pair with any approved headset)
Andrea EDU-USB SYBA SD-CM-UAUD or SD-AUD-20066
Andrea PureAudio USB-SA
Parts Express USB Sound Adapter
StarTech ICUSBAUDIO or ICUSBAUDIOB
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Reading Assistant headset requirements
iPad headset requirements
iPad mobile digital devices provide a single headset jack for the Reading Assistant headset, which lets you use a single cable to connect the headset to the device. To provide the best audio quality and user experience, choose an approved headset that best meets your implementation needs.
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For iPad use only, choose a headset with a single plug, or choose one with a dual plug and use a mobile adapter.
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For iPad and computer use, choose a headset with a dual plug. This way, the headset can be used with a USB headset adapter on the computer and with a mobile headset adapter on iPad.
Scientific Learning supports most mobile headset adapters (dual plug to single plug).
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Andrea Communications provides the following mobile adapter: http://shop.andreacommunications.com/c-100-mobile-adapter-cable/ l
To search for a mobile adapter online, use the following search phrase: “3.5mm 4-pin to 2x 3-pin headset splitter adapter”
Headsets for iPad use
Califone 3066AVT
Cyber Acoustics AC-204
Califone 3066AV
Cyber Acoustics AC-201
Cyber Acoustics AC-960
Plug type
Single
Single
Dual
Dual
Dual
Needs mobile adapter
1
Durable
Easy to clean
Use with
FFW
1
Cyber Acoustics AC-204 comes with a single plug to dual plug adapter, making this headset usable on desktop and laptop computers with a USB adapter.
Price range
$25-$35
$10-$20
$25-$35
$20-$30
$10-$20
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Downloading the Scientific Learning apps
Downloading the Scientific Learning apps
The App Store℠ lets you download the program apps directly to your iPad. Search for "Scientific Learning" to locate the apps, then follow the App Store instructions to download them. You can also find the apps on our iTunes® company page . The apps are free, but each student will need a program license and an active online MySciLEARN account to use them (the RPI app also requires an active Results Now! package subscription). Contact your school's system administrator if you need help with this task.
Tip: Download all of the apps your students plan to use, including the RPI app. Students can open any of the apps to log in to MySciLEARN and access their assignments and the demos.
Fast ForWord Language
Language v2
Language to Reading v2
Fast ForWord Reading
Reading Readiness
Reading Levels 1 - 5
Reading Progress Indicator
RPI assessments
Fast ForWord Literacy
Literacy
Literacy Advanced
Reading Assistant
Reading Assistant program
Once you've downloaded an app, the App Store will notify you when updates are available. You'll also be notified when you open that app as follows. Always update the app as soon as possible.
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Update Available – The student can continue using the program without updating, but update the app as soon as possible. You'll be reminded until you update the app.
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Update Required – The student cannot use the program until you update the app.
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Tips for using the Reading Assistant app
Tips for using the Reading Assistant app
This topic lists changes to the Reading Assistant program for use on iPad, and some helpful tips.
Reading Assistant app displays in landscape orientation
The Reading Assistant program always displays in landscape (horizontal) orientation, even when you rotate iPad or lock the rotation. This is the best view for using Reading Assistant.
No keyboard or mouse in the Reading Assistant app
After a student logs in to the Reading Assistant app, the program fully implements iPad touchscreen technology and no longer provides access to the iPad keyboard. Also, because iPad does not require a mouse, if the program instructs the student to "click" an object or graphic, the student should "tap" it instead.
General changes for iPad
The Reading Assistant app includes a few cosmetic and functionality enhancements for use on iPad. In addition, a few small features that appear on the browser are not included in the iPad app.
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On the My Library screen, the Credits have been moved into the Tools menu. l
The Open My Bookmark button at the bottom of the My Library screen does not appear on iPad.
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On the Selection report, the Words to Practice section appears on the right side of the screen, instead of the bottom.
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Because iPad is not designed to save and print documents, the ability to print the Fluency and
Selection reports has been removed.
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On iPad, the Reading Assistant graphic on the Student Exercises page does not list the student's library assignment.
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The Reading Assistant app does not show the Product Demos link on the Student Exercises page; however, the student can access the tutorial from the Help menu on the My Library page.
