TTS Research

The research related to the use of text-to-speech shows promising benefits for students who face reading and writing challenges. These benefits have been reviewed in terms of compensatory learning, as well as remediation. Digital text has shown to provide access to classroom text materials, and to help students learn to read with understanding.

Text-to-speech provides support to less skilled readers by eliminating word recognition difficulties so that more effort may be focused on reading comprehension. Some studies indicated TTS supported the ability to read sight words. Students using TTS developed greater fluency than those engaged in other kinds of reading practice or training. Text-to-speech has also benefited students when using features of talking word processing, spell checking, and word predictions.

Computer-based learning, including multi-media and text-to-speech, are not a replacement for good instructions. However, when coupled with this instruction, students with learning challenges may show increased performance.