Education should be for everyone, but traditional systems often fail to address the needs of students with disabilities or learning challenges. In addition, educators lacking the necessary assistance often find themselves overwhelmed and unable to dedicate enough time to students who are falling behind.
At the same time, many teachers have steered away from relying on digital learning methods and tools, believing them to be too artificial.
Thankfully, the digital learning environment has come a long way since its early days, with AI-powered e-learning tools contributing to its growth.
AI text to speech and accessibility
Text to speech turns written text into speech, which can be used for various purposes—from read-aloud options on assignments to virtual tutoring. Although text to speech tools were once associated with robotic audio, advancements in tech and AI have transformed TTS output into natural-sounding human speech.
So, how can TTS be used to enhance the learning experience?
For example, TTS can read assignments, textbooks, or exam instructions aloud, making learning more accessible for visually impaired students. Similarly, hearing the material spoken aloud can significantly improve comprehension and retention for learners with dyslexia or ADHD.
Tools like ElevenLabs go beyond basic TTS functionality by delivering lifelike voices that mimic natural speech patterns. This ensures that students aren’t just accessing information—they’re engaging with it.
Imagine a history lesson brought to life with realistic narration or a language learner mastering pronunciation with the help of regional accents. With advanced TTS tools, these learning opportunities are becoming accessible across many classrooms.