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Tips for using the Reading Assistant app
Playing recorded readings on iPad
Because iPad does not support the MP3 audio format, the Reading Assistant app saves a student's recorded readings in the M4A audio format. This means that playing a student's audio recordings works a little differently on iPad than on a computer: l
Students – Recordings made within the computer version of Reading Assistant are saved in MP3 format and will not run on iPad. If your students are using both versions of Reading Assistant, they can only play their MP3 recordings in the computer version of Reading Assistant and not in the Reading
Assistant app for iPad. (Students can use a computer to play their iPad recordings, just not the other way around.) l
Staff members – When using the MySciLEARN reports to download recordings made on iPad, instead of downloading a single MP3 file for a recording, you'll download a zip file with separate M4A files for each recorded sentence. To listen to them in order, unzip the file to a folder, highlight all of the files, then open them in any media player.
Using the Scientific Learning apps together
If your students are using the Reading Assistant and Fast ForWord apps together, they may notice the following when switching among the apps.
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If a student is using a Fast ForWord app (or the Reading Progress Indicator app) and wants to switch to the Reading Assistant app, the student may need to exit that app first, and then start the Reading
Assistant app.
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When using the programs through the Reading Assistant app, the student can access the Fast
ForWord demos by exiting the Reading Assistant app and starting any Fast ForWord app.
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Preparing for Reading Assistant sessions
Preparing for Reading Assistant sessions
Before students can use the Reading Assistant program, you’ll need to perform several important tasks.
When these tasks are complete, see Starting Reading Assistant sessions on iPad to start using the
program.
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Enabling microphone access on iPad
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Setting up the Reading Assistant lab
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Connecting the Reading Assistant headset
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Completing the Reading Assistant microphone check
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Correcting Reading Assistant audio issues
For specific details on the activities and reports within the actual Reading Assistant program, see the
Reading Assistant user guide or visit MySciLEARN Help.
Enabling microphone access on iPad
The most important component of Reading Assistant is its patented speech recognition technology, which allows the program to listen and follow along as a student reads aloud. Reading Assistant implements this technology in MySciLEARN based on which device and web browser the student is using. For an in-depth look at how Reading Assistant technology works, see our whitepaper Reading Assistant Technology for
Guided Oral Reading , on the web at www.scilearn.com.
On iPad, Reading Assistant implements its speech recognition technology directly within the Reading
Assistant app. You'll need perform one quick task: enable microphone access on the iPad device. It's easy to do; just follow the prompts when the app is first opened. See the steps in this topic for details. If you have any further questions, contact Scientific Learning Customer Support.
How microphone access works
By default, when a student starts the Reading Assistant app for the first time on an iPad, the app automatically prompts the student to enable microphone access on the device. Once enabled, the student can continue using Reading Assistant as usual, and you should not have to set the option again on this device.
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Preparing for Reading Assistant sessions
Re-enabling microphone access
If a student chooses "Don't Allow" when prompted to allow microphone access on an iPad, Reading
Assistant won't work properly on that device; the app will not hear students during the microphone check or while recording. To correct this issue, follow these steps to re-enable microphone access on the device.
Once enabled, students can use Reading Assistant as usual and you should not have to set the option again on this device.
To re-enable microphone access on iPad
1. From the iPad Home screen, open Settings.
2. Under Settings, search or scroll to find "Reading Asst" and tap it to open the Reading Assistant settings.
3. Turn on microphone access.
Setting up the Reading Assistant lab
To improve the audio quality in the lab or classroom (or anywhere your students use the program), we suggest that you follow these recommendations when setting up the work area for Reading Assistant: l
Arrange the seating in the lab so that your students can quietly listen and read aloud without distraction and without too much noise.
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Do not seat very soft-spoken students next to very loud students.
Before the student can start using the program, you'll need to connect and position the headset properly.
When the student starts working on the Read and Record activity, he or she will then complete the microphone check. See the following topics: l
Connecting the Reading Assistant headset
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Completing the Reading Assistant microphone check
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Preparing for Reading Assistant sessions
Connecting the Reading Assistant headset
Because the Reading Assistant software uses speech recognition and verification technology, the quality of the audio signal greatly impacts the user's experience with the product. Correct microphone connections and headset placement are essential for a clear audio signal.
