Screen Mask

Screen Mask

The screen mask function on Read and Write for Google allows the user to tint the screen in a colour of the users choice. It then allows the user to choose a highlight colour and use it as a spotlight to pinpoint a specific area of the text that the user is focusing on. The user can move the focus of a highlighted area of the screen mask up or down on the page by using the mouse cursor or mouse pad on the device. This function is not available on the PDF reader or the epub function of Read and Write for Google.

Supporting Learners:

The Screen mask function on read and write is a tool that would be beneficial for students who have ADD/ADHD and have difficulty focusing in on a specific task. It is also a fantastic tool for students who are more successful when they are given one step directions. This allows the student to block out “too much” information at one time and simply focus on the section of reading or the task at hand without feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information on the page.

Using in the Classroom:

A teacher can use the screen masking feature on the LCD projector in the classroom as a way for whole class instruction. It is the same premise that we would use in the classroom when we cover a lesson using chart paper, to only show our students the first part of the lesson. With this tool, we are able to block out parts of the lesson that we may want to wait to show our students. Similarly, we can use it in our lessons to teach our students how to predict or infer things about fiction and non-fiction texts. This feature also helps teachers instruct students using technology that may have a difficult time focusing in on a specific task. This allows them to work through one specific step, instruction or task before moving forward and keeps them from being overwhelmed and frustrated in the classroom.