Using Text-to-Speech tools to Listen to your Textbook
Most OER do not currently exist in audio book or mp3 format, however, you can use the tools on your mobile device or computer to read the book aloud to you. Many systems have this function built in. You may want to experiment until you find an app or system that works best for you.
Common Text-to-Speech Tools
- Read & Write for Georgian College Students
- Adobe Acrobat: Read Out Loud
- Android Devices: Select to Speak
- Apple Devices: SpeakScreen
- Chromebook: Select-to-Speak
Read & Write for Georgian College Students
Read & Write is available on Windows computers in the library and other student-access computers on campus.
- Access via the start menu or search for Read & Write
- Don’t forget to bring headphones for use in Library/labs.
- Free versions of this software may be available for download to your device running Microsoft, MacOS or other system
Using Read&Write
Watch Read&Write: Back to Basics (10 mins) on YouTube
Video source: Texthelp. (2022, December 16). Read&Write: Back to basics [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/oVfeWdqUuvU
Adobe Acrobat: Read Out Loud
The PDF versions of your textbook can be read to you by Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Review the instructions for the Read Out Loud feature or
- Watch the following video for tips on how to get started
Using Reading Aloud
Watch Reading Aloud PDFs | Acrobat DC for Educators (2 mins) on YouTube
Video source: Adobe for Education. (2020, September 11). Reading aloud with Acrobat [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/qXJlazKGTuo
Android Devices: Select to Speak
- Review the Select to Speak instructions or
- Watch the following video for tips on how to get started
Using Select to Speak
Watch How to Turn On Text To Speech Read Aloud on Android/Samsung – 2022 (5 mins) on YouTube
Video source: ITJungles. (2022, June 28). How to turn on text to speech read aloud on Android/Samsung – 2022 [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/Ka5AdeLt43o
Apple Devices: SpeakScreen
- Review the SpeakScreen instructions or
- Watch the following video for tips on how to get started
Using Speak Screen
Watch How to use Speak Screen on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch (1 min) on YouTube
Video source: Apple Support. (2022, July 21). How to use Speak Screen on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/tBfcPu61nSI
Chromebook: Select-to-Speak
- Review the Select-to-Speak instructions or
- Watch the following video for tips on how to get started
Using Select-to-Speak
Watch How to use Select-to-Speak on your Chromebook (5 mins) on YouTube
Video source: Chromebook. (2019, June 21). How to use Select-to-Speak on your Chromebook [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/_gz4lXWDzTQ
Attribution & References
Except where otherwise noted, this page by Jen Booth, OER Design Studio at the Georgian College Library is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
