EdTech: Learning benefits of text to speech
This module explores the use of spoken text through devices such as e-readers and eBooks to overcome barriers to learning for a range of learners, not only those with a sight impairment.
Aim
This module shows the uses of screen readers and screen readable learning content to support learning.
Objective
After completing this module you will be able to:
- Describe the uses of screen readers and text to speech for supporting learning
- Design learning and assessment activities that use screen readable resources
Digital Teaching Professional Framework
This module covers the EdTech component - B1a : Using teaching and learning resources with learners
- Visualise and explain new concepts in a motivating and engaging way using digital technologies e.g. by using animations or videos.
- Use motivating and engaging activities (e.g. games and quizzes) in digital learning environments.
- Put learners' active uses of digital technologies central to the teaching process.
- Allow learners actively to engage with subject matter using digital technologies, e.g. using different senses, manipulating virtual objects, varying the problem set up to enquire into its structure, etc.
- Promote active learning in a given learning context or for a specific learning objective using appropriate digital technologies.
- Reflect on how suitable the different digital technologies used are in increasing learners' active learning, and to adapt strategies and choices accordingly.
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This module inspired the following reflection
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Feedback about this module
Average feedback ratings
Taking note of your feedback
We greatly appreciate the time taken to provide us with feedback on each module. We regularly review all the feedback provided and use it to inform the development of new modules. Subject to funds being available and other constraints, we will amend existing modules where feedback shows this is required.Feedback from other members about this module
Didn't actually feel any benefit other than what we know already. Most software using read to voice is OK but not great.
Good to use a variety of sites
Gave ideas and options for use with students who have difficulty reading
I personally did not know this technology was available, it will certainly be useful to some of my construction operations learners that have for varied reasons a fairly low level of ability, i can see this enabling them to fully take advantage of the extra curriculum assistance we offer as generally they prefer someone to read for them, but would rather the rest of their group remained unaware.
found this one laggy and boring. did not enjoy it, also requiring written feedback is naff.
a good introduction to the tools which has changed accessibility in teaching
Very useful overview of the tools available to help learners who need text to speech.
Concise but informative.
Useful range of resources in the additional links. This is very useful for when students have to complete drawing ideas and although many good on line u-tube videos exist it would be useful to do a talk through tutorial for some students who find watching suggested links and then applying ideas into their work products difficult.
I can see some good uses for improving reading if the equipment is available for whole class monitoring in school and key skills settings , I did once work in a language college and do recall students using headphones to listen and read text in foreign languages. This approach would benefit some students . I also see the benefits for students that have dyslexia or slower reading speed - as the comments in the unit and links suggest you do need to consider the right tool for the right students.
Transforming units in this way would take time and so mapping which generic elements of the courses this may be useful would be good to do within a quality team exercise, maybe using the break out rooms on Teams I could see good benefits for things like explanations for 2D design, google sketch up as well as the explanation and narration of the units for design, photographic and digital. It would help when students are inducted into how to approach elements of the briefs and for instruction when using one file. Some of these methods/ links could be useful as tools for students who struggle to write down their thoughts. I have used MP3 recordings in the learning resources and had some submission with audio on PowerPoint presentations also MP£ reflections have been used, I have found students happier to use these methods over than videos of them selves.
Very helpful
Useful and informative information for learners who would benefit from text to speech such as e-readers and eBooks. Beneficial to a range of special educational needs and not just visual impairment.
All these training units could be condensed and into one training course instead of having all these separate units.
Don't like it. There is WAY too much content on each page. Very Confusing to use.
I missed the fact that each slider had to be submitted individually.
Not really informative. The links provided are not as good as some that you can find on google
Helpful module.
I felt this was helpful and I enjoyed learning about how easy it is to embed audio files into context. I specifically found the links for text to speech converters useful!
Some excellent and unexpected food for thought here as to how the software described can be used to enhance learning. Thank you.
Fabulous!
The sample used was not effective as a learning aid although amendments were not tried. I can see a lot of value in the use of these ideas so will try and incorporate them into my activities.
Nice introduction with a variety of further resources links to research
Lovely video, further resources very useful
The additional links to sites where text to speech software is available are helpful. The activity using the text to speech software was enlightening.
ok would use text reader specifically for particular resources rather than general use.
ok would use text reader specifically for particular resources rather than general use.
It was very useful to try different text to speech tools, I would like to incorporate these into my teaching more as it would help many of my learners with LDD needs.
Good links to external websites that learners can use for text to speech.
Very good. Tested out one of the reade links this is something I could use in the future.
mulitmodal delivery can only increase retention
Confusing in places
Very useful tool
good
A good module
Brilliant illustration on how text to speech can be understood and adsorbed by all the learners.
Some great resource links here. It was tricky to drag those buttons to score the text to speech task.
Raised a resource that I have rarely used in the past and which might be appropriate for some learners with dyslexia etc. Reverse of this, ie text from speech might also be useful to AgeWell learners who struggle with the keyboard when inputting text.
Very informative. I can think of situations where this could benefit learners
Straightforward to use. Content concise and informative. Thank you.
Great module, lots of ideas here!
I am partially sighted and don't use text to speech well so it is very helpful to me to have a chance to use these things in a practical manner.
I agree with all teaching differs but like many text to speech content is almost always taken out of context
learnt a useful Pedagogy
this was very informative and something that is relevant to my role as my students have used text to speech equipment but others might also find the inbuilt features useful
good links
good websites for additional learning.
Useful encouragement to use screen readers with good 'try one out' activity.
There was some useful tools in this module and useful guidance on how to use them.
This was very interesting as it has made me realise that i can adapt resources for learners who may find it difficult to read the task, and who may have forgotten what the actual task is.
I liked this module, I didn't realise there was.so much available and free resources for text to speech and accessibility.
The module was really useful to identify the difference in functionality for screen readers and text to speech. The resources weblinks at the end of the module are useful also.
Good suggestions
Really interesting. I can think of a lot of dyslexic students that this would help especially when they are researching a topic.
Very useful module, I would only suggest that links open in a new window.
It was good
Still very Robotic sounds, but effective
Very useful information.
Great advice... The additional resources are handy for developing my understanding of different options. Thanks
A helpful resource with some sites I hadn't previously known about which should prove to be helpful aids for text to speech.
This module has provided me with many new opportunities and ideas how to further support my learners that particularly struggle with reading but not understanding.
Nice introduction. Not really thought of using text to speech before in a more general setting.
I really enjoyed this module. It gave me ideas that I can use with students that have different with English and also students with learning difficulty.
I could not find out where to paste the text - not obvious
I personally like to convert documents I need to read to an audio file that I can then listen to. I increase the rate of speech to at least 1.5 times the original even if it sounds to fast initially within a very short time you adjust to the speed.
This is something I never considered before, but will find an appropriate site to use
Very useful to distinguish between screenreaders and text to speech - these are often confused.
Useful, particularly the links to the resources that could be used, interestingly i never thought about how this could be used to support learners to proofread their work.
useful websites that might come in handy to support poor readers.
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