CTCWeb Showcase

RAM: Reading Acceleration Machine 3.0*
by Claude Pavur of Saint Louis University

"RAM 3.5 is a small freeware device for presenting word-groups sequentially at a pace chosen by the user. It is a tachistoscope ("rapid-viewer") that supports efficient and rhythmic reading, rehearsal of text-comprehension, and acceleration in reading speed. It facilitates the repetition that has long been known to be essential for language-learning.

Though it can be used for different purposes (e.g., vocabulary-learning, text-file viewing, speed-reading in one's native language, rehearsal of texts for memorization), RAM 3.5 is a device primarily designed to help foreign-language learners practice texts through the sequential delivery of word-groups to a monitor screen. The device will be especially useful in conjunction with an approach to language-learning that stresses the importance of mastering lexical phrases rather than individual vocabulary words.

Users load a plain ASCII or ANSI-textfile that consists of lines separated by carriage returns. They then negotiate this loaded list by FORWARD and BACK buttons, or through the automatic-review features.

The window is customizable and the control-panel can be hidden:

Scrollbars set and display the desired rate for:

• Per-line speed;
• Per-word speed: each word can add a slight delay so that, for example, a five-word phrase will take longer than a four-word phrase;
• Inter-item screen-blanking, which allows for a momentary blankness on the screen after an item has flashed.

RAM 3.5 enhancements

• Drag and Drop feature.
• Stay on Top saveable option.
• Screensaver disabled during Autoplay .
• Fontsize indicated on Status panel.
• Minor fixes.
• Greater capacity: no more 60k text-file limit under Windows 98.
• Save speed- and option-settings, in addition to font, color, position settings.
• Paired-list option: for bi-lingual or dual-element lists
• More speed-key options.
• Fuller Menus.
• Better list-navigation.
• Saveable Bookmark-Number for quick return to chosen point of list.
• Status Panel.
• Powered by Delphi 4.
• Sleeker interface."
  

*This software is freeware and for use with Windows 95 and NT 4.0.

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