There are lots of audio-based tools available to help your learners.
This blog takes a look at three of these that you may not be aware of; OddCast Text to Speech, Mote and Vocaroo.
To support learners with pronunciation, try using the OddCast Text to Speech tool.
The web-based tool allows learners to type in words or sentences into the box provided and then listen and see them being spoken. You do not need to log in or download any software.
OddCast, has a range of different languages, including English, and provides several different voices for each spoken language. It could be used by ESOL learners for English pronunciations and for dyslexic learners to find out what a word they are struggling to read.
Mote
Mote is a Chrome extension that allows you to leave voice comments/feedback on shared documents. It is integrated into Google tools such as Google Docs, Slides and Sheets, and Google Classroom.
The basic version is free but provides most of the tools you would wish to use, although it has a limited recording time of 30sec.
The paid version (2021 was £39.00 a year) enables transcription to over 20 languages and transcribing mathematical/scientific notation.
Mote has produced a range of Mote YouTube videos that explain how to add your comments to Google documents. The series include one on how to add a Mote in Google Classrooms, so it is well worth looking at each of them.
BCOT College has been using Mote to provide feedback, and the following YouTube video demonstrates how they have been using it.
Vocaroo
Vocaroo is a free, straightforward, voice recorder that can be accessed on PCs or mobile devices. You do not need to register, you just click and record.
Once you have made your recording, you can download it as an MP3 file (and there are other download options), create a QR code of the recording, and/or create an embed code of the recording.
The audio files created on Vocaroo can be shared as a link on blogs, websites, and social networking sites.
If not downloaded the recording remain in the cloud for around 3 months.
The tool is useful as below:
- Learners can use it to record their reflections.
- Learners who find it challenging to write their ideas down on paper can make audio notes and later make a draft.
- Reading text out loud and playing back, helps the editing process, identifying punctuation errors.
- Learners can record and listen to themselves.
- Voice comments can be made by learners and teachers.
- Audio assignment uploaded to Google Classroom or VLE.
Other audio tools
Google Chrome, Microsoft products, and mobile devices all have built-in text-audio and/or audio-text tools that can support learners.