Assistive Tool1

Introduction

Inclusive education is an approach that ensures all students – regardless of their diverse abilities, learning needs, or disabilities have equal access to quality education within mainstream classrooms. It fosters diversity, equity, and active participation by adapting teaching strategies and learning environments to meet the needs of every learner. Assistive technologies are essential in this inclusive framework by providing targeted support that helps students overcome learning barriers. These tools enhance communication, facilitate access to information, and promote independence, allowing learners with disabilities to engage more fully with both the curriculum and their peers. By incorporating assistive technologies, educators can create more equitable learning experiences that honor individual differences and encourage academic achievement.

What is Text-to-Speech (TTS) Software?

Text-to-Speech (TTS) is an assistive technology that transforms written text into spoken language or words using synthetic voices. It is especially helpful for individuals with reading difficulties, visual impairments, or learning disabilities, as it enables them to access written content through audio or printed text.

Strangman and Dalton (2005) reinforces the impact of TTS on reading comprehension. They found that when TTS was used in combination with digital texts and visual supports, students demonstrated higher levels of retention and understanding, especially those with learning disabilities.

TTS tools are available in various forms, including standalone apps, browser extensions, and built-in-features on devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers. Modern TTS systems often allow users to choose different voices, languages, reading speeds, and accents. As a student types or reads on screen, the software vocalizes the words in real time. For example, when a student accesses a digital textbook, the TTS software might say, “The sun is the center of our solar system.” This auditory feedback helps reinforce reading and comprehension.

How TTS Software is used?

In Inclusive Classroom

TTS is commonly used to support students who have difficulty with reading or processing written information. For example, a student with dyslexia may find it easier to follow a science lesson when the textbook is read aloud using TTS software. It enables them to focus on content comprehension without being held back by decoding difficulties.

According to AI-Azawei, Serenelli, and Lundqvist (2016), TTS technology promotes universal access to learning materials, particularly benefiting students with dyslexia, visual impairments, and second language learners. Their study shows that the auditory support TTS provides helps compensate for difficulties in decoding text, thus improving understanding and motivation.

At Home

Students can use TTS for homework and independent study by listening to reading assignments, articles, or instructions. This not only improves comprehension but also fosters greater confidence and self-reliance.

In Special Education Settings

In classrooms that serve students with complex learning needs, TTS provides an alternative way to access content. Teachers integrate the technology to ensure that all learners can fully engage with lessons, regardless of their reading abilities.

Furthermore, the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, as outlined by CAST (2018), recommends TTS as means of offering multiple means of representation. By allowing students to access content both visually and auditory, TTS aligns with inclusive pedagogical practices and supports differentiated instruction.

In Adult Learning and the Workplace

Beyond the classroom, TTS is a valuable tool for adults who listen to emails, articles, or documents while multitasking. It also aids in proofreading, as hearing the text read aloud can reveal errors that might be overlooked when reading silently.

What is it used for?

Text-to-Speech (TTS) software is widely used in both educational and non-educational contexts for various purposes:

- Enhancing Accessibility: TTS provides access to written content for individuals with visual impairments or dyslexia (reading disabilities) access written information.

- Supporting Learning: It helps students who face challenges with reading comprehension or cognitive processing difficulties by allowing them to hear the text read aloud.

- Increasing Independence: TTS enables users to read digital content like books, web pages, articles, or assignments without the need for assistance from others.

- Improving Pronunciation: Language learners can benefit from hearing the correct pronunciation of words, aiding in language acquisition and fluency.

- Assisting in Multitasking: In professional or everyday settings, it allows users to listen to text content while performing other tasks, improving efficiency.

Advantages of TTS Software

- Accessibility: Helps students with reading difficulties or visual impairments understand the content effectively.

- Improved Comprehension: Listening to text read aloud can enhance or deepen understanding as audio input supports understanding of difficult texts.

- Customization: Offers options to adjust voice type, reading speed, and highlighting features, allowing for more personalized learning.

- Multilingual Support: Assists language learners by offering audio in various languages, aiding in pronunciation and vocabulary development.

- Learning Reinforcement: Supports retention and pronunciation through repeated audio exposure, reinforcing learning through dual sensory input.

Disadvantages of TTS Software

- Voice Quality: Some TTS voices may sound robotic, unnatural or lack emotion, which can affect user engagement and comprehension.

- Mispronunciations: Unusual words, names, or technical terms may be mispronounced or misread, potentially leading to confusion.

- Distraction Risk: Students might become passive listeners if they are not also visually engaged with the text.

- Technology Dependence: Overreliance on TTS may hinder development of essential reading and decoding skills.

- Access Limitations: Many advanced features or high-quality voices require paid subscriptions, which can limit access for some users.

Conclusion

Text-to-Speech (TTS) software is a powerful assistive technology that greatly improves access to written content for individuals with diverse learning style or need. By converting text into spoken language, it supports students with reading difficulties, visual impairments, and language barriers, enabling them to participate more fully in both educational settings and daily life. Its use spans inclusive classrooms, special education settings, home learning, and professional workplaces, demonstrating its wide applicability and impact. While TTS provides benefits, it also has limitations. When used thoughtfully as part of teaching and communication strategies, TTS serves as a valuable tool that promotes independence, inclusion, and equitable learning opportunities for all students.

 Resources:

Al-Azawei, A., Serenelli, F., & Lundavist, K.(2016). Universal Design for Learning (UDL): A content analysis of peer-reviewed journal papers from 2012 to 2015. Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 16(3), 39-56. https://doi.org/10.14434/josolt.v16i3.19295

CAST. (2018). Universal Design for Learning guidelines version 2.2. CAST. http:// udlguidelines.cast.org

Strangman, N., & Dalton, B. (2005). Technology for struggling readers: A review of the research.The Journal of Special Education Technology, 20(1), 27-38. https://doi.org/10.1177/016264340502000103