A true technological advancement should always boast the potential to improve life. Text to speech (TTS) was developed to do just that. Initially, TTS software was designed to aid visually impaired individuals by offering a human-like computer-generated voice that could “read” text out loud. Soon enough, this technology was found to be useful in numerous ways, including assisting those who have difficulties with literacy. If you know Siri or have spoken the words “Ok Google,” then you’re already well acquainted with TSS. Nowadays, text to speech software has many key uses.
1. Improving Literacy in Individuals with Dyslexia
As many as 43.5 million Americans suffer from dyslexia, a learning disorder that affects your ability to read, spell, write, and speak. Those with dyslexia tend to mix up words, have trouble spelling, and may read more slowly than others. Text to speech technology helps the reading experience for 1 out of every 5 people with dyslexia, by removing the stress of reading and presenting information in an optimal way. It can also help to improve the overall literacy rates and reading comprehension scores of those diagnosed.
2. In the Classroom
Studies suggest that using text to speech software in the classroom can help students to better retain new information. That’s because students learn more easily from mixed media presentations or those that are shown in both audio and visual formats. Integrating text to speech into a lesson plan coincides with the teaching style known as Universal Design for Learning (UDL). The goal is to combine auditory, visual and kinesthetic techniques through technology.
3. Bridging the Language Gap
Our world is a melting pot of backgrounds, nationalities, and languages. Sometimes even a single household can orate in more than one language, chiefly if several generations are all living under one roof. Text to speech software applications can help new generations raised in multilingual households to understand elder family members, especially if they do not feel fluent enough to interpret a given language. Text to speech apps like Notevibes can make articles, newspapers, and other forms of literature more accessible for all individuals involved. That represents an improved connection to family heritage and newer traditions.
4. Content Publishers
Content publishers benefit greatly from using text to speech technology. Simply using this application can increase the accessibility of online content. Thus broadening the user base and attracting different types of users who may require more accommodations in using the internet. Adding text to speech to your online content or website means facilitating access for those with visual impairments or reading difficulties, opening up your content to a larger percentage of the online population. It can also engage those who may speak a language.
5. Multitasking
In a world that seems to be on the go 24/7, we could all use a little help with multi-tasking. After all, when your Notes app is filled from top to bottom with things-to-do, doubling up on tasks with ease is a modern rarity. How can text to speech technology help you to multitask? Text to speech software is the ultimate life hack. It provides incessant forms of guidance that allow you to do more than one thing at once. Whether it is reading you a recipe while you cook or dishing out instructions while you’re putting together that tricky IKEA bed, it can free you up to do several things all at once.