Audio Maker

There is white box. Inside the box are two objects; black headphones and inside the headphones is a sheet of paper positioned in the middle of the headphones (the earpieces from the headphones are in line with the paper to imply the learner is listening to the words from the page). The paper is folded in the left hand corner and there are three black lines running across the page to imply writing.

How It Helps

converts any text from the web into an audio file, e.g. MP3, which will be automatically downloaded
save or share in Google Drive

There is picture of a laptop computer. The computer is open so you can see the screen and the keyboard. Popping out of the computer screen is a girl with shoulder length dark brown hair. She is wearing brown tortoise shell glasses. You can only see the girl from the waist up. She is wearing a pink dress and a jean jacket. In her right hand is a pointer stick used for teaching. At the end of the stick is a white hand that is in a fist with the index finger pointing out. The pointer is pointing in the direction of the section, "How it Helps".

How to Use

From a Google Doc, highlight text you would like as part of your audio file. To note: text can also be selected from Google Slides & PDF Previews & converted.

Click on the Audio Maker icon, which will go gray, and the conversion will take place.

Once your audio file is ready, it will be placed in the Downloads section of your computer.

Click and drag to upload into your Google Drive.

Student Benefits

beneficial for auditory learners & students with learning disabilities in reading
this format provides a convenient way for text to be listened to 'on the go' which makes reading more versatile
helps with listening skills
can be used to build background knowledge or a different explanation
helpful for memorizing formulas, poems, speeches, plays, etc.
therefore a student can focus on learning instead of organizing notes & course materials
if students with anxiety &/or learning challenges (that have a direct impact on speaking and or reading) are expected to orally present (such as a speech) within middle school & high school, this tool would be extremely helpful

Teacher Benefits

reading material can be offered in a variety of formats to various types of learners (auditory)
if students are taught to utilize this tool independently or if a teacher converts text to an MP3 file for students, it frees up the teacher's time to circulate or meet with small groups
a teacher could create an audio file of a story or student's writing for whole class or small group listening activities
a tool to teach more efficient study skills (re-reading of content, listen & take notes,...)
by teaching students how to use audio maker, students can focus more on learning than organizing their notes & course materials

How does Audio Maker support UDL?

Brain with engagement area highlighted in green.

Access

allows auditory learners or those who benefit from an audio format to engage in a variety of reading genres, tasks, assignments
if reading passages, articles, research, etc. are provided in multiple formats such as audio, students have choice in how they read the material

Build

students can utilize headphones while listening to text so they can regulate & sustain their attention; in turn, minimizing distractions and maximizing concentration
build in individual, peer, small group, &/or whole class check-ins to ensure comprehension of text
because text can be offered in multiple formats i.e. audio, it provides more opportunity for all learners to collaborate & engage in similar material & content or connect with peers around similar reading interests

Internalize

because students are learning in their preferred way, their comprehension increases which instills confidence & motivation to participate in class
develops independence, self-reflection & self-reliance

Brain with representation area highlighted in purple.

Access

the transformation of text into audio
provides additional access to audio formats for alternate capabilities of listening to text.
audio maker offers ways of customizing the display of information
it provides a non-visual alternative

Build

could promote greater comprehension due to auditory format
model how to use audio maker during reading workshop as well as other areas that require reading/listening to content. Discuss how it can help to build background knowledge, further explain a concept or pre-learn or review specific subject content

Internalize

can be used to build background knowledge or a different explanation
helpful for memorizing formulas, poems, terms, speeches

Brain with action and expression area highlighted in blue.

Access

the teacher provides the learner with an alternative to written text through audio files. The learner needs access to personal headphones
information can be personalized to the learner for e.g. recordings of; added instruction/feedback provided by teacher, writing assignments, like a story, to provide feedback.

Build

a multimedia tool that can be used for composition.
can listen to audio recordings as frequently as needed for comprehension, studying, review of content

Internalize

allows students and teachers to access resources in an audio format.
enhances a students ability to self-assess and peer-assess
can receive audio feedback from teacher & peers

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