Lexplore Analytics uses eye tracking technology to assess children’s reading skills
Written by Katie O’Brien
Education Changer Lexplore Analytics hit its prime when it recently featured on BBC The One Show. Popular writer and poet Benjamin Zephaniah attended school to try out the company’s innovative eye-tracking software, which rates a child’s reading ability in minutes.
Benjamin Zephaniah, who suffers from dyslexia, was immediately flagged as additional support from the tool when he conducted the investigation himself.
Stephen Park, General Manager of Lexplore Analytics, based in Stockport, Greater Manchester, said, “Lexplore technology is now used by many schools to assess student reading levels. In a matter of minutes, a teacher can determine if a child by the age of six is having problems with reading speed, comprehension, or deciphering skills. It even highlights whether they should be sent for further evaluation for dyslexia.
“Identifying reading problems early and providing the right support is key to learning for many children. With Lexplore Analytics, a teacher knows exactly how to support each child in their class in minutes. It’s a game changer. “
The technology monitors a child’s eye movements during the test. By registering how long the eyes dwell on a word and how fast they move back and forth over a series of words, it can identify problems and give teachers an amazing insight into the cognitive processes a child goes through while reading.
“If this technology had existed when Benjamin was in school, he would have received support for his dyslexia much faster,” says Stephen.
Awareness of the difficulties children have with reading and writing has increased with the broadcast of The One Show. At Lexplore Analytics, the phones rang from schools, associations and individuals who wanted to know how to get their hands on the innovative eye tracker. There was even a request from the USA.
“The positive part for us is that more awareness means that so many more children are getting the help they need sooner, and far fewer children are at risk of falling under the radar,” says Stephen.
