Appendix 1: Using Text-To-Speech Tools To Listen To Your Textbook
You can use the tools on your mobile device or computer to read this guide aloud. You may want to experiment until you find an app or system that works best. Always review privacy and security options for any software/apps you install on your device.
Common Text-to-Speech Tools
Read & Write
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 the Library/labs.
- Free versions of this software may be available for download to your device running Microsoft, MacOS or other system.
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
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
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
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
Watch How to use Select-to-Speak on your Chromebook (5 mins)
Video source: Chromebook. (2019, June 21). How to use Select-to-Speak on your Chromebook [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/_gz4lXWDzTQ
Attribution
“Using Text-To-Speech Tools To Listen To Your Textbook” from Using OER textbooks: Student Guide Copyright © by Jen Booth is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.
