How reader pens are changing lives in the classroom

Empowering students with reading difficulties

For many students, reading is more than a simple academic skill – it’s a daily challenge that can impact their self-esteem, learning potential, and future opportunities. Whether the cause is dyslexia, autism, ADHD, working memory issues, or a low reading or literacy level, the effects on a child’s educational experience can be profound. Now, in schools across Australia, an award-winning assistive technology is helping level the playing field.

C-Pen Reader pens are transforming the way schools support students with reading challenges. These innovative handheld devices use text-to-speech technology to read printed text aloud, empowering learners to access material independently, build confidence, and keep pace with their peers.

A powerful tool for diverse learners

It’s estimated that one in five students (20 percent) struggle with reading in some form. For these students, traditional learning environments can feel overwhelming. Struggling through every paragraph, sentence, or unfamiliar word can lead to frustration, anxiety, and academic disengagement.

The C-Pen Reader is specifically designed to address these challenges. Students simply glide the pen across printed text, and it immediately reads the words aloud. The pen’s discrete and easy-to-use design makes it suitable for both primary and secondary school students.

“It gives students the ability to tackle reading tasks independently,” David Campbell from Scanning Pens explains. “If they get stuck on a word or a sentence, the pen gives instant support – no need to raise a hand or wait for a teacher to help.”

• For students with dyslexia, the C-Pen breaks down the barrier between them and the written word.
• For those with ADHD, it provides focused and consistent support that reduces distraction and stress.
• Autistic students, who may face sensory and cognitive challenges, benefit from the pen’s consistency, predictability, and customisable settings.
• Students with processing issues find that hearing the words read aloud helps them better absorb and understand information.
• The pen can replay words many times. Research shows that seeing and hearing words together increases comprehension and word retention.

Designed for classroom success

The C-Pen offers multiple reading options – via earphones for quiet use, a built-in speaker for personal learning, or even an external speaker for group activities. Reading speed, volume, accent, and hand orientation can be adjusted, making it accessible to all learners, whether left or right-handed.

A range of built-in dictionaries, including the Oxford Primary Dictionary and Collins, help students build vocabulary and comprehension. Newer models, like the Reader 3, offer translation into over 45 languages, supporting multilingual learners and ESL students.

The pen also includes a practice module, which automatically stores difficult words for further review – a powerful feature for reinforcing learning over time.

Exam pen for state-based exams

The C-Pen Exam Reader has been approved by all state exam boards in Australia, on a case-by-case basis, ensuring students can use them in formal testing environments where allowed. The dedicated exam pen version ensures compliance with examination protocols while still offering essential reading support.

However, for school-based exams the C-Pen Reader can be switched to Exam mode. There is the option of disengaging the text and voice storage only, or the dictionaries and the storage.

A trusted and proven educational resource

This trusted device has been widely embraced across Australian schools and has been awarded Australia’s Best Assistive Technology Product of the Year by the Australian Disability Service Awards. But perhaps the most telling endorsement comes from the teachers, aides, and principals who see its impact every day.

“C-Pens have really increased student independence during their learning and assessment tasks. That has in turn reduced teacher workload”. - Principal, Emu Creek State School, Queensland

“The C-Pens have changed the way our learning support students, including students from an EAL/D background, access learning in the classroom” - Head Teacher, Learning Support, Bossley Park High School

“We been really pleased with the work students in the college’s Autism Program have done since beginning to use the Reader Pens” - Autism Specialised Learning Program Coordinator, Baldivis Secondary College

Try before you commit – free trials for schools

To ensure that every school can explore the benefits of this life-changing tool, Scanning Pens offers schools a free trial of the C-Pen Reader.

Educators can request a trial through the Scanning Pens website, giving them a no-obligation opportunity to evaluate the device in a real classroom setting. Scanning Pens provides training videos and ongoing support, ensuring that staff are confident and equipped to use the technology effectively.

“Once schools have the pens in their hands, they can see the difference,” Mr Campbell says. “What starts as a trial often becomes a significant investment in supporting student learning.”

“There are some schools that use C-Pens in their Learning Support/Special Needs department but also in their Homework Unit and with First Nations students. They also have Exam Readers for state-based exams, which saves money on getting human readers”

Head to our website to learn more or to request your free trial, and discover how the C-Pen Reader can transform reading support at your school.

Scanning Pens Australia
Tel: 02 8855 7100
Email: [email protected]

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