In today's show we look at Oxford Owl and specifically the reading resources. My guest today is four year old Freya and her mum Hazel.

In ed tech news we learn about a new UK research project 'Language Explorer' where the makers are looking for child volunteers to help train a new app. The groundbreaking technology project hopes to improve future diagnosis of developmental language disorders (DLD), something which affects two children in every classroom.

To get involved, parents need to download the free app and listen to a story. The child will then need to re-tell the story read to them in the app, the recording of which is uploaded for analysis using technology which measures the level of language used by the child. The data collected in this project will be invaluable in training the app to recognise children with language difficulties and create significant efficiencies within the NHS such as shorter waiting times to see specialists, faster diagnosis and treatment route, and increased accuracy in planning interventions.

The app was created by healthcare technology solutions developer Therapy Box, and the project is a collaboration with Bristol Speech and Language Therapy Research Unit, Newcastle University and three NHS sites in Hackney, Newcastle and Bristol. It is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Invention for Innovation (i4i) programme. Language Explorer has also won awards including the Scale & Grow at the Virgin Media Business VOOM Awards, and a Digital Public Health Award.

To download the app:

Appstore: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/language-explorer/id1484624485?ls=1

PlayStore: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.voca.language.explorer

Watch this video for further information and instructions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGYsSbq54gE

Extended Trailer

Kids Review EdtechBy Karolina ThrossellJun 13, 2020