Note: Use the headsets approved by Scientific Learning. For a list of approved headsets see
Reading Assistant headset requirements .
If you are using a non-USB headset—for example, on iPad—plug the headset directly into the computer or device.
To position the headset and microphone
1. Place the microphone to the side of the mouth, not in front of it, about two fingers away from the corner of the mouth. Otherwise, the student's breath will strike the microphone and cause popping noises that can distort the signal. To accommodate this placement, you may need to bend the microphone boom at a right angle approximately 3/4 of the way down towards the microphone tip.
2. If present, make sure that the colored dot on the microphone (found on the plastic collar next to the foam microphone cover) is facing the user and has not rotated. If the dot is facing in another direction, twist the microphone so that the dot is again facing the student.
3. Have the student place both hands to the sides of the mouth (as if shouting) and move them away. If this can not easily be done without bumping into the microphone, it is too close; have the student move it farther to the side of his or her mouth.
Note: Once positioned correctly, students should not touch the headset or move the microphone.
Moving the microphone while reading will not help the software hear the student; it will only add noise to the audio.
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Preparing for Reading Assistant sessions
Controlling the volume from the headset
In addition to controlling the sound volume through the computer, the headphone playback volume can be adjusted by using the volume controls on some of the headsets. Please note that adjusting the volume using these controls can lead to issues if the volume accidentally gets turned down all the way. If a student has a problem with the audio, make sure to check that the volume control on the headset is set properly.
Storing the headset
When possible, always store the headset with the microphone boom still in the bent position. This will reduce the need for microphone positioning adjustment for the next user and will limit wear and tear on the headset.
Completing the Reading Assistant microphone check
To ensure good audio signal quality and a satisfactory experience, Reading Assistant automatically administers a microphone check to adjust the audio settings for each student. The microphone check automatically starts the first time a student works on the Read and Record activity in a new session. A student or teacher can also manually initiate a microphone check from the Tools menu at the top of the screen; for example, if the microphone is unplugged or if the headset needs adjusting.
Using both text and audio instructions, the microphone check prompts the student to read through a few simple screens, and then analyzes and adjusts the audio signal as needed. If the microphone check detects any audio problem, it provides some basic troubleshooting and then initiates the microphone
check again. To learn more see Correcting Reading Assistant audio issues .
How students complete the microphone check
1. The first screen introduces the microphone check, and reminds the students to make sure the headset is properly adjusted and the microphone is not directly in front of the mouth. Breathing directly into the microphone will cause poor performance.
When ready, the student clicks Next to start.
2. The next screen presents the Volume Test, which prompts the student to count to ten. The student should use a normal speaking voice. The audio signal appears in the Volume bar. While counting, the software adjusts the volume of the audio signal according to how loudly the text was read. Ideally, the volume should appear in the green section of the graph.
When prompted, the student clicks Next to continue.
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Preparing for Reading Assistant sessions
3. The next screen presents the Quality Test, which prompts you to repeat a p-heavy phrase, such as
Please pay for the popcorn. Again, the student should use a normal speaking voice. The Volume bar
shows the audio signal. When done reading the phrase, the Replay button lets the student listen to that reading.
When prompted, the student clicks Next to continue.
The software then analyzes this sentence. If the software detects an audio problem, it provides tips on how to resolve that problem. For example, if the microphone is too close to the mouth, the software may provide instructions on the correct placement of the microphone.
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If it still detects a problem, the software advises the student to ask a teacher for help. l
If no audio problems are detected, the microphone check ends. If the microphone check was initiated by the software, the recording automatically starts. Otherwise, the student clicks OK to exit the microphone check.
Correcting Reading Assistant audio issues
Occasionally, the microphone check detects audio problems. When this occurs, it guides the student through some basic troubleshooting and then initiates the microphone check again. The following are examples of potential issues and solutions:
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Preparing for Reading Assistant sessions l
No audio signal detected – The student should check the headset connection and position. If the microphone check still cannot hear the student, it instructs the student to ask a teacher for help.
