What is Text to Speech (TTS)?

Text to speech is a process that reads written words out loud. This works much like a computer or phone that reads aloud anything you give it. Those who struggle with reading can use TTS to listen to the text or learn how to pronounce the words correctly. 

If you speak to Siri or Alexa, they answer using TTS technology.

Evaluation of TTS for Education 

TTS has greatly improved within the field of education. When computer voices started, they were cold and unusual, so it was uncomfortable to listen to them for a while.

 Now, because of AI, TTS voices are similar to how people would speak. Teachers and students use TTS in schools for different situations.

• Giving students audiobooks can help them improve their reading.

• Using learning applications, you can work on how to speak certain foreign words.

• Equipment for students with disabilities – helping individuals with dyslexia or sight problems.

• Improvements in TTS will help everyone enjoy learning even more!

Why AI Matters in Teacher Education Today

An AI machine is one that is able to process information, learn, think, and decide things independently. Many helpful things can be done using AI in teacher education.

It helps student teachers get feedback on their teaching. Some of the features that AI helps with for an educator in daily life : 

• It helps with lesson planning.

• It focuses on areas that a teacher needs to improve most.

• Teachers in training can learn more quickly and in a better way thanks to AI.

The Role of TTS in Enhancing Teacher Training

Teachers can benefit a lot from Text to Speech during their training. Here's how:

Learners can listen to the important rules for teaching and the textbooks using TTS

TTS improves a person’s language learning and corrects speech.

Sometimes, speaking what you learned in class reveals the extent to which you remembered it.

The program makes it easier for teachers to practice both speaking and giving presentations.

Benefits of Using TTS and AI in Teacher Preparation

Using Text to Speech and AI in teacher training has many benefits:

• Better Learning: Teachers can hear lessons and practice with real-time feedback.

• Saves Time: AI tools can quickly grade tests and help plan lessons.

• Helps All Learners: TTS supports learners with reading issues or disabilities.

• Improves Speaking Skills: Listening to TTS helps teachers speak clearly and correctly.

These tools make sure that teacher trainees are well-prepared before they enter real classrooms.

Top Text to Speech Tools for Teacher Trainees

NaturalReader

 NaturalReader can read PDFs, Word documents, and webpages, which makes it a favorite among users. It includes realistic-sounding voices and is user-friendly, making it the perfect choice for learners.

Google Text to Speech

 All you need to do is tap the button, and Android will speak the text out loud to you. It is a reliable app, costs nothing, and allows mobile learning wherever you are.

Microsoft Azure Text to Speech

 Azure TTS lets teachers use high-quality artificial voices for their lessons, as well as add speech to apps or different projects

.Read Aloud (Chrome Extension)

 The add-on is free and can read out website material to you as you visit different pages. It is great for trainee teachers who depend on the internet for information.

Voice Dream Reader

On iOS, Voice Dream Reader is known for helping people read by reading texts out loud and making them more accessible. TextGrabber reads documents, web pages, PDFs, eBooks, and files found in Dropbox or Google Drive smoothly and with ease. 

Challenges & Ethical Considerations

Though AI and Text to Speech help students in education, we should also look at the potential issues and how they affect everyone.

Realistic and error-free voice for Education 

At times, when listening to TTS, the voices sound mechanical and unnatural. Because of this, many students experience difficulty in learning or staying motivated.

 Even with advancements in AI, it is still difficult to get voices to sound identical to human voices. If something is taught but cannot be understood clearly, it ends up confusing the learners.

Problems regarding Information Privacy

AI and TTS applications usually gather information about students’ speech and learning activities to improve their results. 

Still, if this data is not properly protected, it may be taken advantage of. Stealing personal information is one risk, and using the data without students' and teachers’ permission is another.

 Privacy should be protected, especially if children are using the internet.

The Future of AI and TTS in Education

AI and TTS are introducing exciting new changes to education. As time passes, they will be able to provide new and better solutions to both students and teachers. 

Advances in Emotional and Context-Aware TTS

Now, TTS sounds mechanical, though upgraded TTS will understand people’s emotions and the situation. If a story is sad, the AI voice will be quiet, and if it’s exciting, the tone will be lively. 

This will increase students’ involvement, mainly in literature and history, since emotions play a major role.

 The use of Augmented and Virtual Reality

Just think, a TTS pharaoh could tell you about ancient Egypt as you walk around a virtual pyramid! With AI-powered TTS, lessons can be made fully interactive when combined with AR and VR. Lessons will be exciting for students because they will be able to take part in them.

 How Generative AI Is Changing Customized Learning

Generative AI allows each student to receive lessons that are customized to them. Should a student have math trouble, AI responds by easing up and using words that can be understood more clearly. 

Students who like to listen rather than read can learn with TTS which will speak the lessons out loud for them.

Conclusion

AI and Text to Speech are changing how teachers are trained. They make learning easier, faster, and more fun.

 For teacher trainees, these tools are powerful helpers that build skills and confidence. As more schools use technology, TTS and AI will only grow. 

Teachers of tomorrow are learning today with the help of smart tools—and that’s something to be excited about!