Speak: Built into the new iOS Update

Holding off installing the newest update to iOS5? Wait no longer; there are 200 new features to explore!
Today, I want to spotlight just one, one that is pure gold. The "Speak/Define" feature is what many of us who work with struggling readers have been waiting for.This is an amazing feature but it defaults to Off so you need to toggle it to On.

How do you find it? Settings > General > Scroll Down to Accessibility > Speak Selection > Toggle On.

Whenever you highlight single words (unfortunately, except for PDFs or iBooks at this point), you can view a definition or listen to the word read to you. When you select more text, you can listen to the text-to-speech feature. A high quality male and female voice is available; it's also possible to select the read feedback speed. Show this to students as a way to empower them. They have control over what they listen to independently. No more dependence upon adults when they encounter challenging words or text.

Awesome!

Please....SHOUT this from the ROOFTOPS

Why is text-to-speech (TTS) the best kept secret from our students? Is it also the best kept secret from teachers?

Do you know about TTS? Is it available on every computer that your students use?

The single most important free strategy we can show our students is the ability to use text-to-speech on any computer. Why? Three main reasons.

1. It supports the writing process, especially when editing and revising written work.
2. It provides the ability to access content for students who are reading below grade level. When content is digital it is now accessible and students can access the curriculum independently. No longer are they dependent on others to read to them.
3. It's Universal Design for Learning.
   

As part of the writing process, teach students to use TTS. When students write, the use of TTS often motivates them to write more. They enjoy listening to what they have written. Then, as students edit their work, they are more likely to catch errors when they listen to it (and especially when each word is highlighted as it is read).

Moreover, Text-to-speech is the great equalizer and levels the playing field for struggling readers. It empowers students when they have control over listening to text independently.

Are you withholding TTS from your students?

There are a number of free TTS resources at the UDL Tech Toolkit Wiki. Show your students the options so they can add to their Toolbelts for success beyond school.

This post was motivated by my recent work with students and teachers. In professional development and small group settings, teachers reveal that they do not have TTS available on their computers. Students are amazed when I show them the ability to use TTS at the computer. This past week, one student even asked me to write down the directions so he could access the feature on his home Mac computer*.

It's all about our students and what they need. So, I'm asking you to, please....SHOUT this one from the ROOFTOPS. Share this post and RT often.

* (Go to System Preferences > Speech (bottom row)> Make sure Text-to-speech tab is selected > Check "Speak selected text when the key is pressed" > a new window appears - Type Command + R (for read) > OK.
Every time a student highlights a word, sentence or more (in Word or on the Internet, for example) and then types Command R, they will hear the text read to them. They can type Command R to stop the reading as well).

The Kindle 2: The Good and the Bad

Does Amazon realize what it makes possible for those who struggle with print access? Apparently not.

Too bad, because the Kindle 2 truly is a "revolutionary wireless reading device."

First, the bad news: Amazon has caved to the Author's Guild and backed away from the Text-to-Speech feature available in the newest Kindle. According to the NY Times, Amazon has released this statement, bowing to pressure, partially excerpted here:

Kindle 2’s experimental text-to-speech feature is legal: no copy is made, no derivative work is created, and no performance is being given. Furthermore, we ourselves are a major participant in the professionally narrated audiobooks business through our subsidiaries Audible and Brilliance. We believe text-to-speech will introduce new customers to the convenience of listening to books and thereby grow the professionally narrated audiobooks business.

Nevertheless, we strongly believe many rights holders will be more comfortable with the text-to-speech feature if they are in the driver’s seat.

Therefore, we are modifying our systems so that rights holders can decide on a title by title basis whether they want text-to-speech enabled or disabled for any particular title. We have already begun to work on the technical changes required to give authors and publishers that choice. With this new level of control, publishers and authors will be able to decide for themselves whether it is in their commercial interests to leave text-to-speech enabled. We believe many will decide that it is.

Many of us working in the AT field were thrilled about the possibilities with this device for those we work with or know who struggle with print access. Since it is the publisher's decision to allow TTS, we ask that all publishers recognize the service that the feature offers and remove any restrictions to TTS. People who do not need the feature will find the computerized voice challenging to follow and will not use it. It is in your commercial interest to leave TTS enabled.

Don't believe me? Check out what Tim O'Brien, a blind photographer has to say in his post entitled, "One Small Step for Amazon, One Giant Leap Backwards for Access."

Now the good news: Read this review posted on the Amazon site from a 29 year old man who is quadriplegic. He describes how the Kindle 2 has restored his ability to read books independently. Ben Hobson's concluding comments follow:

If I knew the e-mail address for Jeff Bezos I would happily send him this review that I will also be posting in the forums so he would personally know that he has truly changed one man's life for the better, that this device for some of us will not just be incredibly convenient, but that it will be life altering.

I can offer no higher praise so with that in my review ends. Thank you...... thank you Kindle team.

Now that is a ringing endorsement! Wouldn't it be wonderful if those with vision impairments and reading disabilities were also able to benefit from this tool that potentially removes barriers to access?

Please, publishers, do the right thing and leave the Kindle 2's Text-to-Speech enabled!

Thanks to Sam Sennott's blog post which alerted me to the Kindle TTS decision.

Word Power

The importance of understanding words as a building block for academic success can not be overstated. A good vocabulary base = Word Power. Unfortunately, some of our students are deficient in this area, often as a result of flawed intentions. Their word power is powerless.

What does this look like and why does it occur?

One of the characteristic results of a reading disability is the inability to read grade level material. Typically remediation is directed at teaching the underlying skills necessary to become a more successful reader. It is systematic and structured and based upon remediating five reading skills identified by the National Reading Panel (2000): phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and text comprehension. Remediation works at the student's skill level and is usually not aligned with the classroom curriculum.

When remediation alone is offered, there may be deleterious long-term consequences. Students fall further behind in their understanding of vocabulary and content when they are not exposed to grade level material. Research demonstrates that students who are poor readers have underdeveloped vocabulary as well. This is often times manifested as inferior oral presentations, insufficient curriculum understanding and substandard written expression. Is it possible to prevent the gap from occurring?

Absolutely! Compensation strategies combined with remediation are essential for success. Compensation for the disability is as important as remediation.

When compensation for the underlying skill deficits is not offered, vocabulary skill development suffers and it becomes extremely difficult to “catch up” to peers’ language skills without the opportunity to hear and see the words in combination. Over time, the gap increases and students fall further and further behind.

Text-to-speech software fills the gap. Text-to-speech removes the barrier to print and allows students access to the curriculum without struggling with decoding and fluency issues. They see the combination of the printed word (visual) PLUS hear it read to them (auditory). The benefits of multisensory repetition of the difficult multisyllabic words can not be ignored but must be embraced. Students have the opportunity to participate in classroom discussions and assignments. Students have the opportunity to feel successful. Students benefit from drawing on their vocabulary skills. They have WORD POWER!

As the new school year begins, allow your students the opportunity to capitalize on using text-to-speech to help them overcome reading skill deficits and access the curriculum. Digital text is accessible. Offer it in your classrooms. And talk with your resource teachers about the best text-to-speech options for your students.

Photo credit - http://flickr.com/photos/eclecticselections/542488112/