Tech Resources for Read-Aloud Testing
There is good news for students who must have tests read aloud (and the staff responsible for this time consuming task). There are a growing number of software supports and apps (iOS and Android) on the market that allow for easy adaptation of tests to offer recorded or digitized speech output. Some programs allow students to respond via keyboarding, but not all. Here are just two of my favorites...
Audio Exam App -Designed exclusively for iPads and iPods, this ingenious app cuts the time spent reading tests aloud to students and encourages test-taking independence. Teachers upload (or create) tests through the app, record questions and responses just once, and save to the cloud. Tests can be accessed at anytime and dispersed to student's iPads through a code-enabled download. While the student must still record responses on paper version of the test, the app allows them to listen to content independently, adjusting the reading speed as needed. Audio Exam comes in two separate apps - the Audio Exam Player (free, for student devices) and Audio Exam Creator ($10, for teacher computer). Multiple teachers may share access to the Creator version on a single PC, saving their tests separately. Using the free Audio Exam Player, students may listen to the test content at their own pace and replay each question as many times as needed, even skipping and returning to difficult questions. The Creator offers a 30-day free trial. For more information, watch this Video Tutorial. TIP: Don't limit its use to assessments! Use it to record vocabulary lessons, text passages with comprehension questions, verbal math problems and more for custom-created skills practice.
Google Docs - Your students don't have to use Chromebooks to benefit from a Google account and all of its amazing programs. (The Chrome browser allows access through iOS devices.) There are a growing number of outstanding apps and extensions for use within Google Docs to provide text-to-speech, text highlighting, and even voice dictation. You can create text (or test) content, save to a file in Google Drive, and share with students. They can read independently or listen as its read aloud if needed, then respond by typing or voice dictating their responses. There are hundreds of great uses for Google Docs! Here are a few terrific sites that can introduce you to Google for educational use... 32 Ways to Use Google in the Classroom This excellent presentation will get you started!The G Suite Learning Center has all the tutorial help you need.
