Speechify is a powerful app that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to convert written text into spoken words. The technology behind Speechify is impressive and offers a range of features that make it an ideal tool for individuals with reading difficulties or those who simply prefer to listen rather than read.

The app uses natural language processing (NLP) algorithms and neural networks to analyze text and transform it into natural-sounding speech. Speechify’s advanced algorithms can identify different languages, accents, and speech patterns, enabling it to produce accurate and clear audio output.

One of the most impressive features of Speechify is its ability to learn and adapt to individual users. The app’s machine learning technology allows it to analyze the user’s reading speed, pronunciation preferences, and other factors to create a personalized listening experience. This means that Speechify can adjust its speech rate and other settings to match the user’s preferences, making it more comfortable and convenient to use.

Speechify is available on both iOS and Android devices, as well as on desktop computers, and offers a range of customization options, including different voices, reading speeds, and languages.

In conclusion, Speechify is a cutting-edge technology that combines AI and machine learning to create a powerful text-to-speech app. Its advanced features and personalized approach make it an excellent tool for individuals with reading difficulties, as well as anyone who prefers to listen to written text rather than read it.

Some Ideas for EAL Learners

• Improving Pronunciation: One of the most significant challenges faced by EAL learners is improving their pronunciation. Speechify can help learners practice their pronunciation by converting written text into spoken words, allowing them to listen to the correct pronunciation of different words and phrases. By listening to how the words are pronounced, learners can improve their pronunciation and speaking skills over time.

• Building Vocabulary: EAL learners often struggle with building their vocabulary. Speechify can help learners improve their vocabulary by converting written texts, such as articles or books, into audio format. This allows learners to listen to new words and phrases and learn their meaning in context. Additionally, learners can use Speechify to create a personalized vocabulary list by selecting and adding new words and phrases to the app’s library.

• Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken English can be challenging for EAL learners, especially when it comes to accents and colloquialisms. Speechify can help learners improve their listening comprehension by converting written text into spoken words and allowing them to listen to the text at their own pace. The app’s personalized approach also means that learners can adjust the reading speed and other settings to match their listening comprehension level, making it easier to understand and retain information.

Scribble Diffusion uses AI to create images by leveraging computer vision algorithms to analyze the patterns and strokes made by the pen on paper.

When the pen is used to create a drawing or sketch, the AI in Scribble Diffusion analyzes the various lines, curves, and shapes in the drawing to identify and categorize different components. The system then applies a series of filters and adjustments to create a digital image that closely resembles the original drawing.

Moreover, the system employs machine learning techniques to improve its ability to identify and classify different types of images over time. As the system is exposed to more drawings and sketches, it learns to recognize patterns and refine its ability to create more accurate digital representations of the original artwork.

Overall, the AI in Scribble Diffusion makes it easy for users to create digital images from their hand-drawn sketches and drawings, providing a fast and efficient way to capture and share their artwork with others.

Post written by ChatGPT and edited by David!

To start the week I used Scribble Diffusion with my students to create basket tags – what a total blast that was – thanks Year 6D!

Then, after some online community misunderstandings, I used Speechify to read out loud, in the style of Snoop Dog, a digital citizenship rap – which was written by ChatGPT.

Listen up, y’all, let me tell you a tale

About being a good citizen, it’s not for sale

We’re talkin’ digital, the online space

Where we connect with each other, any time, any place

Chorus:

Being a good digital citizen is key

Respect, kindness, and responsibility

The internet’s a big community

So let’s all strive for unity

Verse 2:

It’s easy to hide behind a screen

And say things we wouldn’t say in a scene

But when you’re online, it’s just as real

So let’s all make a deal

To treat others with respect and care

And be mindful of what we share

Our words and actions have an impact

So let’s make sure they’re not an attack

Chorus:

Being a good digital citizen is key

Respect, kindness, and responsibility

The internet’s a big community

So let’s all strive for unity

Verse 3:

We all have the power to make a change

To create a world that’s free from hate

Let’s use our voices for good

And stand up for what we should

We can spread positivity and love

And show that kindness is what we’re made of

Let’s work together to make a difference

And create a world that’s full of brilliance

Chorus:

Being a good digital citizen is key

Respect, kindness, and responsibility

The internet’s a big community

So let’s all strive for unity

Outro:

So there you have it, the importance of being a good digital citizen

Let’s all do our part, and make the online world a better place to live in.

As of August 2021, I am our school’s system-wide technology integration and coordination specialist! So what exactly does this mean? Primarily I see myself as a tech coach, but now I also; collaborate, consult, evaluate, and troubleshoot technology puzzles so to speak. To get a better understanding of the scale of the new role, let’s break it down by the numbers:

Collaboration

This is a lot of people trying to try and keep happy with their technology every day. Of course, this is not possible without collaboration from the wonderful tech team I work with. These amazing people pool their resources to deliver technology resources to all of our community. But still, the task seems overwhelming. So I then thought, why not empower our teachers? But first, let’s create a vision; which I will link to ISTE Standards for students, as in this case – the teachers are our students.

Scan the Environment

Our technology vision is “we aim to empower students to learn new things, collaborate with one another, and take risks with technology to increase their understanding of this rapidly changing world.” But how to identify which areas of technology to empower the teachers in? To borrow a term from Porter’s five forces, scan the environment and identify the needs of our buyers – in this case, we started with teachers, and created an Office form to collect the data.

Data Capture and Creating Value

Keeping an eye on how to maintain this new role, make it long-term, and build in sustainability, we decided on the following questions:

• Which campus and division do they work at?
• Which department and/or grade level do they work in?
• Staff name?
• Description of the task?
• Recommendations?
• Time spent on a task?

For now, I will fill in the form, as opposed to asking our faculty and staff. This will initially help me to understand the tech needs of our community. In fact, I already spotted a trend in Seesaw questions, which points to extra training needed. Moreover, some of the questions I received were not that complex to answer, and after some consultation with the team, we decided to direct these staff to the Seesaw Pioneer course. It is our hope that the faculty in question would feel empowered (ISTE 1a) by this recommendation – therefore, creating value from data.

This new data exercise is just the beginning, and I sincerely hope that our positive intentions are received by our colleagues…