OLNEY ( KFDX/KJTL ) — A key to success in school is being able to understand what the teacher is saying, but language barriers can be the difference between succeeding and failing.

Olney ISD has implemented new technology to make education more accessible for non-English-speaking students.

The device called Timekettle X1 captures spoken words and translates them into both audio and text in the individual’s preferred language, making it easier for students and parents to communicate with teachers.

The translation device is being used in a variety of classroom situations, also allowing foreign students to build relationships with English speaking students, further helping to ease the overall transition.

Texas Education Agency guidelines show that children generally take up to five years to fully acquire a new language, but Olney District EB Coordinator Alyssa Betts said that time has been reduced drastically with the help of this device.

Equipped with 40 languages, 93 accents and minimal lag time, the X1 serves as a universal translator for students and parents to communicate with teachers.

“We were able to use it in a parent conference last year, and through this device, she was able to express her gratitude to her child’s teachers on making it a seamless transition from their prior school in a different country to Olney ISD, and just really thanked the teachers to the point of just about everyone was in tears,” Betts said.

With the goal of inclusivity, this Timekettle X1 is another step forward for Olney ISD, which continues to explore ways to support its diverse student population.

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