Talk to Text: A Hack on Grading

Text-to-speech (TTS) is a common assistive technology in which a computer or tablet reads out loud to the user the text on the screen. This technology is popular among kids who have reading issues, particularly those who have trouble decoding. By presenting the words in an auditory format, the student may concentrate on the meaning of the words rather than using all of their mental resources to sound them out. While this technology can help students overcome their reading issues and gain access to school materials, it does not aid in the development of reading abilities.

The number of TTS software available on both Android and Apple smartphones has steadily increased in recent years. It’s also becoming popular in the office.

Students with dyslexia or other identified learning difficulties, such as ADHD, can benefit the most from TTS since it allows them to see how words are spelled as they are recited. Some text-to-speech programmes, such as Read&Write and Penfriend, can assist pupils in writing by providing word prediction and phonetic spell checking.

These tools can benefit students with learning difficulties as well as students who commute and have limited time to study assigned material, as well as younger students who are still struggling with reading and pronouncing new words. TTS has also been shown to be an effective learning aid for children with autism as well as emotional difficulties.

Who can benefit from text-to-speech technology?

• Students with dyslexia or other identified learning difficulties, such as ADHD, can benefit the most from TTS since it allows them to see how words are spelled as they are recited.
• Some text-to-speech programmes, such as Read & Write and Penfriend, can assist pupils in writing by providing word prediction and phonetic spell checking.
• These tools can benefit students with learning difficulties as well as students who commute and have limited time to study assigned material, as well as younger students who are still struggling with reading and pronouncing new words.
• TTS has also been shown to be an effective learning aid for children with autism as well as emotional difficulties.
• TTS works on both text files and web pages and can be used on any device. Parents of children who potentially benefit from TTS are increasingly contacting schools to inquire about enabling their usage in class.

What is it about text-to-speech technology that makes it so effective?

• Text-to-speech technology, according to studies, helps pupils to concentrate on the content rather than the act of reading, resulting in a greater understanding of the topic. This not only improves pupils’ retention of information but also boosts their self-esteem and motivation.
• TTS makes it easier for teachers and parents to monitor students’ progress by making them more independent in their learning process.
• TTS aids in word recognition and encourages pupils to recognize and correct their errors.
• While some argue that audiobooks, or literature read by voice actors in general, are superior to computer-generated voices, there is compelling evidence that TTS may be a very useful tool for students of all ages.
• Text-to-speech technology has advanced to the point where computer-generated voices may be engaging in ways that were inconceivable only a few years ago.
• TTS technology can now assess the meaning of each word in a text before reading it, drastically altering the overall tone based on what is being read.
• TTS has shown to be an excellent tool for keeping students engaged and focused on the text as a result of this improvement.

Teachers’ TEXT-TO-SPEECH STRATEGIES

Finding integrated solutions to establish an inclusive educational environment for students who have dyslexia or who are English language learners might be difficult. Text-to-speech software has been shown to increase academic achievement in students with learning disabilities.

The following are some of the best strategies to improve literacy while utilizing these tools:

1. Select the Most Appropriate Text-to-Speech Technology: It’s critical to choose the greatest educational technology for your classroom if you want your kids to succeed. It’s critical to search for accuracy in text conversion in reading materials, as well as the quality of text-to-speech voices, using techniques like Optical Character Recognition (OCR).
2. Students with learning difficulties experience a number of challenges: including poor performance on standardized and classroom tests. Educators can use the platform to convert tests to a wholly digital version. Students can hear exam questions read aloud and re-read test content, which can help them improve their grades.
3. Allow kids to use different voices for different subjects: One of the most appealing features of text-to-speech technology is the opportunity to select from a variety of languages and dialects, as well as natural, high-quality acapella voices. Encourage your pupils to employ a different voice for each topic area to keep content current and improve comprehension and retention.

STUDENT TEXT-TO-SPEECH STRATEGIES

It might be difficult to interpret written and vocal language in a classroom context if you have a learning problem like dyslexia. Assistive technology can assist you in keeping up with your peers and achieving academic achievement. Using text-to-speech software and incorporating some of these tactics will help you enhance your performance.

1. Use a Variety of Voices: Selecting the proper voice for your text-to-speech technology is critical for improving comprehension and retention of your educational resources. Spend time identifying numerous voices with which you are comfortable listening, and use multiple voices for various subjects in the classroom. It includes 18 different languages and dialects, as well as high-quality acapella voices, to provide you with a wide range of options.
2. Enjoy The benefits of Customization: It has a lot of customization options. Use options like highlighting spoken terms and raising or lowering the rate at which the text-to-speech reads to you aloud to take advantage of this.
3. Take Your Reading With You: Take your reading with you when you’re driving, going to the gym, or relaxing in your room. They enable students to produce an audio file and put it to an iTunes or Media Player playlist, allowing them to access a specific page range or the whole document from anywhere.

Conclusion

To summarise, TTS will not replace reading in the same way as Ed-Tech will not replace teachers, but it is a tool that should be considered. It makes content more accessible to students who would otherwise struggle to keep up with the rest of the class, just like every other major technological advancement in modern education.

Also read: Awakening to All Aspects of Teaching

FAQs:

Q1. What is TTS?

Answer. Text-to-speech (TTS) is a common assistive technology in which a computer or tablet reads out loud to the user the text on the screen. This technology is popular among kids who have reading issues, particularly those who have trouble decoding.

Q2. Why is TTS so popular among people?

Answer. This not only improves pupils’ retention of information but also boosts their self-esteem and motivation. TTS makes it easier for teachers and parents to monitor students’ progress by making them more independent in their learning process. TTS aids in word recognition and encourages pupils to recognize and correct their errors.

Q3. How can TTS be useful to students with learning disabilities?

Answer. Students with learning difficulties experience a number of challenges, including poor performance on standardized and classroom tests. Educators can use the platform to convert tests to a wholly digital version. Students can hear exam questions read aloud and re-read test content, which can help them improve their grades.