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There are three main ways to get
computer text to talk.
The
easiest is to use speech features within a program such as
Kidspiration. Another way is to use a utility, so that text highlighted
within any program will talk. A third way is to use a free or
commercial talking word processor. Each option has advantages and
disadvantages. Instructions for the following software
are included on the handout, which can be downloaded below.
Speech as a Feature within Software
Speech Utilities (These will
read
highlighted text within other programs.)
Better Voices
- Mac or Windows: Cepstral Voices- Listen to demos, download for free
trial. $29.95 per voice.
- Windows only: AT&T Natural Voices - You can hear a demo of the 16
high quality voices on any computer. Several text to speech programs
are sold, beginning at $39.95, that include the AT&T voices.
Commercial products - Not free but
can be worth the expense.
Text to MP3/Audio
Macintosh:
- Books2burn allows you to
cut and paste text to make audio books with chapters.
- iTunes
can be
used to produce MP3 files. (Mac OSX 10.3)
PC:
- TextAloud 2.0 converts
any text into voice and even to MP3. Listen to email, web pages and
documents on your computer or portable MP3 player. ($29.95 or download
free trial, $49.95 with AT&T voices.)
- Natural Reader Professional
Version includes two AT&T voices for $39.50 and "will easily
convert very large text files into MP3 or WAV files for use on portable
devices like iPods, CD players and PocketPCs."
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to Tips for Differentiated Instruction Home Page.
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