ELL / ESL
Language support that builds confidence, not dependency.
Scanmarker Max translates printed text across 112 languages for ELL and ESL students— giving immediate access to meaning, in a student's home language, in real time — without requiring a phone, a teacher's help, or a break from the flow of learning.
Core capabilities
Three pillars of ELL support
112 translation languages
Scanmarker Max translates scanned text across 112 language pairs — online and offline. Students see the original text alongside a clean translation, with one tap to hear either read aloud.
Real-time conversation translation
Pair Scanmarker Max with Translation Earbuds and hold a natural two-way conversation in different languages. Each speaker hears the other in their own language — with under 40ms latency.
Dictionary in the home language
Tap any scanned word for a full definition in the target language — not just a translation. Students build vocabulary in context, not in isolation.
Recommended
The right tool for every ELL situation
For classroom independence, Max is unmatched. For live conversation translation, Translation Earbuds change everything.
Standalone translation in 112 languages — no phone needed
Scanmarker Max
The most powerful standalone reading pen — no phone or computer required.
Connected pen with 89 translation languages and Collins Dictionary
Scanmarker Pro
The connected reading pen trusted by students and professionals.
Real-time two-way conversation in 144 languages
Translation Earbuds
Real-time two-way translation in your ears — 144 languages.
Feature detail
Language support in depth
112 language pairs — online and offline
Download language packs for the 30 most common pairs and translate without Wi-Fi. In class, in an exam room, on the bus — translation is always available.
Two-way live conversation mode
With Translation Earbuds and Scanmarker Max, two people speaking different languages can hold a natural conversation. The teacher says something in English; the student hears it in Spanish. The student responds in Spanish; the teacher hears English.
Side-by-side source and translation
See the original scanned text and its translation displayed together on the Max screen. Students can check their own comprehension rather than relying entirely on the translation.
40+ TTS languages on Pro
Scanmarker Pro reads text aloud in 40+ languages through a connected device. For students who prefer listening to reading, Pro turns any printed page into an audio experience.
95%
of ELL students reported increased classroom confidence after one semester with Scanmarker Pro
Pinecrest Academy ESL Program, 2023
112
translation language pairs on Scanmarker Max — more than any competing AT pen
144
live conversation translation languages on Translation Earbuds
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best reading pen for ESL students?
- Scanmarker Max is the strongest classroom fit: it works standalone across 112 translation languages, shows the original text alongside the translation, and includes a dictionary in the target language — so students build vocabulary in context instead of relying on a phone.
- Can Scanmarker translate a live conversation, not just printed text?
- Yes. Paired with Translation Earbuds, Scanmarker enables real-time two-way conversation translation with under 40ms latency — a teacher speaks in English and the student hears Spanish, and vice versa, with no app switching.
- Does Scanmarker work offline for ELL students without reliable Wi-Fi?
- The 30 most common language pairs can be downloaded for offline translation, so scanning and translating still works in class, in an exam room, or on the bus without a network connection.
- What is the difference between Scanmarker Max and Pro for ELL classrooms?
- Max is standalone and translates 112 language pairs without a phone. Pro connects to a device, supports 40+ text-to-speech languages, and includes the Collins Dictionary — a better fit where students already have a tablet or Chromebook.
Keep reading
Guides for ELL & ESL classrooms
Help your ELL students participate fully.
Book a demo with our ESL specialist or shop pens and earbuds today.