Empowering Every Learner: Using Immersive Reader in Pear Deck & Canvas
- Jan 9
- 3 min read
By Zafrin Rabbee, SHS
In today's digital learning landscape, accessibility tools serve as fundamental resources for ensuring all students can achieve academic success. One potent tool that many educators already have at their disposal—yet may not be fully utilizing—is Immersive Reader, which is integrated into both Pear Deck and Canvas platforms. This blog will provide a comprehensive overview of Immersive Reader, explore its significance for educators, and demonstrate how you can implement it effectively to support diverse learners at Sachse High.
Upon completing this article, you will understand how Immersive Reader functions, where to locate it within Pear Deck and Canvas, and practical strategies for incorporating it into your instructional practice.
What Is Immersive Reader?
Immersive Reader is a Microsoft-developed accessibility feature engineered to enhance reading comprehension and accessibility for learners across all ability levels. Its comprehensive functionality includes:
Text-to-speech capabilities with customizable voice options and adjustable reading speed
Visual highlighting that follows along with spoken text
Syllable segmentation for complex words
Multi-language translation supporting over 60 languages
Customizable display options, including text size, spacing, and background color preferences
Grammar support featuring parts of speech identification (nouns, verbs, adjectives)
This versatile tool enables students to personalize their learning experience, fostering educational equity and promoting independent learning skills.
Educational Benefits and Applications
Immersive Reader addresses diverse student needs across multiple learning profiles:
English Language Learners can access native language translations of instructions and content, facilitating comprehension and participation in classroom activities.
Students with learning differences such as dyslexia or ADHD can modify visual presentations through font adjustments, spacing modifications, and background color changes to minimize distractions and improve focus.
Visual learners benefit from enhanced text highlighting and syllable breakdown features that support decoding and comprehension strategies.
All students gain autonomy through personalized reading experiences that accommodate individual learning preferences and processing styles.
This approach aligns seamlessly with Sachse High's commitment to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students.
How to Get Started
Using Immersive Reader in Pear Deck
Launch a Pear Deck lesson.
Turn on your Immersive Reader option under Settings.
Students click the Immersive Reader icon in the Pear Deck toolbar.
Students can then select their preferred options: audio playback, translation services, or display customizations.
Accessing Immersive Reader in Canvas
Navigate to any Canvas Page or Assignment
Click the Immersive Reader button at the top right corner.
Students can then personalize their reading experience through listening options, translation features, or appearance modifications.
Best Practices & Tips
Introduce Immersive Reader during your course orientation to ensure all students are aware of its availability and functionality. This proactive approach establishes the tool as a standard learning resource rather than a remedial accommodation.
Encourage English Language Learners to utilize translation features during independent work sessions, while emphasizing that this tool supports learning rather than replacing English language development.
Regularly remind students about customization options, as many learners benefit from adjusting visual elements like font size, background contrast, and spacing to optimize their reading experience.
Demonstrate Immersive Reader functionality during class instruction. Many students overlook available tools until they are explicitly highlighted and modeled by their instructor.
Important Consideration: Avoid limiting Immersive Reader recommendations to students who appear to struggle with reading. This tool offers valuable support for learners across all ability levels and should be presented as a universal learning enhancement.
Integrating Immersive Reader into your instructional practice creates more accessible, engaging, and inclusive learning experiences for all students. Whether you are facilitating interactive Pear Deck lessons or distributing assignments through Canvas, consistently highlighting Immersive Reader ensures that every student has access to the support they need for academic success.
Have you tried Immersive Reader in your class? Share your experience with colleagues or drop by the Digital Learning Team for a quick walkthrough!"
