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What it is:
Audio tools can range from low tech options, such as books on tape and audio files of books on CD-ROM, to the use of pod casting, dictation, speech-to-text and “Talking Text” features in software, such as talking word processors.
One of the simplest and more effective audio technologies is Talking Text -- where a personal computer can “speak” the words on its screen on user command. This technology already exists on most computers and can be easily implemented. Typically, the user highlights some words and clicks a button to have them read aloud. This spoken text feature can be a powerful learning tool, especially when accompanied by synchronized highlighting (having the words highlighted at the same time they are spoken).
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Who does it help?
Think of your students who would.... . .- benefit from highlighting individual words and hearing them read. Or from hearing the definition of the word read.
- benefit from hearing an entire selection or article on a website read aloud.
- appreciate hearing their own words read by the computer.
Think of students who struggle with reading comprehension.
Studies have shown that “talking text” can support comprehension for some students. They may benefit from: - Pre-reading to increase comprehension
- Reading to access standard or advanced materials
- Reinforcement from reading and listening together
- Reading selected words or phrases
Who Benefits from Talking Text?
- The whole class, groups, or individuals, in order to preview new information, or as part of a final proofreading exercise.
- The gifted student can use it to access more advanced text.
- Kindergarteners listening to individual letters and working in an exploratory fashion.
- English Language Learners who need help reading and hearing words together.
- Writers who need to hear omissions or inaccuracies in their work.
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View a video clip of students using text-to-speech to support reading, both as a pre-reading device and for confirming their interpretation.
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