Improve remote learning with speech-enabled apps powered by Azure Cognitive Services

by | Aug 25, 2020 | Azure, Microsoft, Technology, Uncategorized | 0 comments

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Online learning has grown rapidly over the last couple of months as schools and organizations adapt to new ways of connecting and methods of education. Speech technology can play a significant role in making distance learning more engaging and accessible to students of all backgrounds. With Azure Cognitive Services, developers can quickly add speech capabilities to applications, bringing online learning to life.

 

 

Developing interactive courses with Text to Speech

 

One way that Speech technology can support better online learning experiences is through Text to Speech, a Speech service feature that converts text to lifelike speech. Educators can create interactive materials with highly expressive and humanlike voices using Neural Text to Speech (Neural TTS), now available in 36 voices with 31 languages. (Learn about our most recent languages here.)

 

With Neural TTS, developers can add natural-sounding voice to learning materials, for scenarios like slide narration. Neural TTS can also be used for reading aloud any content, facilitating new ways for students to interact with material as well as increasing accessibility for students with learning differences. Educational organizations can also use Neural TTS to create AI-powered virtual “teachers” that interact with students to make online courses more engaging.

 

With the Custom Neural Voice capability, online learning solution providers can further create interactive learning experiences for their students in a voice that represents their brand, or develop unique voices for different characters. For example, Tomorrow Advancing Life (TAL) Education Group is building different AI teachers’ voices for their online courses. Duolingo, one of the world’s most popular language learning apps, is creating unique voices for different characters used in the lessons.  

 

Using SSML or the Audio Content Creation tool, users can further finetune audio characteristics like voice style, rate, pitch, and pronunciation to fit their scenarios—no code required. Text to Speech also supports different speaking styles—like cheerfulness and empathy—making it easier to bring audiobooks to life.

 

To learn more about Audio Content Creation, watch the video tutorial.

 

Get started today

 

To learn more and get started adding speech to your educational applications, check out our resources below:

 

Text to Speech

 

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Brought to you by Dr. Ware, Microsoft Office 365 Silver Partner, Charleston SC.

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