APP of the week: Speechify

Currently, the Jordan School Board is focusing on banning cell phones in schools. While banning phones solves one problem (removing distractions for our classrooms), it fails to address the bigger concern: EDUCATING students on "How To” use their phones.

We miss this in our society. We introduced Cell Phones, Smart pads, and even computers with very little instruction on how to use these tools effectively. Our moral obligation is to teach our kids "How To" use these tools so they can control them instead of letting them control them.

I am not getting much support in my desire to educate our students on technology use, so I decided to get off the sidelines and create something myself.

I propose teaching those within my sphere of influence what I know about using technology and inviting them to teach me what they know. My area of expertise is instructional technology, but I have learned that not everyone has all the answers. We all know a little, so we can know a lot when we share.

Are you ready? Text, call, or message me with ideas on improving this idea and why you have ideas!

This week, I want to introduce you to Speechify.

This text-to-speech tool has personally helped me because I believe I have an undiagnosed learning disability, and I am an extremely busy person. Allowing my learning tools to do some of my work, has helped me to be more effective.

I love to use this tool when I am reading long passages. I follow along with Mark and make notes. I also use this tool while traveling in my car, and it is a lifesaver when I am reading emails. I respond while I am listening to the text.

Speechify is also supported by over 60 languages, so if you are learning a language or if English is not your primary language, this app is for you.

Speechify has a free and paid version.. Let's start with the free version and test it out. They also have a free trial if you are considering paying for this app.

Every student needs to know and understand how tools like Speechify can help them become better learners. Have you ever used Speechify?

I asked my friend AI to introduce this learning tool to you and present similar apps for students with reading difficulties.

Here is what I learned from the AI tool Co pilot

Can you help me understand the app Speechify? Are there similar tools out there?

Sent by Copilot:

Sure! Speechify is a text-to-speech (TTS) app that converts written text into spoken words using AI-generated voices. It’s designed to help users read faster and retain more information by listening to content instead of reading it. Speechify can read various types of content, including PDFs, emails, web pages, and books, and it offers over 200 natural-sounding voices in multiple languages1 2.

Key Features of Speechify:

Multi-Platform Support: Available on iOS, Android, Chrome, Mac, and Windows.
Natural Voices: Over 200 lifelike voices in more than 60 languages.
Speed and Accent Control: Adjust the reading speed and choose different accents.
Cross-Device Sync: Syncs your library across devices.
AI Summaries: Provides instant summaries of the content.
Image-to-Speech: Converts images of text into spoken words1 2.

Similar Tools to Speechify:

These alternatives offer a range of features and price points, so you can choose one that best fits your needs. Do you have any specific requirements or preferences for a text-to-speech tool?