Science Academy Software introduces "Reader" Text-to-Speech Web App for Children.

Bronx, N.Y., December 11, 2011, Science Academy Software®, a developer of educational software announced today the Reader is a text-to-speech Web application developed by Science Academy Software. The program reads entered text and then speaks those words to the user through their speakers or headphones. Users can type words in a text area or copy and paste text from other sources (e.g. fairy tale, short story). Users can use Reader to read words in phrases, sentences, paragraphs, regardless of textual format (punctuation, carriage returns, line feeds, etc.).

Reader is a learning tool for children to learn to read. They learn how words are pronounced and is of value to those who are learning English as a second language (ESL). The software could be used by the handicapped, visually impaired, and seniors who live alone. Kids seeking entertainment find the program engaging.

Students can use the Reader to create phrases and sentences and follow words as they are spoken; they become better readers because they can associate the words with their sound.The program reads paragraphs of up to 1024 characters (about the size of the text area presented).

Reader's vocal dictionary has a limited, but growing, vocabulary of words and sound effects. Words or text not in the dictionary are presented as "ting" sounds. Currently the scope of the dictionary supports a fifth grade vocabulary. Reader includes sound effects for learning and entertainment purposes (e.g. police sirens for inappropriate language)

Try it out:

http://www.scienceacademy.com/reader/

Note: You will need a Flash enabled browser. If you get to the URL and it's busy, try again later. Performance is a function of bandwidth --server performance, Internet connections, and network traffic.

According to Robert Cummings, author and president of Science Academy Software, "Reader uses a human voice; not a mechanized synthesizer. Reader is free to use online; no sign up or log in required.... Adding sound effects to stories brings the content alive (e.g. lions roar, bird tweet). Children love it!"

Please share this URL with you local school teacher(s)

About Science Academy Software
Science Academy Software was founded 1990. Its mission is to make learning a fun and enriching experience for users of its software. The company's first product was Mastery Learning Tutor an integrated test and tutorial learning system for the Apple II. In 1997, the company introduced BasketMath®, a math test in basketball game format, and launched its Web site scienceacademy.com. In 2000 they introduced Test Servlets & WebTest--programs for browser-based testing and assessment having multimedia capabilities.

The Science Academy Software Web site was named a USAToday Hot-Site in the summer of 1997 for BasketMath Interactive©, and has received awards from StudyWeb(1997), Education Planet(1999), Math.com(1999), Britannica.com(1999). and KidSafe (2002).

Science Academy Software is privately held.

Contact
Robert Cummings
Science Academy Software
(347) 204-5990
staff@scienceacademy.com

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