Open Textbooks and Text-to-Speech

Open Textbooks

• The native format for Open Textbooks is digital.
• Open Textbooks hosted on NSCC Pressbooks are compatible with Text-to-Speech tools.
• Some text-to-speech tools work better than others with Open Textbooks.
• The read to me option built into a web browser allows you to use read to me for any web page or web hosted resource like an open textbook.

Recommended Web Browsers

• FireFox or Microsoft Edge
• Using the browser’s built in text-to-speech tool provides a high quality reading experience.
• You can Download Edge or Firefox to your device.

How to Use

• Open the Browser and go to the Open Textbook you want to read.
• Select the chapter you want to read.
• Look for tool icons in the url [web address] box.

In Firefox look for a blue book icon.

• Your page will change to reading view – a new menu bar will appear on the left side of the page.
• Select the headphones icon for menu options.

• Press play to start read aloud.
• Change the speed of reading or the voice – select the headphones icon for menu options.

In Edge look for the open book icon.

• Edge Options
• Select the capital A icon with 2 sound waves
• Reading of your content will start.
• A new toolbar should also be visible.

• Use this tool bar to:
  • pause reading
  • restart reading
  • go back or forward
  • customize the voice and reading speed

Reading in Immersive Reader View

• Select the Open Book Icon
• Immersive Reader will simplify the page
  • Ads and pop ups are not included in this view
  • Only the text of the web page is displayed
  • Great option for reading website content
• A new toolbar will display when you are in Immersive Reader View.
• Select the capital A with 2 sound waves and the words Read Aloud to begin.

Toolbar not Visible

• Place your cursor where you want to start reading
• Right click with your mouse or keypad
• Select Read Aloud
• A new tool bar should now be visible in a black bar at the top of the page you are reading — on your right.
• Use the tool bar to:
  • pause reading
  • restart reading
  • customize the voice