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In the era of digital transformation, educators – and pre-educators like us – are constantly seeking innovative tools to enhance teaching and learning experiences. One such tool making waves in the educational landscape is Speechify, a platform that uses AI-powered text-to-speech technology. Now… what exactly is text-to-speech? And who does it benefit? Let’s find out in the video below:
In terms of student engagement, Speechify offers a flexible approach to personalized learning. Students can listen to course materials at their own pace, whether it’s during commutes, chores, or leisure time. Thus, promoting self-directed learning – especially for students who have ADHD or dyslexia (find out more here).
One of the key strengths of Speechify lies in its ability to support various learning styles. Auditory learners can really benefit from the audio format, while visual learners may appreciate the option to follow along with highlighted text. It can even promote critical thinking and creativity – a concern many people have when the topic of AI is brought up – by encouraging active listening and reflection. Students can pause, rewind, and annotate audio content, allowing for deeper comprehension and analysis of the content.
Although AI-powered tools like Speechify can be of benefit to students, there are ethical and practical concerns to consider. Let’s start with privacy considerations… specifically in the scenario where data is collected and analyzed for optimization purposes. To keep our students safe, it is important to implement data protection measures and to obtain informed consent from students and guardians regarding the usage of AI technologies in the classroom. Additionally, the website allows for content to be read in the voices of celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, Gwyneth Paltrow, or Mr. Beast. Although this can be fun – and make the content more engaging for learners – risks that come with AI-generated content, such as voice cloning or exploitation, should be discussed prior to use.
As a supporter for the integration of AI in education, I believe that technologies like Speechify hold great potential to transform traditional pedagogical approaches. However, it’s crucial to approach AI implementation in education with a balanced perspective, considering both the opportunities and challenges it presents. By embracing AI technologies responsibly and thoughtfully, we can pave the way for more inclusive, engaging, and effective educational environments.
P.S. Here are the Top 8 Text-to-Speech Software and Apps, referenced from the Speechify website themselves:
- VoiceOver (Apple): Built into Apple’s operating systems, including iOS and Mac, it provides comprehensive screen reading and TTS capabilities.
- NaturalReader: Popular for its natural-sounding voices, this tool converts text into audio files and supports multiple languages, including English.
- Microsoft Edge and Word TTS features: Microsoft’s browser and word processor have built-in TTS tools, enhancing accessibility.
- Voice Dream Reader: A versatile TTS app available on both Android and iOS.
- Amazon’s TTS: Used in its audiobooks, renowned for its clear and natural voice.
- Google Docs Voice Typing: Besides transcription, Google Docs offers read aloud features, improving accessibility.
- Windows Narrator: A built-in feature in the Windows operating system, reading aloud text from the screen.
- Chromevox (Chrome): Google’s screen reader extension for its Chrome browser.
Thank you so much for reading! Please feel free to share any AI resources you would recommend – either as an educator or as a student – in the comments below 😊.
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