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Education - SPE 481

Online Info Literacy Instruction for SPE 481

Do you have too much to read?

If you're overwhelmed with reading material and can't find the time to sit down, consider listening as an alternative. Text-to-Speech (TTS) technology enables you to listen to your study materials while caring for children, doing household chores, or engaging in other tasks, particularly those that require physical activity or involve commuting. TTS provides the flexibility to study when reading isn't feasible, reducing the need for a quiet space and uninterrupted time dedicated to reading.

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Suggest using the Text-to-speech (TTS) for:  ​

  • Pre-class preparation reading 
  • Reading & re-reading of lengthy class readings
  • Reading lengthy journal/scholarly articles 
  • Quick reading while multitasking at home

How TTS can enhance reading & learning:

  1. Multitasking & Flexibility in Study Time: TTS allows to listen to study materials while attending to children, doing household chores, or performing other tasks, especially jobs that involve physical activities or commuting. TTS allows you to study during times when reading isn't possible, reducing the need to find quiet space, and uninterrupted time for reading.

  2. Increased Study Efficiency: Some research finds that students retain information better when they hear it. Listening can complement reading, reinforcing learning through multiple channels. 

  3. Reduced Eye Strain: Constantly reading text on screens or in books can lead to eye strain. TTS offers a way to rest the eyes while continuing to absorb information.

  4. Stress Reduction: Balancing parenting, working, and studying can be stressful. TTS can help alleviate some of this stress by making it easier to keep up with coursework, reducing the need to find quiet space, and uninterrupted time for reading.

  5. Inclusive Learning: For students with disabilities such as dyslexia, vision impairment, etc, TTS provides an accessible way to engage with text that might otherwise be challenging to read.

The Text-to-Speech is a great tool for “Extensive reading”, such as rapid reading of large quantities of textbook chapters, long scholarly articles, etc. for general understanding, with the focus generally on the overall meaning.

What this Tool does NOT do well: “Intensive reading”, which includes focused reading and learning in detail.