Reading Acceleration Machine (RAM)

RAM 4 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. RAM can be used for vocabulary-learning, text-file viewing or proofing, speed-reading in one`s native language, and rehearsal of texts for comprehension or memorization. It is primarily designed to help 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. Load a simple text file, that is, one that Windows Notepad can handle. If it consists of lines separated by carriage returns, these lines can be displayed in the RAM window sequentially or randomly, automatically or manually, in looping sections or in their entirety. Access commands through buttons, menu-items, or speedy Keyboard Shortcuts available here. Below it you see four scrollbars that set and display the desired rate for: Per-line speed in the automatic Review; Inter-item screen-blanking in the automatic review, a momentary blankness on the screen after each line flashes; Per-word speed in the automatic review: each word can add a slight delay so that, for example, a five-word phrase will take longer than a four-word phrase; Acceleration of the automatic review: each displayed line will come up slightly FASTER. Below these you see a statusbar with a place for hints and displays of the line-position and the time settings.