ReadtheWords - Cool Tool

[Carla Arena]

How do you see this tool being used by students? I just thought it was really cool! It's a text-to-speech software. You write the text and it transforms it into voice. You can even decide if you want male, female voice and the accent.

How do you envision your learners using it?



Listen to the Recording

[David Miller]

We used a similar product called Sculptoris as a talking head, but since then we looked at other alternatives, including Codebaby (way out of our budget). But there is a tool that is practically free to use and readily available: Second Life. Now our users typically can't run it due to firewall issues and neither could I to start with at work. But I looked at Second Life as a animation tool (far easier and faster than Blender 3D) and now speak at conferences about using it as a video studio. It really is almost entirely free to do what I have posted on the video page here. Hope it gives some insight and anyone wanting to try it out can use my land in Second Life (I have 12 sims). =)

[Kelly]

Hello Carla ad all colleagues,
Why not having students answer a question and use the avatar to give their answers? The teacher could have an online section in the class wiki with all the answers. I think it may be funny and students will practice writing with laughing. Something special... the question to be answered should be funny for example What did you laugh at this week?
I hope I could contribute.

[Carla Arena]

Wow, Maria Cláudia, always wise words. This is totally true! It's a great way to practice the sounds of words, but if students are presenting, what you say is very relevant. They need to find ways to engage listeners and keep them on by changing the tone and pitch of voice. Thanks for your wonderful contribution.

[Maria Claudia Pires Gonçalves]

Hi, Carla

First thing that comes to mind is Gilmar's suggestion - a way to empower students whose writing skills outweigh their speaking skills. I can see this tool working wonders for my students, who often have to make (business/academic) presentations in English.
However, I would remind them that 'reading' a text is quite different from 'talking' - and when making a presentation, they should be able to use intonation and stress as a way to engage their listeners.
Its a great tool!

[Cecilia Carneiro]

Gilmar how did you do it? I love the idea that they can practise before presenting in class.

[Carla Arena]

I know the feeling, Gilmar, and it's just natural. However, as I mentioned before, yes, we need balance. And I say that because I'm totally imbalanced!!! But always in search for more learning, sharing counterbalancing with my family affairs and my life and friends. That's what really matters!

[Gilmar D. da Silva Mattos]

You are totally write. I had not thought about the impaired. I'm so glad I got into this world. I know I have to slow down as I seem to want to do and try everything at the same time.

[Carla Arena]

It's an effective way to use this kind of technology, Gilmar. Also, if you think of impaired students, it has wonderful possibilities. So, for a blind learner, the text becomes audio. Well, there are tons of uses to it, I'd say. It's just about finding ways that will suit our students' needs and interests.

[Gilmar D. da Silva Mattos]

Really interesting Carla. I've tried it myself and should post it here. I gues students will find it wonderful because I happen to have those who seem to be quite good at writing but not so successful when it comes to speaking. This way they could have a new way to communicate or at least "rehearse" whatever they had to present in the classroom