ReadSpeaker is a software tool that uses the text-to-speech technology to speech-enable web sites and mobile sites facilitating their accessibility. It provides an integrated text-to-speech solution to Canvas e-learning environment. In this evaluation, ReadSpeaker was configured in the Canvas test environment. The outcome of the evaluation is to help the university decide ReadSpeaker as an assistive technology whether it adds value to support students and staff using Canvas e-learning system.
The aims of the ReadSpeaker evaluation include:
1) Test the text-to-speech function and further evaluate its functions as an assistive technology for people with dyslexia and other reading difficulties including visual impairment;
2) Speech-enable website and mobile sites, providing an easier and more convenient way for the users to review course content on smaller screen at anywhere and anytime.
The evaluation was carried out in three stages: the first stage was to set up the ReadSpeaker sandbox account and initial testing within IT Innovation team; the second stage was the user survey from a selection of Canvas users; the final stage was to make further recommendations based on the testing results and the users’ feedback.