Reading long texts, documents, papers, posts, or writings gets tiresome. So does listening to audio. Our brains process information many different ways, using our Visual Cortex’s and Auditory Brain Centers, using speech and language, to understand and process information.
Rather than to discuss how the brain works, but agreeing that different formats and presentation modes are enjoyable and make life easier, makes this post valuable.
The Text to Speech or Audio Function enables the narration of typewritten to text to be listened to or allows a voice to read it to you.
Here is a Video Demonstration to show you how to use the Text to Audio Feature on your Chrome Browser.
It’s not VOICE OVER IP; it’s simply a robotic voice selected to read the on screen text.
The podcast discusses how to install the Text to Audio Extension on your browser. It is not simple because there are several different browsers and several different audio recorders and players.
It is easiest to understand the purpose:
- Listen to the text written content on an Internet Page without having to record a file.
- Listen to audio versions in order to multi-task or listen while you read along for optimum brain processing or just to see how your brain prefers to receive content.
- Listen to your or someone else’s written works; observing the differences in speech language processing, internet automation, video presentation, and how an automated reader presents information.
- Hear rather than read; See and hear, rather than print and read.
- Learn to install a Browser Extension, while understanding that the extension does not show you everything step by step on how to use it, but other programs and ‘instinctual’ actions, such as “searching” for additional instructions, enables the use of the functionality.
- Understand that there are problems in technology and if it was a good system, it would already be present as an option when you buy or use a browser.
- Review how Technology does not provide everything for you to enjoy things and works in different formats and understand that it actually takes work to build the systems, features, and content that you are allowed to listen to whether you enjoy it or not.
- Enjoy the Human versus the Computer Reader, understanding that both make mistakes.
- Change the speed to slower or faster, using stop and start buttons to go back and relisten or take notes.
- Learn that there are other tools and formats that can be used to teach and learn, using demonstrations.
Text to Audio Browser Extension Instructions:
1. In the Address Bar of the Google Chrome Browser, type “Text to Audio Extension”
2. Install the Extension
3. Search How to Use the Extension or figure it out yourself by reading and following the next set of instructions
4. In the Upper Right Corner of the Browser, click the three dot icon to display the Browser Settings
5. Click “More Tools –> Extensions”
6. Make sure it is turned on
7. Click the Puzzle button on the Right Side of the Browser
8. Select the Pushpin to set it on the Toolbar for access — Learn the Pushpin is to set menu or extension buttons onto the browser for quick access and use. The pin function is also used in the lower toolbar for quick access to software applications
9. Open an Internet page or .pdf file to listen to a typewritten document
10. Use your Audio Reader to listen after you setup the Extension:
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