ReadSpeaker is a text to speech (TTS) solution that is integrated with D2L Content, Quizzes, and Assignments. The tool reads text-based content aloud, delivering bimodal presentation of the content.

Bimodal content presentation has many advantages over just reading:

Improved word recognition skills and vocabulary.
Improved reading comprehension, fluency, accuracy, and concentration.
Improved information recall and learning/memory enhancement.
Increased motivation and more positive attitude with regard to reading.
Increased reading self-confidence and perceived performance.

In addition, ReadSpeaker meets the needs of learners with visual impairments, reading difficulties, and second language learners. Learners can listen to both D2L HTML content pages and uploaded documents.

ReadSpeaker is automatically enabled in every course in the D2L learning environment.

Quizzes and Assignments - NEW!

Web reading capability has now been extended to D2L Quizzes and Assignments.

Quiz and Assignment instructions now contain a "Listen" icon.

In addition, each quiz questions will have an associated "Listen" icon the read the question and answer options aloud.

HTML Content Pages

To activate ReadSpeaker on an HTML page, simply click on the "Listen" icon found at the top of the page.

ReadSpeaker will begin reading the text aloud, highlighting the text along the way. You can stop or pause the audio at any time by clicking the “stop” or “pause” button. Audio controls are also available. To download an MP4 audio file or the audio, click the download button.

Settings such as the text highlighting, highlighting coloring, reading speed, and automatic scrolling can be adjusted in the settings menu (gear icon). Set your desired settings and then click “Close” to return to the D2L content.

D2L Documents

To activate ReadSpeaker on a document, click the “Open with docReader” icon found below the document.

The ReadSpeaker docReader will open.

Along the left, you will find a Table of Contents, broken up by the document headings (note: if the original document does not contain heading markers, there will not be sections). You can use these headings to jump to specific areas of the document.

To start the text to speech audio, click the “Listen” button.

There are other options to make onscreen reading more enjoyable.

Use the layout toggle to switch between page layout and basic text layout.

The Page Mask provides a masking tool that will highlight only a small portion of the document at a time.

You can also use the zoom feature to increase or decrease the mask size. To close, click the “x.”

A similar tool is the Page Ruler.

This tool blocks content below your cursor, providing a virtual ruler to assist in keeping your place as you read through a document. The zoom feature allows you to increase or decrease the width of your ruler.