Read the Words

Read the Words is a TTS (Text to Speech) technology that was created to give "users alternative methods to process written information." The creators were targeting students who are stronger in auditory processing than visual. That alone could make this tool very valuable for some students.



This site could also serve as an editing tools for students. Most writers agree that hearing a piece read aloud helps to spot inconsistencies, redundancies, and awkward phrasing, among other problems. Actors have used this application to aid in memorizing parts. You could simply upload the script from any document (word, pdf, etc.) and assign a voice to the part. Once again, some people find it easier to memorize from the spoken word than the written word, and you would have the advantage of listening to what you needed to memorize any time and place you could use an MP3 player.



The voices do sound computerized, which might be off-putting for some. You can experiment with recording of up to 30 seconds for free, but two upgrades are available for very reasonable prices.