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A low signal-to-noise ratio is detected – In this case, the noise in the room is loud relative to the student's voice. For example, the student may be soft-spoken, or may be sitting next to an unusually loud child. Repositioning the microphone closer to the user's mouth may help, but remember to keep the microphone to the side of the mouth, as the student's breath can be a source of noise. You can also encourage students to speak clearly and not too softly into the microphone.
Additional audio troubleshooting tips
If needed, you can try these basic audio troubleshooting tips, in this order. For iPad, additional resources
can be found in Troubleshooting the Scientific Learning apps
. If the problem persists or you still need help, contact Scientific Learning Customer Support.
2. Make sure that the headset is properly connected to the computer or device. See Connecting the
.
3. Check the microphone settings on your computer or device and make sure that the headset is selected and the volume is not muted or too low.
4. Exit the Reading Assistant program and restart it.
5. Log the student out of the Student Exercises and restart the web browser or app.
6. Restart the computer or device.
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Starting Reading Assistant sessions on iPad
Starting Reading Assistant sessions on iPad
Instruct your students to follow these steps when using the Reading Assistant program app on iPad. For a detailed description of how the Reading Assistant program works, see the Reading Assistant user guide.
Before you get started, review these topics and complete any necessary tasks: l
Tips for using the Reading Assistant app
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Preparing for Reading Assistant sessions
Students are guided through the Reading Assistant tasks based on whether or not it's their first time using the program. Follow these instructions to get your students started.
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Logging in to the Reading Assistant app
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Using Reading Assistant for the first time
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Continuing work on the Reading Assistant app
Logging in to the Reading Assistant app
1. On the iPad Home screen, open the Reading Assistant app to connect to MySciLEARN and view the
Student Login screen.
The student can open any Scientific Learning program app to log in to MySciLEARN and view their assignments. However, to work on an assigned product, that app must exist on that iPad. For example, a student can open the Fast ForWord Literacy app, log in, and use Reading Level 1, as long as the Reading app has also been downloaded.
2. Enter your username and password to log in to MySciLEARN and access your assignments.
The Student Login screen may prompt the student to choose a school or district first. Enter the first few letters of the name of the school or district, then choose it from the list.
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Starting Reading Assistant sessions on iPad
Using Reading Assistant for the first time
Review these steps to learn how a student uses the Reading Assistant program for the very first time.
Otherwise, see
Continuing work on the Reading Assistant app
.
Tip: Some students may require guidance through this task, especially if the student is young, or if this is the first time the student is using the program.
To use Reading Assistant for the first time
1. Put on your headset (make sure it's plugged in), and set the volume on iPad to a comfortable level.
2. Tap the Reading Assistant assignment to open the program.
content based on the student's assigned library: content pack or custom library.
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Content Pack – A list of topics appear on the left. The selections in the current topic appear in the right. Each selection has a book graphic with a Go button:
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Starting Reading Assistant sessions on iPad l
Custom Library – No topics are listed; only selections appear on the page. Each selection has a book graphic with a Go button:
In addition, the content availability on the My Library screen is based on the content progression method set for the library.
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Locked – In this default setting, the student must start with the first selection in the library assignment, and continue in order through the content in the library. Within each selection, the student must complete each activity, in order, before moving to the next selection.
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Student-selected – The student can choose any selection in the library. Once started, however, the student must complete all of the activities in that selection before moving to another selection.
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Unlocked – Recommended for teachers/classroom instruction only. The user can choose any activity within any selection, in any order. The user does not have to complete a selection or activity before moving on to a new selection or activity.
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Starting Reading Assistant sessions on iPad
3. Tap the Start button to begin working on the selection.
Each selection presents three activities: Preview and Read on My Own, Read and Record, and Take the Quiz. The student should continue working on all of the available activities until the session ends.
For complete details on how students use Reading Assistant see the Reading Assistant user guide or visit MySciLEARN Help.
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Starting Reading Assistant sessions on iPad
Continuing work on the Reading Assistant app
Review these steps to learn how a student works on the Reading Assistant product after the first work session. Otherwise, see
Using Reading Assistant for the first time .
Tip: Some students may require guidance through this task, especially if the student is young, or if this is the first time the student is using the program.
To continue using Reading Assistant
1. Put on your headset (make sure it's plugged in), and set the volume on iPad to a comfortable level.
2. Tap the Reading Assistant assignment to open the program.
The Start Where You Left Off screen shows the selection, activity, and page where the student left off.
