Tag (LeapFrog)
Encyclopedia
Tag is a pen-shaped book reader onto which audio from specific books can be downloaded. Then, the pen can be scanned across the corresponding paper book so that the pen reads it aloud. The user can also play various games through this technique. LeapFrog Enterprises
introduced it as the successor to the LeapPad
which served as a platform for interactive books. The Tag reader is targeted to English speakers, grades K-4.
The Tag reader offers an alternative to either audiobooks or live person reading aloud, chiefly for before the children are able to read on a particular level. It can teach phonics and help children develop a sense of independent reading, which, in turn, helps them become better readers.
Leapfrog has developed a number of titles and books sets that target specific phonic skills. These sets can be used as a supplement to support a reading or literacy curriculum currently implemented in the classroom. Students can use the TAG system either independently or collaboratively and can be used as center for reading. LEAPFROG’s TAG Reader is accessible to a wide variety of students learning abilities. Because TAG readers are designed with both full reading and individual word recognition this allows for differentiation. Tag also helps students learning English as a second language
or Mac OS
computer running LeapFrog Connect software to populate the Tag with audio for books. The software downloads book audio from the LeapFrog web site and transmits it to Tag via USB
cable.
The Tag pen device works with specially made books which include an optical pattern of dots too small to disturb the human reading the book. A stylus touches the book to actuate the Tag device, and the device, through analysis of the printed pattern, divines both the book being read and its exact position within the book. With the book and position known, the Tag device looks up the appropriate audio to play for that location in the book and plays it. This technique for position recognition is patented by Anoto
.
Tag includes a state machine to facilitate game play on specially-designed pages of books, with games like "Find the letter that makes the sound 'k'". It also collects statistics on usage to reconnect with the software and present electronic rewards to the learner and help parents monitor learning progress.
Tag and compatible books are covered by U.S. Patents 6502756, 6548768, 6666376, 6667695, 6674427, 6732927, 6836555, 7224348, and 7281664.
Leapfrog Enterprises
LeapFrog Enterprises Inc is an educational entertainment company based in Emeryville, California. LeapFrog designs, develops and markets technology-based learning products and related content for the education of infant through grade school children at home and in schools internationally.- History...
introduced it as the successor to the LeapPad
LeapPad
LeapPad is an electronic interactive children's book platform for children aged 4–8 produced by LeapFrog Enterprises from 1999 to 2008. Various models of the toy were released up until 2008 when the Tag reading system superseded it.-Development history:...
which served as a platform for interactive books. The Tag reader is targeted to English speakers, grades K-4.
The Tag reader offers an alternative to either audiobooks or live person reading aloud, chiefly for before the children are able to read on a particular level. It can teach phonics and help children develop a sense of independent reading, which, in turn, helps them become better readers.
Leapfrog has developed a number of titles and books sets that target specific phonic skills. These sets can be used as a supplement to support a reading or literacy curriculum currently implemented in the classroom. Students can use the TAG system either independently or collaboratively and can be used as center for reading. LEAPFROG’s TAG Reader is accessible to a wide variety of students learning abilities. Because TAG readers are designed with both full reading and individual word recognition this allows for differentiation. Tag also helps students learning English as a second language
Costs and Logistics
TAG readers have a fairly low cost but still needs to be taken into consideration. Each TAG system costs around $50.00 when purchased in retail stores which include the TAG reader, book, computer connection cable, and software disk. The individual books range anywhere from $10.00 to $20.00 and a variety of titles are available. Each phonics set is around $20.00 and contains 5 books. Leapfrog also sells bundles that can be purchased directly from their webpage that range between $70–$400. Before using the TAG reader with a book a software installation is required and an account set up with Leapfrog. Once the initial account is set up then the TAG Reader must have desired books linked to it. Individual readers can hold multiple books at one time allowing fluidity between titles. The TAG Reader is powered by two AAA batteries. Battery cost could be reduced by using rechargeable batteries.Technology
Tag requires a Microsoft WindowsMicrosoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
or Mac OS
Mac OS
Mac OS is a series of graphical user interface-based operating systems developed by Apple Inc. for their Macintosh line of computer systems. The Macintosh user experience is credited with popularizing the graphical user interface...
computer running LeapFrog Connect software to populate the Tag with audio for books. The software downloads book audio from the LeapFrog web site and transmits it to Tag via USB
Universal Serial Bus
USB is an industry standard developed in the mid-1990s that defines the cables, connectors and protocols used in a bus for connection, communication and power supply between computers and electronic devices....
cable.
The Tag pen device works with specially made books which include an optical pattern of dots too small to disturb the human reading the book. A stylus touches the book to actuate the Tag device, and the device, through analysis of the printed pattern, divines both the book being read and its exact position within the book. With the book and position known, the Tag device looks up the appropriate audio to play for that location in the book and plays it. This technique for position recognition is patented by Anoto
Anoto
Anoto Group AB is a Swedish technology company which has invented, developed and licensed a product line of digital pens and a product suite to manage information capturing utilizing these . The Anoto Group has around 110 employees...
.
Tag includes a state machine to facilitate game play on specially-designed pages of books, with games like "Find the letter that makes the sound 'k'". It also collects statistics on usage to reconnect with the software and present electronic rewards to the learner and help parents monitor learning progress.
Tag and compatible books are covered by U.S. Patents 6502756, 6548768, 6666376, 6667695, 6674427, 6732927, 6836555, 7224348, and 7281664.