Assistive Technology1

Empowering Learners Through Text-to-Speech (TTS) Technology in Inclusive Classrooms

Inclusive education strives to accommodate all learners by recognising and responding to their diverse needs. With the rise of digital technology, various tools have emerged to support this goal, especially for students with disabilities. One powerful assistive technology widely used in inclusive classrooms is Text-to-Speech (TTS) software. This tool converts written text into spoken language, enabling learners who struggle with reading to access the same content as their peers. In this blog, I explore how TTS supports inclusive education, its effectiveness, and the challenges and considerations involved in its use.

What is Text-to-Speech (TTS) Technology?

Text-to-Speech technology is a type of assistive software that reads digital text aloud. It can be used on computers, tablets, and smartphones.

 Popular examples include Kurzweil 3000, NaturalReader, Read&Write, and Voice Dream Reader. Many built-in programs like Microsoft’s Read Aloud or Google Chrome extensions also offer TTS functionality.

TTS is especially useful for learners who face reading difficulties due to conditions such as dyslexia, visual impairments, or attention deficit disorders. By listening instead of reading, students can understand and engage with content that would otherwise be inaccessible to them.

How TTS Supports Inclusive Education.

Inclusive classrooms aim to provide equal learning opportunities to all students, regardless of their physical, intellectual, or emotional differences. TTS technology aligns with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, which encourages the use of multiple means of representation. It ensures that learners who struggle with reading are not left behind.

For example, in one classroom I observed, a student diagnosed with dyslexia used the Read & Write for Google Chrome extension. While reading comprehension texts, the student activated the TTS feature to listen to the content. The immediate effect was improved understanding and greater engagement. Without this tool, the student may have been unable to grasp the main ideas due to decoding difficulties.

Moreover, TTS can support language learners who are not yet proficient in reading or students who process information better audibly. By removing barriers, it fosters active participation and boosts student confidence.

Benefits of Text-to-Speech Software

1. Access to Curriculum

   TTS makes academic content accessible to students who might otherwise struggle with reading standard printed material.

2. Improved Comprehension

   Listening to text while reading can help with decoding and understanding, especially for students with dyslexia or visual processing disorders.

3. Supports Independence

   Students can access learning materials without relying heavily on teachers or peers for assistance.

4. Reduces Fatigue

   For learners with attention issues, listening can be less tiring than reading long passages.

5. Multi-sensory Learning

   Hearing and seeing the text at the same time supports deeper learning and helps reinforce vocabulary and concepts.

Limitations and Considerations

Some challenges include:

1. Over-reliance: Students may become dependent on audio, neglecting reading skill development.
2. Voice Quality: Some TTS software uses robotic or monotonous voices, which may reduce student interest or comprehension.
3. Technical Access: Not all schools or families can afford the necessary devices or software.
4. Classroom Noise: Using audio in shared environments can be disruptive unless headphones are used.
5. Limited Languages: Some TTS tools only support major languages, which may not cater to local dialects or scripts used in Bhutanese schools.

Teachers must carefully balance the use of TTS with ongoing literacy instruction. It should supplement—not replace core reading instruction.

The Bhutanese Context

Here in Bhutan, we are making steady progress in embracing inclusive education. The Ministry of Education and Skills Development encourages the integration of children with disabilities into mainstream classrooms. However, many rural schools still lack basic digital infrastructure. In such cases, introducing TTS might be challenging due to lack of devices, internet, or teacher training.

Yet, in urban or semi-urban schools where tablets or computers are available, TTS can be implemented effectively to support students with disabilities. For example, a student with visual impairment might benefit from a TTS-enabled e-book or lesson document. As Bhutan continues to digitize its curriculum, integrating such tools will be essential.

Final Thoughts

Text-to-Speech technology is more than just a handy tool, it’s a voice for those who might otherwise go unheard in the classroom. It breaks down barriers, gives students the independence to learn on their own terms, and helps make learning more inclusive and empowering.

As a teacher-in-training, I see TTS as an example of how we can use technology to meet students’ needs, not force them into a one-size-fits-all model. It reminds us that equity in education isn’t about treating everyone the same, it’s about giving everyone what they need to succeed.