Choose from the following options: l
Go – This button opens the selection and activity where the student left off. l
View My Library – This link opens the My Library screen, where the student can browse the selections in their library assignment.
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View My Points – This link opens the My Points report on the My Library screen, where the student can view points and progress in their selections.
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Starting Reading Assistant sessions on iPad
3. Tap the Go button to start working where you last left off.
Each selection presents three activities: Preview and Read on My Own, Read and Record, and Take the Quiz. The student should continue working on all of the available activities until the session ends.
For complete details on how students use Reading Assistant see the Reading Assistant user guide or visit MySciLEARN Help.
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Exiting Reading Assistant sessions on iPad
Exiting Reading Assistant sessions on iPad
Instruct your students to follow these steps to exit a Reading Assistant training session.
Note: Students should not use the Home button or multitasking gestures to exit a session.
Instead, instruct students to use the Exit buttons within the app as described in this topic. The
Reading Progress Indicator app provides its own Exit button at the bottom of the screen.
To exit a Reading Assistant training session
1. From anywhere inside Reading Assistant, click the Exit button in the upper right corner until you return to the Student Exercises screen.
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Exiting Reading Assistant sessions on iPad
2. Tap Log Out on the Student Exercises screen to log out of the program.
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Using the Reading Assistant tutorial on iPad
Using the Reading Assistant tutorial on iPad
The Reading Assistant program app provides a short, step-by-step video tutorial on how to use the activities, written specifically for the student. The tutorial automatically runs the first time the student uses
Reading Assistant. Students can watch the tutorial again at any time by tapping the Help button menu in the upper right corner of the My Library screen.
To exit the tutorial at any time, tap the Close button, or tap the X in the upper right corner.
To control the volume, maximize the view and use the Volume slider on the lower left:
Note: The Reading Assistant tutorial on iPad is only available to students. As a staff member, you can use the demos through a web browser on your computer.
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Troubleshooting the Scientific Learning apps
Troubleshooting the Scientific Learning apps
If a student encounters any issues using a Scientific Learning program app, follow these troubleshooting tips. If you have any questions or you need additional help, contact Scientific Learning Customer Support.
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Quick steps to fix most errors on iPad
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Closing apps using iPad Multitasking
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Correcting MySciLEARN connection errors on iPad
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Troubleshooting other known issues on iPad
Quick steps to fix most errors on iPad
If a student runs into problems while using the Scientific Learning apps on iPad—for example, an app stops responding or does not work properly—try these tips, in this order. If you're running multiple Scientific
Learning apps, close them all before using any of them again.
1. Check the Internet connection on the student's iPad. If the connection is lost, restore it. See
MySciLEARN connection errors on iPad
.
2. Exit the app, if possible, then open it again.
3. If you can't manually exit the app, press the Home button on iPad, then open the app again.
4. Close the app from the Multitasking screen, then open it again. See Closing apps using iPad
.
5. Restart iPad (press and hold the Sleep/Wake button on iPad until the red slider appears, drag the slider to turn iPad completely off, then turn iPad on again).
6. If you are using an earlier version of iPad software, try updating to the latest version. Apple is continually improving iPad software and updating to the latest supported iOS may resolve the issue.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, review the rest of the information in this chapter. You can also visit
Apple Support for more tips. If you require further assistance, contact Scientific Learning Customer
Support.
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Troubleshooting the Scientific Learning apps
Closing apps using iPad Multitasking
In general, mobile digital devices such as iPad manage applications differently than computers do. For example, most computers provide a large desktop area for you to view and manage multiple software applications at the same time—such as a web browser, word processor, media player, and more. iPad, on the other hand, provides Multitasking as a way to view and manage all of your active software apps from one location. Multitasking allows you to switch quickly among recently used apps by suspending those apps in the background instead of closing them:
iPad Multitasking on iOS 9
If a student runs into issues while using the Scientific Learning apps—for example, an app stops responding or does not work properly—you can try closing the app from the Multitasking screen and then opening the app again. If you're running multiple Scientific Learning apps, close them all before using any of them again. Visit Apple Support to learn more about Multitasking.
