ReadSpeaker is a text-to-speech tool used to assist students for all types of coursework by improving literacy and learning results.
It also supports students that experience reading difficulties such as dyslexia, visual impairments, processing disorders, English as a second language and students who experience difficulty reading on screens.
Blackboard Learn Original Course View
Blackboard Ultra Course View
ReadSpeaker is an excellent example of Universal Design, wherein multifaceted teaching is proactively built into a system and provides an enhanced learning experience for any user. ReadSpeaker is a background utility, which will have little to no impact on your course design. It is available for users who want to use it, but will not impact the learning experience of those who don’t. However, the more you are willing to have your materials in Blackboard in a ReadSpeaker accessible format, the more it may help enhance learning experiences and reduce the impact of any challenges previously noted.
ReadSpeaker will be automatically available to students in Ultra Courses. Instructors that are interested in enabling ReadSpeaker for their Blackboard Learn original course, please complete the ReadSpeaker Opt-in Form.
The ReadSpeaker utility can be accessed via the speaker icon in your course. It will also appear beside any selected text in the Blackboard course architecture, allowing users to specify what they would like read aloud. This works for text in items, assignment directions, discussion board posts, tests and quizzes; generally, any text that has been entered in the course creation process. For more information, visit the ASU Student Support Blackboard Course.
Need Help?
For assistance with your Blackboard courses, please contact the Center for Digital Learning and Instruction or visit the Technology Knowledge Portal.
