Reading Cloud vs DocsPlus Universal

The Reading Cloud app allows pupils to access the school library from mobile devices. Schools using Junior Librarian.net, Eclipse.net, or Reading Cloud can now ensure the library and its resources are accessible anywhere, anytime and available to your whole school community. The app is a fantastic way to encourage parental engagement with reading. Display the latest news from the library and showcase information such as the ‘Top Ten’, ‘New Arrivals’ ‘Latest Returns’ and ‘Book of the Week’. Using the ‘Who Next’ feature, the app will automatically recommend new books based on your past loans. Students can write reviews about books, websites and other resources and books can also be reserved and renewed using the App. Search the library catalogue using the quick search to find books and websites to help with homework or general research or for the latest book by your favourite author. You can even watch fantastic videos of authors talking about their books in their own words. The Community Stat's feature allows you to check on the most popular books and authors across the Reading Cloud schools community. Using the ‘ISBN Search’ feature you can also check whether your school library has a copy of a book before buying it online or in a book store. You can also recommend books for purchase by the school library. This App is only available if your school library uses Junior Librarian.net (primary), Eclipse.net hosted (secondary), or Reading Cloud. If you’re not sure, why not check with your school librarian. You will need your user name, password and school name / postcode to log into the app. If you don't have these details or your school is not on hosted yet, you can try out Reading Cloud by tapping the demo button on the login screen.

FOR STUDENTS AGED 11-ADULT DocsPlus is a specially designed word processor with an adult look and feel, yet provides extensive writing support through high quality speech, powerful word prediction and our acclaimed Wordbars. REVIEW WRITING WITH CLEAR SPEECH As students write, their work is read back to them as each sentence is completed. Research shows this active engagement with text encourages students to find and correct errors for themselves. DEVELOP VOCABULARY AND SPELLING WITH WORD PREDICTION The intelligent predictor suggests words that fit the context of students’ writing. It’s easily customized to the right reading level, helping students to use good vocabulary and create flowing text with accurate spelling. BUILD WRITING CONFIDENCE WITH WORDBARS The unique Wordbars provide tabbed vocabulary support for any subject or topic – just click a word to add it to the document. Make your own Wordbars in a flash to support any topic, or get free, ready-made ones from our LearningGrids site within the app which covers a range of curriculum topics. CHECK WORDS BEFORE THEY ARE USED Learners can listen to words before they write them, helping them to find the word they want and achieve writing success. Any word in the predictor, spell checker or Wordbar can be heard before it is used so students can be sure of their selection. ADD VOICE NOTES Voice Notes are a simple yet highly effective way for students to add their own prompts so they don’t forget their train of thought – add them to the document at any time. ORGANIZE IDEAS WITH WORKSPACE Organizing ideas is a vital first step in the writing process, and one that many learners struggle with. WorkSpace is a user-friendly mind mapping area that makes it easy to capture and organize thoughts using words, Voice Notes, and pictures. It takes seconds to create a WorkSpace, and you’ll find hundreds of free, ready-made ones on all kinds of curriculum topics on LearningGrids, available directly from the app. ACCESS CURICULUM CONTENT The integrated Document Reader reads aloud any PDF or Word document, providing equal access to worksheets, exam papers and more. Worksheets sit alongside the document being written for easy access. SIT EXAMS INDEPENDENTLY Students who qualify for additional access arrangements in exams can use DocsPlus instead of a human scribe or reader – it’s better for self-esteem and saves time and money. Students can even enter answers directly onto the exam paper if it’s provided as an editable PDF. USE IT YOUR WAY Choose between male and female American English voices (British and Australian voices also provided), and customize font and colors to suit the individual. Work with documents from your iPad, iCloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Drive. MS Word and PDF formats are supported, and DocsPlus works anywhere, whether or not you have an Internet connection. PART OF CRICK SOFTWARE’S FAMILY Based in the UK and US, Crick Software has a worldwide reputation for quality educational software for students of all abilities. To find more apps, search for Crick Software in the App Store.