Open Textbooks and Text-to-Speech
Additional Resources
- NSCC Assistive Technology Guide: information about assistive technology at NSCC
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