How it works: Text-to-speech tools allow users to listen to text as they read. There are many tools available depending upon the format of the text. For example, some e-textbooks include text-to-speech options within the textbooks themselves. Other texts may need external readers. Natural Reader is a typical example of an external text-to-speech software/app. Users can paste text or open documents in Natural Reader, including PDF documents, word documents, and even iBooks shared with Dropbox. From there, the tool reads to users while highlighting the words on the screen. Users can select the speed, voice, and volume of the reader to ensure that each of these categories matches preference and need.
Supporting English Language Learners: Proctor, Dalton, and Grisham (2007) suggest the use of text-to-speech technologies to, “Provide access to content” (p. 72). If a teacher’s goal is to help students gain content knowledge through a text, text-to-speech tools improve students’ access to content by allowing them to both see and hear the words they read. This is especially helpful because many English Language Learners acquire a proficiency in speaking and listening before developing reading fluency. The opportunity to select a reading speed allows students to read at a slower pace than they might encounter with an audiobook. Meanwhile, words highlighted on the screen help students connect the words they hear to those they see. How it addresses Universal Design for Learning: Text-to-speech tools meet UDL checkpoint 1.1 by allowing students to customize the display of information. Text alone can be intimidating for English Language Learners, students with specific learning disabilities, students with visual impairments, and any other students who do not feel confident in their reading abilities. Providing audio alternatives allow all of these students to access the information. In addition, the customized element of individuals using Natural Reader or similar products means that, “Auditory information may be adjusted in volume, speed, pitch, and timing to meet students' needs” (Brand, Favazza, & Dalton, 2012, p. 134). Example of Use in Context: As a social studies teacher, I know that reading skills are a subtle but important component of my subject. As I select articles and other texts for students to read, I can provide digital copies to students in a format that will allow easy transfer to Natural Reader. For example, it would not be difficult for students to open a PDF I created about the Korean War through the tool. I recently taught in a school that placed students in book clubs during social studies classes to read short novels related to a unit from each quarter. Depending upon school resources, these books may be available in digital formats to allow for text-to-speech. Finally, availability of such a tool should be a prerequisite for schools transferring to electronic textbooks. Practical Information: Natural Reader is available to use online or download to a computer from www.naturalreaders.com. There are also apps for iOS and Android devices. Although initially free, there are more voices and other features on paid versions. The free app for iPads has a trial period of 100 minutes before requiring a $9.99 upgrade for continued reading without interruption. |
This brief tutorial from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgEJQgzIhps shows how Natural Reader works when used on a computer desktop:
Similar to Natural Reader: Text-to-speech technology is available in many forms, although tools vary widely. Voice Dream Reader is an iOS app that improves upon Natural Reader by retaining a memory of where readers paused in their reading. The app costs $9.99.
Pocket is a free app that saves articles from websites and other apps that users wish to read later. It recently added an easy-to-use reader that users access by asking to “Listen” to articles. Speed adjustment is simple, but users do not have a choice beyond the automatic robotic voice. Devices themselves can also have text-to-speech embedded. iOS devices can use VoiceOver, a built-in feature available in “Settings→General→Accessibility” that works with a number of apps. Android devices can use Google Text-to-Speech in “Settings→Language & Input”. Although clearly an element of Universal Design, these tools are geared toward users with visual impairments and may be less than ideal for users who only want the technology for reading longer passages. Finally, audiobooks do meet some of these goals as well. Unfortunately, as they do not typically provide text or allow for speed and voice adjustments, audiobooks are not as customizable as tools listed above. |