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Text to speech for Coursera: What to know

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Coursera uses machine learning to provide classes and learning opportunities across many areas of concentration. Paired with text-to-speech, learn how to get the most out of the program.

If you are looking for a way to improve your learning and broaden your horizons, you might be interested in Coursera. This is a program that takes advantage of machine learning and natural language processing (NLP). It provides you with an opportunity to take courses in a variety of areas. Whether you want to learn about python, data science, or English, Coursera can help you. Its interactive, deep learning capabilities are popular among learners at all levels. Learn more about Coursera below. Then, consider using text-to-speech to get the most out of the program. 

What is Coursera?

Coursera is based in Silicon Valley. It is an online education platform. Students from around the world have access to programs offered by Coursera. They are massive, open, online courses. Coursera also partners with a variety of schools. They include Duke, Carnegie Mellon, and Columbia University. There are also industry partners, such as IBM and Intel. They offer professional certificate programs through Coursera.

Coursera itself was founded by Stanford University professors. There are multiple subscription levels offered, and verified certificates and degrees are offered. Coursera is also public as of March 2021.

Some of the benefits of using Coursera include:

  • It has a very large catalog of courses.
  • The prices are very affordable.
  • You can learn from almost anywhere.

Some of the drawbacks of this program include:

  • It can be difficult to figure out how much it costs to join a program.
  • Not all of the courses are available to everyone.
  • Some people get distracted because the courses are offered online.

If you are interested in using Coursera, you must put yourself in the best position possible to get as much as you can out of the program.

Accessibility for using Coursera

There are numerous specialization options through Coursera. You might be interested in taking classes on various algorithms. Or, you might want to learn more about computer science. Regardless, it is important for you to learn about accessibility through the program. 

Some of the key points regarding accessibility and Coursera include:

  • The videos are available to learners at any time. This allows people to learn the material at their own pace.
  • There is an independent consultant who is responsible for reviewing the platform from time to time. That way, all issues are addressed as quickly as possible.
  • All of the lecture videos offer closed captioning. This makes it easier for individuals who may have hearing issues.
  • Everyone who works for Coursera is required to engage in continuous training to improve the accessibility of all products.
  • All content providers are required to comply with independent obligations as relevant to their industries.
  • All accessibility support tickets are addressed as quickly as possible. 

Even though this might be reassuring to many people, there are still issues that could arise. That is why it is critical for people using Coursera to have other tools available. These tools can help people get the most out of their learning experience.

Is Coursera ADA compliant?

Yes, Coursera is ADA Compliant. There are plenty of options available for people who have disabilities. All accessibility guidelines are published. Anyone who publishes content on the platform is required to abide by all industry obligations. 

That being said, being ADA-compliant doesn't mean that people with disabilities aren't going to have issues. Anyone who wants to use Coursera must make sure they set themselves up for success. That is why it is helpful to learn about tools that can augment the learning process. They are particularly important for people who suffer from disabilities. This includes learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, and visual disabilities. 

Text-to-speech options in Coursera

Artificial intelligence has come a long way. People using Coursera might be interested in using a speech API that can help them convert text into speech. For example, there might be a text file on Google Cloud that they need to convert to speech. By converting this document into speech, it might be possible for people with disabilities to learn the information more easily.

Neural networks, cloud speech recognition software, and speech synthesis have improved significantly during the past few years. Because the use cases of speech technology have expanded, there are numerous reasons why learners should consider using TTS for Coursera. They include:

  • Individuals who have a difficult time reading screens could benefit from this program. They can have their lessons read out loud to them. That way, they don't have to worry about straining to see the computer screen.
  • It could be possible to use a TTS program to download the audio file and save it for later. That way, they can listen to it at their leisure. 
  • There are lots of programs that are compatible with multiple operating systems. This includes Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, and iPhone iOS.
  • It is even possible for someone to highlight the text on the screen in front of them. This makes it easier for them to learn the content. They might be able to learn new vocabulary.