To close apps from the Multitasking screen
From the Home screen, double-click the Home button to open the Multitasking screen, then continue based on your iOS version: l
iOS 7 and later: Swipe left or right as needed to locate the Scientific Learning apps, then drag each
Scientific Learning app up from the Multitasking screen to close it.
l
iOS 6: Touch and hold a Scientific Learning app until the icons in the Multitasking bar begin to jiggle, then tap the minus sign on each Scientific Learning app to close it.
29
Troubleshooting the Scientific Learning apps
Correcting MySciLEARN connection errors on iPad
The Scientific Learning apps use the Internet to communicate with MySciLEARN during training sessions. If iPad cannot access the Internet, the apps will not work properly and you may see one of the following error messages. If you continue to experience issues after restoring your Internet connection, see
Troubleshooting other known issues on iPad
or try following the tips in Quick steps to fix most errors on iPad
.
Unable to access MySciLEARN. Please check your Internet connection and try again. When a
Scientific Learning app is opened, it shows this message if it cannot access the MySciLEARN server. Tap
OK to close the message, then press the Home button and check your iPad Internet connection.
Unable to continue this session because the connection to MySciLEARN was lost. Please check your
Internet connection and try again. This message appears when the MySciLEARN server connection has been lost for more than a few minutes during a session. Tap Exit to cancel the session. Some of the student's recent data may be lost.
MySciLEARN connection lost. Reconnect to the Internet or this session will be lost. If a Fast ForWord program app loses access to the MySciLEARN server during an exercise session, the exercise Exit button becomes a red network icon. When this icon appears, tap it to open the Status screen, review the message, and correct the issue as needed: l
Exit the Fast ForWord session on iPad and check the Internet connection, then press the Home button and reconnect iPad to the Internet.
l
If the Internet connection will be restored within a minute or two, you can tap Return on the Status screen to let the student keep working. However, if the connection is not restored soon, the app will automatically cancel the session.
Reading Assistant performance issues on iPad
If your students are using very large custom libraries with the Reading Assistant app (100 or more selections in a library), they may see some performance issues. Limit your custom libraries to a maximum of 100 selections each. You can also try closing any other apps while running Reading Assistant. See
Closing apps using iPad Multitasking
.
Troubleshooting other known issues on iPad
While using the Scientific Learning apps, you may run into a few minor issues. Use the following tips to resolve the issues and continue using the program. If you continue to experience issues, try following the
tips in Quick steps to fix most errors on iPad
.
Sometimes when I tap on the iPad screen, it does not seem to register. This issue occasionally occurs on iPad in general, when using an earlier version of iPad software. Apple has improved iPad software and updating to the latest supported iOS should resolve the issue.
"Loading, please wait" message remains on the screen for more than a few minutes. To resolve the issue, press the Home button and then open the app again.
After restoring the Internet connection, I see the message "Unable to access MySciLEARN. Please
check your Internet connection and try again." Tap OK to close the message. If the Internet connection has been restored, you should be able to continue using the program.
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Key features
Patented speech recognition technology for oral reading (Reading Assistant)
Engaging touchscreen technology with animated graphics
iPad portability for flexible learning environments
Access to all Scientific Learning programs on iPad
Seamless switching of program use between computer and iPad devices
Automatic microphone check for optimal audio settings
Comprehensive troubleshooting tips for app performance and audio
Frequently asked questions
The Scientific Learning apps connect to MySciLEARN via the Internet, allowing students to log in and use programs like Fast ForWord and Reading Assistant, with session results automatically added to MySciLEARN reports.
The Reading Assistant app requires an iPad 4 or later, iOS 9 or later, an approved microphone headset, Wi-Fi or fast cellular data access, and approximately 260MB of storage.
Microphone access is usually prompted automatically the first time the app is opened. If declined, it can be re-enabled from the iPad Home screen by navigating to Settings, finding 'Reading Asst', and turning on microphone access.
If an audio problem is detected, the microphone check provides basic troubleshooting tips, such as checking headset connection and position, before re-initiating the check. If issues persist, students are advised to ask a teacher for help.
Students should tap the Exit button in the upper right corner until they return to the Student Exercises screen, then tap Log Out to fully exit the program.
