Overview: This section demonstrates how text-to-speech technology can be used to support UDL in classroom instruction. Software in the section highlights tools for the PC platform; in the resource section, tools for the Macintosh are noted.

Presenter Instructions: Follows the slides, provide examples of text-to-speech tools, illustrate how the tools are used in instruction, demonstrate the tools, and offer hands-on instruction. In order to facilitate this session, become familiar with two text-to-speech engines: ReadPlease http://www.readplease.com (free) and CAST eReader™ http://www.cast.org/ereader and be comfortable with creating and locating digital text to be used with text-to-speech tools, as well as the copyright laws that govern the use of the text. To learn more about content, read UDL Toolkits: Digital Content in the Classroom.
http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/toolkits/tk_introduction.cfm?tk_id=41.

If unfamiliar with ReadPlease, download and install the free version from http://www.readplease.com.

If unfamiliar with CASTeReader™, download and install a free 30-day trial version from http://www.cast.org/ereader and read the User Guide http://www.cast.org/udl/index.cfm?i=529.

To locate digital text to use with text-to-speech tools, visit the following sites:
CAST eText Spider http://www.cast.org/udl/index.cfm?i=1300
Project Gutenberg http://promo.net/pg/
Internet Public Library http://www.ipl.org
University of Virginia Electronic Text Center http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/
Bookshare http://www.bookshare.org
Children’s Literature Web Guide http://www.acs.ucalgary.ca/~dkbrown/
The Universal Library http://www.ul.cs.cmu.edu/html/index.html

To learn more about copyright visit the following sites:
United States Copyright Office http://www.loc.gov/copyright/
Copyright Central http://www.copyrightcentral.org/
Copyright and fair use guidelines for teacher http://www.mediafestival.org/copyrightchart.html
The Chafee Amendment http://www.loc.gov/nls/reference/factsheets/copyright.html

Prior to the session, make sure all participant computers have the following software programs installed:
ReadPlease
CAST eReader™
Web browser (i.e. Internet Explorer, etc.)
You and the participants will also need access to the Internet.

We have been discussing how important it is to offer students options for how they obtain information, and how they express their understanding. This flexibility engages learners by supporting individual needs and strengths. Digital content, the right software, and online tools offer students options in how they interact with content and express knowledge.