Text-to-speech Software
Overview
Transforming written text into audio activates different parts of the brain to support learning. Providing tools so learners can choose to listen supports individual strengths and needs.
Example: Use This Strategy in the Classroom
Watch how text-to-speech software helps students who struggle with reading. By using their Auditory Processing skills, these students are able to show that they comprehend complex reading material, including math reading such as word problems and directions.
Design It into Your Product
Videos are chosen as examples of strategies in action. These choices are not endorsements of the products or evidence of use of research to develop the feature.
Learn how developers of Read&Write for Google use text-to-speech software in combination with other features to provide multisensory support for reading. The ability to highlight words for an audio pronunciation with an accompanying visual activates verbal and visual Working Memory and can be particularly helpful for word problem vocabulary for all learners. Highlighting the spoken word in a different color from the yellow highlighted sentence also strengthens Visual Processing skills through tracking.
Additional Resources
Additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
More Multisensory Supports Strategies
Communication boards are displays of graphics (e.g., pictures, symbols, illustrations) and/or words where learners can gesture or point to the displays to extend their expressive language potential.
Adding motions to complement learning activates more cognitive processes for recall and understanding.
Brain breaks that include movement allow learners to refresh their thinking and focus on learning new information.
Providing physical representations of numbers and math concepts helps activate mental processes.
Connecting information to music and dance can support Short-term and Long-term Memory by engaging auditory processes, Emotions, and physical activity.
Research shows physical activity improves focus and creativity.
Incorporating multiple senses with strategies like chewing gum, using a vibrating pen, and sitting on a ball chair supports focus and Attention.
Using earplugs or headphones can increase focus and comfort.
Tossing a ball, beanbag, or other small object activates physical focus in support of mental focus.
Visual supports, like text magnification, colored overlays, and guided reading strip, help students focus and properly track as they read.
