How to improve your grades with text to speech

There are many ways for students to improve their academic performance. One of the most efficient tools is text to speech (TTS) technology. Let’s find out how to improve your grades with text to speech.

What is text to speech?

TTS is an assistive technology that can read aloud any digital text. Another name for text to speech technology is read-aloud technology.

Most platforms providing TTS are convenient. You need only tap or click the “Play” button to command the app to turn the written words into audio. This makes it incredibly helpful for learners who have reading difficulties. It can also address focus, editing, and writing issues.

You can use TTS on practically any device, including tablets, smartphones, and computers. The technology can analyze any text file, such as Microsoft Word documents and Google Docs. Some tools even work as a Chrome extension, reading web pages aloud.

TTS generates speech voices through a computer, and you can increase or decrease the reading speed to effectively tackle your learning disability. Furthermore, many apps highlight sections as they narrate, enabling you to simultaneously hear and see the text.

The functionality of text to speech software doesn’t end there. Special education institutions can use some of the tools to read from images using optical character recognition (OCR).

For instance, an individualized education program (IEP) teacher can take a picture of street signs and show them to students for easier comprehension. This facilitates your decoding skills and makes elementary and high school subjects more interactive.

To meet student needs more efficiently and address impairment, teachers can use the following types of TTS tools:

• Software programs—Many literacy programs for laptop and desktop computers support TTS, such as NaturalReader.

• Apps—You can download a TTS app on your iPad, Android, or other digital devices. You can also add some tools to your web browser.

• Web-based tools—Certain websites offer TTS platforms on-site.

• Built-in TTS—Many devices come with TTS tools, including Chromebooks, PCs, and smartphones.

Does text to speech really work for students? And how do they use it properly?

An extensive body of research indicates TTS is a robust tool for learning. Professionals can use it for grade-level assessment at all ages. If your educational content relies on TTS to help you overcome dyslexia, you can dramatically increase your learning and reading skills.

For instance, a 2014 study shows that TTS can increase the motivation to read, fluency, and comprehension. Other studies indicate that TTS facilitates access to educational content for English language learners (ELL).

Although research supports the efficacy of TTS, there are many ways to ensure the technology works for all students. For example, teachers should ensure students are listening to an appropriate voice. High-quality voices should sound similar to human speeches to improve comprehension.

Another consideration is the rate of speech. It may be tempting to set the voices to an extremely high speed to quickly complete assignments. However, this can prevent the listener from keeping up with the text. So, it’s a good idea to keep the reading rate at around 140-200 words per minute.

Next, when selecting a TTS program, choose a platform with bi-modal reading features. This feature enables the tool to highlight the words as it narrates the audio file. Simultaneous auditory and visual representation lets readers focus on their tasks and promotes a deeper understanding.

Finally, only use a small chunk of text at a time when running a TTS app. Trying to digest vast quantities in one go may cause focus to diminish midway through and negatively impact comprehension.

Speechify—A top-tier text to speech tool

TTS is highly beneficial, but only if you have a reliable platform. Since you don’t want to take a chance with low-quality apps, stick to a top best text to speech tool—Speechify.

Speechify is ideal for many learning needs, such as proofreading.

Proofreading on your own may allow you to spot simple spelling or grammar errors, but you won’t be able to really get a grasp on the flow of your writing. Everything seems natural and logical since you’re the author. Even if you skipped an explanation, you might fail to notice it.

Speechify can help solve this problem by doing most of the proofreading for you. It highlights words in yellow as the audio file runs to help you focus on the meaning of your work. This way, you can more accurately detect any errors as you hear your words spoken back to you.

Another great thing about Speechify is that it enables you to multitask. Once you upload your text, the system converts it into audio. You need only put on headphones, press “Play,” listen along and do whatever else you need to do.

You can take a walk or exercise while listening to an audiobook or research paper. This can immediately take your productivity to the next level.

In addition, Speechify lets you choose from 130 natural-sounding voices. The speech is realistic and can replicate some of your favorite celebrities, including Snoop Dogg and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Flexibility is also a strong suit of this cutting-edge platform, as you can download it on any device. It works on Androids, iPhones, Windows PCs, and Mac computers. Plus, you can get it as a Chrome extension to read any website.

Improve your grades with Speechify

You can skyrocket your academic performance with Speechify. Once you create an account, add source material to your library and tap it. From there, the tool will automatically read your content from the top of the page using immersive voices. You can use it for multitasking, proofreading, studying faster, and overcoming obstacles like ADHD, dyslexia, or a reading disability.

Give Speechify a try for free today.

FAQ

Is text to speech good for studying?

Yes, TTS is an excellent tool for studying because it allows you to focus on the meaning of the text and not the pronunciation.

Why is text to speech useful?

TTS is useful since it helps improve reading comprehension, writing, editing, and proofreading.

Is text to speech better than reading?

Text to speech can enhance reading skills, but you shouldn’t stop reading altogether when implementing the technology.

When can I use text to speech?

You can use TTS when proofreading, listening to books, and skimming research papers.

Is text to speech better than other study methods?

TTS is a great study method, but it works best when complemented with other techniques, such as mind maps and color coding.