When using a TTS program, only select a small amount of text at any one time. Presenting the words visually and auditorily helps the student focus on the reading task and encourages deeper comprehension.
Bi-modal reading is when the computer highlights the presented word as it is presented out loud (Montali & Lewandowski, 1996). When selecting a text-to-speech program, you should select one that has a bi-modal reading setting. Many students will set the voice to very high speeds to get the readings done as quick as possible, however it has been shown that having the computer present the words at a rate between 140-180 words per minute is an optimal speed for students (Cunningham, 2003, Cunningham, 2011). To preview different TTS voices and help figure out which one is most prefered by your student, visit the Acapela Group website to listen to options.Īnother major consideration is the speed at which the computer presents the text. Having a high quality TTS voice that sounds similar to a human voice will improve reading comprehension the less robotic, the better (Cunningham, 2011). One such consideration would be to ensure that students find the right TTS voice. While the research is clearly mixed, there are some ways to ensure that TTS will work for your students. Positive results were found in another study in which TTS was found to be effective in allowing students to access the reading material and was also perceived favourably by the students who used it, especially students in grades 6-8.
This team offered students training in TTS software in a small-group format for six weeks, and saw improvements in motivation to read, improved comprehension, and improved fluency (White, 2014). One study found that students who have been diagnosed with dyslexia did benefit from the use of TTS software. Another team of researchers found that text-to-speech technologies did not impact adolescent students ability to comprehend the reading, however the students did report that they value the increased independence that the TTS software gave them (Meyer, 2014). While this technology allows students to access the classroom material, some researchers have found mixed results on how well students are able to comprehend the text being read to them (Dalton & Strangman, 2006). What the research says about text-to-speech.ĭespite the growing popularity, the research on text to speech is somewhat unclear. Here are 10 helpful text-to-speech software and applications that are great assistive technology tools to have at the start of the school year. Text-to-speech software is often a vital resource for students with dyslexia– to aid reading, promote comprehension, and enhance overall literacy skills. In addition to TTS software, a number of vendors offer products involving hardware, including the Quick Link Pen from WizCom Technologies, a pen-shaped device that can scan and read words the Road Runner from Ostrich Software, a handheld device that reads ASCII text and DecTalk TTS from Digital Equipment, an external hardware device that substitutes for a sound card and which includes an internal software device that works in conjunction with the PC’s own sound card.Īs school students, approaches and parents alike should be aware of the resources available to them as they prepare to tackle a new grade, new year, and new learning challenges.
Lucent, Elan, and AT&T each have products called “Text-to-Speech.”.Best Free Text To Speech Voices Windows 10 Best Free Text To Speech Voices Windows 10 There are numerous TTS products available, including Read Please 2000, Proverbe Speech Unit, and Next Up Technology’s TextAloud.
Best Best Free Text To Speech Voices Windows 10 What is a Text To Speech.īest Free Text To Speech Voices Windows 10 is an interesting statement, and will talk more about it in this post.Ĭurrent TTS applications include voice-enabled e-mail and spoken prompts in voice response systems.