ATOI365D #Office365Challenge The Learning Tools in Microsoft Word might be focussed on helping people improve their reading skills – but after I saw the “Read Aloud” feature I knew I would be using this.

Day:  326 of 365, 39 left
Tools:  Office 365, Office 2016, Word
Description: Using the Learning Tools in Microsoft Word
Audience:  All

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What does Microsoft Say? The Learning Tools features in Word 2016 help everyone improve their reading skills, including gifted learners, people with learning differences or a combination of any of the broad range unique learning abilities. Read more…

This update was released November 2016. If you don’t see these updates in your Office 2016, speak to your Admin about the company’s release preferences on Office 365.

Using Learning Tools:

You have to change your view to Read Mode:

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In the Read Mode, click on the View Dropdown, here you’ll see Syllables. This feature shows the breaks between syllables to improve word recognition and decoding:

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The Text Spacing optimizes font spacing to improve reading fluency for users who suffer from “visual crowding” issues:

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Read Aloud will read the text out loud while highlighting the words (which improves decoding, fluency, and comprehension while sustaining focus and attention).

Now THAT’S where I got excited. I have the attention span of an empty water bottle and reading long documents is always a challenge. Of course we absorb information much better as well if we can see and hear it at the same time. In the top right corner you can click on settings, and set the Reading Speed:

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Thanks Microsoft. This is sure to help lots!

Overview of my challenge: As an absolute lover of all things Microsoft, I’ve decided to undertake the challenge, of writing a blog every single day, for the next 365 days. Crazy, I know. And I’ll try my best, but if I cannot find something good to say about Office 365 and the Tools it includes for 365 days, I’m changing my profession. So let’s write this epic tale of “Around the Office in 365 Days”. My ode to Microsoft Office 365.
Keep in mind that these tips and tricks do not only apply to Office 365 – but where applicable, to the overall Microsoft Office Suite and SharePoint.