Digital text contains tools to help readers engage with content in ways not possible with traditional print-based text. Text-to-speech and display controls on EBSCO's digital text allow students to personalize their reading experiences. In this lesson, learn more about assistive technology tools available on EBSCO's digital text.
Explora, Points of View Reference Source, and ISearch contain two types of digital text: online full text and PDF. Selected articles are available in both formats. Understanding the attributes of each type of digital text can help educators and students determine which type best supports classroom instruction and learning.
Online Full Text: Online full text is available for all full-text articles provided by EBSCOhost. Students can personalize their reading experience using options available from the Listen menu. They can download audio versions of the articles for use offline.
PDF: Portable Document Format (PDF) is an electronic image of text and graphics as they appear in print. Give students PDFs of the text so they can read along while listening in the Text-to-Speech feature. Selected EBSCOhost articles provide a PDF version of the text.
Text-to-Speech is available on online full text and PDF versions of an article. This feature narrates the article for the reader. Follow these steps to use the Text-to-Speech feature.
Show students how to locate the Headphone icon to open the Listen panel. Using the Listen panel, they can find a limited menu of options to customize the Text-to-Speech feature to meet their needs.
Students can download the audio file of the article as an mp3 file for use offline.
Online Full Text
Show students how to locate the Headphone icon to open the Listen panel. Using the Listen panel, they can find a menu of options to customize the Text-to-Speech feature to meet their needs.
Automatic Scrolling: Use the Listen panel to turn on Automatic Scrolling. When on, the page will automatically scroll to follow the highlighted text.
Visit Using the Text-to-Speech Feature in the New EBSCO Interfaces on EBSCO Connect to learn more about the assistive technology tools available on EBSCO's digital text.
To learn more about the various assistive technology features and how to choose the best for individual student needs, read Assistive Technology for Reading from Reading Rockets.
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