EdTech is excited to announce new text to speech tools in Brightspace.
A new toolbar (pictured below) automatically appears on content pages, Quizzes, Assignments, and Discussions.
The simple, intuitive interface allows for users to hear text read aloud. In Brightspace, simply select Listen and the toolbar instantly creates an audio version of text.
This tool offers students the choice of reading, listening, or both simultaneously. Allowing users choice and customization accounts for learner needs and preferences.
This tool may assist learners with:
- Increased understanding
- Improved reading comprehension
- Information retention and recall
- Vocabulary
- Fluency and accuracy
- Motivation and attitudes toward reading
Available user features include:
- Customization of colour, style, and size of font
- Choice of reading voice and speed
- Synchronous text highlighting
- Page masking and text-only view
- Ability to select content to be read aloud
- No download required
- Learners can use this tool on campus, at home, on their phone, or on the bus
In addition to Brightspace pages, Word and PDF documents uploaded to Brightspace also have a text to speech reader option.
While a benefit to all learners, this tool is especially important to users that need content to be read aloud. The addition of text to speech is an important step in Langara’s work toward accessibility and universal design for learning.
For more information, read about the toolbar’s features or contact assistivetech@langara.
