Unsupported Browser

Ellii may not function properly in Internet Explorer. We recommend using Google Chrome or Firefox instead.

Unsupported Browser

Ellii may not function properly in older browsers. We recommend updating yours to the latest version for the best experience.

How to Use Microsoft’s Immersive Reader on Ellii

April 13, 2022

Every day, we get a ton of requests from teachers around the world. One tool that’s been requested over and over again is Microsoft’s Immersive Reader. Many of you will be happy to know that this valuable digital learning tool is now available to use within our platform!

New to Immersive Reader? This interactive learning tool helps improve reading and writing for language learners at all levels by reading text out loud and highlighting each word as it’s being read.

Students can customize their reading experience by choosing to listen to a female or male voice and by adjusting the voice speed to their liking. They can also click on any word to hear it spoken out loud and to see a picture of the term for an added visual aid.

Watch this video to see it in action. 

Ellii lesson with Immersive Reader open

Benefits of Immersive Reader for Students

This powerful tool is helpful for all students, regardless of age, level, or ability. Not only can it help students with their comprehension and understanding of a text, but it can also help learners improve their reading skills, widen their vocabulary, and enhance their grammar.

How to Use Immersive Reader on Ellii in 3 Simple Steps

Here's how to quickly launch Immersive Reader on the Ellii platform:

  1. Click on any of our lessons with a reading, and open the Task Player.
  2. Go to any reading task and look for a blue button on the right-hand side of your screen that resembles an open book with a volume symbol on it. When you hover over the button it should say "Immersive Reader."
  3. Click on that button to launch Immersive Reader inside our platform.

Immersive Reader button

Enhance Their Reading Experience with More Customization Features

In addition to adjusting the sound and speed of the voice, students can customize their reading experience even further.

Under Text Preferences, students can choose the text size, increase the spacing, adjust the font, and select a background color theme to help improve readability.

Under Grammar Options, language learners can choose to show the syllables or highlight different parts of speech such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. Both of these options can help increase reading comprehension. 

Finally, under Reading Preferences, students can choose to focus on either one line, three lines, or five lines of text. This way, students can concentrate on a few lines at a time without getting distracted or feeling overwhelmed by the rest of the text. They can also turn the picture dictionary on or off and adjust the translation to their preferred language.

Immersive Reader settings open

Please note that the translation feature may not always be useful since AI doesn’t always translate in context.

For more information, please read our help doc

Watch: Immersive Reader Demo

Ready to see the Immersive Reader tool in action? Watch Rachel show you how to use Immersive Reader in your class via Ellii.

Not an Ellii member?

Get unlimited access to 1,000+ lessons and 3,000+ flashcards.

Sign Up

Comments (18)

Anu G.(Teacher)

The immersive reader function looks absolutely amazing. Can't wait to use it. And can't thank you enough :)

Reply to Comment

Maryam H.(Teacher)

The immersive reader is incredible!! I’ll definitely use it in my classes! Thank you Ellie !!

Reply to Comment

Ian J.(Teacher)

Looks great!
On to the acid test - when the Easter break is over and my class resumes!

Reply to Comment

Beena W.(Teacher)

Super tool! Thank you so much.

Reply to Comment

Cathy M.(Teacher)

Thank you Ellii - the immersive reader function looks wonderful & will be such a bonus in the classroom.

Reply to Comment

Susan B.(Teacher)

This looks like a fantastic new tool. I will use it next lesson!

Reply to Comment

Wwwwiw L.(Teacher)

Very cool!! Love the versatility of this reader!

Reply to Comment

Log In to Comment Reply

or
Comment Reply as a Guest
  • **bold**_italics_> quote

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    Bahar H.(Teacher)

    Amazing! Thank you.

    Reply to Comment

    Luis V.(Teacher)

    Excellent! Great with all English level students, especially the Kids lessons, They love the picture dictionary. Thank you very much..

    Reply to Comment

    Kulwinder P.(Teacher)

    This is amazing. Thank you!

    Reply to Comment

    Pia M.(Teacher)

    This is so awesome! Can't wait to introduce my students to this! Thank you!

    Reply to Comment

    Lorena T.(Teacher)

    My students will absolutely love this immersive reader!
    The different functions are particularly useful and regulating speed will help a great deal, particularly for those who find English to be a “fast” language because of contractions. Many thanks Ellie! from Lorena

    Reply to Comment

    Katia M.(Teacher)

    Thank you so much, Ellii! You are always innovating and bringing us the best for teaching!

    Reply to Comment

    Lvm Stoughton L.(Teacher)

    this is so great!! Thank you

    Reply to Comment

    John O.(Teacher)

    This is a brilliant tool that I'm familiar with. The fact that it is integrated here on Elli material is super. Thank you!

    Reply to Comment

    Pauline M.(Teacher)

    As I teach parents English they use the immersive reader to keep their children working with the their native language with the translate function. Whole family making progress. Thanks!

    Reply to Comment

    Uhc C.(Teacher)

    A prefect sore!
    Thanks!

    Margaret Holec

    Reply to Comment

    Tara Benwell(Author)

    Nice! We love Immersive Reader here at Ellii. It helps the publishing team, too!

    Leave a Comment

    Log In to Comment Reply

    or
    Comment Reply as a Guest
  • **bold**_italics_> quote

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    Thinking of joining Ellii?

    Complete this form to create an account and stay up to date on all the happenings here at Ellii.