By David J. Horgan

 Applications ◦ Software that creates spoken audio files from text. ◦ Useful for editing and proofing papers ◦ Creating sound files for the Web (.mp3)  Accessibility ◦ Useful for visually impaired individuals

 Compatible Applications ◦ Internet Explorer (web pages) ◦ Microsoft Office (XP/2007) ◦ Adobe PDF files (AT&T, 2008)

 Education ◦ Accessibility  Visually impaired: JAWS (Johnston et al., 2007)  text from links, framelists forms, and tables within Internet Explorer (Freedom Scientific, n.d.) ◦ Dyslexia  Beneficial for individuals with dyslexia (Draffan, Evans, and Blenkhorn, 2007)

 Education ◦ Adult Learners Instant English (Guinan, 2002; Icon Language Systems, 2003). ◦ By using icons with the audio playback ◦ Non-native English language learners  Improved retention and application of English language ◦ Instant Language Instant Language

 Education –Conflicting Reseach ◦ Proof reading and composition  TTS is beneficial for students when students are composing writing assignments (Caverly, 2008).  Through the act of the oral reading of electronic text, students are engaged in the high ordered thinking processes (Caverly, 2008).  Depending on characteristics of the student population using TTS software (Balajthy, 2005)

 Improvements in design and ease of user interface, there will be an increased usage of TTS software  Hearing impaired could potentially benefit from the use of TTS software because of the concurrent highlighting of the electronic text and the auditory playback

 TTS software has the potential to bridge the communication gap for students who have speech difficulties  Designed and effectively implemented, students of all ages and education levels can potentially benefit from TTS software.

 Text-To-Speech program ◦ Natural Reader Natural Reader ◦ Created by AT&T, Inc

 The learners will be able to create an audio file using Natural Reader®.  The learners will be able to demonstrate effective use of the Natural Reader® program.

 Open the Natural Reader software

 Either manually enter your or copy and paste text from a word processing program  Select ‘File’ drop menu then ‘Save’

 Select preferred style of voice narration  Select ‘File’ drop menu then ‘Save’

 Select desired speed of voice narration  Select ‘File’ drop menu then ‘Save’

 Test the audio playback ensure the audio is the way you want it. Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 to edit audio playback.  Select ‘File’ drop menu then ‘Save’

 Click on the.MP3 button to create the audio file.

 Select the.MP3 radial button  Enter the location where you want the file saved  Click on the ‘Convert Now’ button

 Please wait while converting  Click the ‘OK’ button after conversation is complete

 When the file is ready click on the ‘Open File’ folder

 Double-click on the.mp3 file to listen your newly created audio file.

 Websites ◦ Audio links to websites  Web-based trainings ◦ Flash development programs  Educational ◦ Improved written composition  Found useful for proofing papers

 AT&T. (2008). Natural Reader [Computer software] (Version 7). NaturalSoft. Retrieved November 23, 2008, from  Balajthy, E. (2005). Text-to-speech software for helping struggling readers. Reading Online. Retrieved November 18, 2008, from dex.asp?href=balajthy2/index.html

 Draffan, E. A., Evans, D. G., & Blenkhorn, P. (2007). Use of assistive technology by student with dyslexia in post-secondary education. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 2, Retrieved November 18, 2008, from the CINAHL Plus with Full Text database.  Freedom Scientific. (n.d.). Freedom Scientific: JAWS for Windows. Retrieved November 18, 2008, from ftware_jawsinfo.asp

 Caverly, D. C. (2008). Techtalk; assistive technology for writing. Journal of developmental education, 31, 36. Retrieved November 18, 2008, from the Academic Search Premier database.  Guinan, M. (2002). Icon poetry: Literature for the non-literate. Academic Exchange Quarterly, 6, Retrieved November 18, 2008, from the Expanded Academic ASAP database.

 Icon Language Systems. (2003). Instant Language. Retrieved November 18, 2008, from  Johnston, L., Beard, L. A., & Carpenter, L. B. (2007). Assistive Technology: Access for all students. Uppler Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.