These programs can be applied to numerous areas. Someone taking classes on supply chain issues and entrepreneurship can use this program to augment their learning. Individuals learning about different programming languages can also take advantage of a speech recognition program. Even someone earning a master's degree in project management or sentiment analysis can benefit from a text-to-speech program. 

At the same time, there are lots of programs available. So, it is critical to find the best option available. 

Speechify works with Coursera

Even though IBM Watson set the stage for text-to-speech programs, Speechify is now the best option available. This is a comprehensive human speech program that will prevent your content in a way that is easy to understand. There are lots of customizable options available. You can listen to your lectures from Coursera in real-time. There are even helpful tutorials that can make it easier for you to learn how to use the program. 

One of the major benefits of the program is that is compatible with a wide variety of programs and operating systems. No matter what device you use, you can benefit from Speechify. It is compatible with all major operating systems and web browsers. Furthermore, it is very easy to use. 

Speechify will read on page content

If you are going through a document for your Coursera class, you can use Speechify to read the information on the page. For example, you may want to slow down the reading speed. This can make it easier for you to keep up. You can also increase the reading speed. This can make it easier for you to get through your work. There are plenty of options. 

You can even select the text that you want to read. For example, there might be captions beneath charts and graphs that you want to skip. With Speechify, you can do so. You can also customize various aspects of the voice to meet your needs. If you want to change the pitch, tone, or accent, you can do so. Because of the customizable features, Speechify is one of the top programs available. Now, you can use it to maximize the benefits of Coursera.

Speechify will read PDF documents

If you want to use Speechify to read PDF documents, you can do so. This is a program that can handle a wide variety of file types. This includes Google Docs, Microsoft Word, and PDF files. Then, you can save your audio file in different formats. This makes it easier for you to listen to the file later.

In addition, you can highlight the text as it is read to you. If you are struggling to learn how to pronounce jargon in your field, let Speechify do it for you. There are lots of productivity tools available. You can customize your experience to meet your needs. 

How to setup Speechify before using Coursera

If you want to set up Speechify to work with Coursera, there are a few key points to keep in mind. They include:

  • First, you need to navigate to the Speechify website.
  • Then, you need to decide which format is right for you.
  • If you want to use the program online, you simply need to click on the online section. Then, you can copy and paste the text into the box. Once you are done, you can hit the play button, and listen to your text. 
  • Or, you can download the app for your operating system. This could include Android, macOS, Windows, or iOS.
  • Once you have downloaded the app, simply open it. Then, follow the prompts. 

There are lots of individual features you can use to customize your experience to meet your needs. You might even be interested in a free trial of the premium version. This gives you an opportunity to try out the best features before you decide if you want to buy the premium version. 

Next Steps: Sign up for Speechify

If you want to get the most out of Coursera, you need to use Speechify. This is a program that is great for people with disabilities, and it can dramatically improve your productivity. Take a look at the different options today. Sign up for Speechify, and improve your learning experience. 

FAQ

Some of the most common questions people ask about Coursera and TTS programs include: 

What is the cost of a text-to-speech Coursera?

There are different programs available, but there is a free version available from Speechify. This is a program that is very easy to use. There are tutorials available that will teach you how to use it. Then, you can select the version that is best for your needs. If you decide to upgrade to the premium version, you can use the free trial first. This gives you an opportunity to try it out before you buy the whole thing. 

What is the easiest way to use text-to-speech on a computer?

The easiest way to use TTS on a computer is to use Speechify. This is a program that is compatible with all major operating systems. You can find a version that is perfect for your mobile device, laptop, or desktop. Or, you can head directly to the website. You can paste your text directly into the box and ask the program to read it to you. You can make your learning experience even easier by customizing the voice to meet your needs. If you are looking for the best program to help you get the most out of Coursera, then you should use Speechify to help you. 

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Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman is a dyslexia advocate and the CEO and founder of Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews and ranking first place in the App Store for the News & Magazines category. In 2017, Weitzman was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Cliff Weitzman has been featured in EdSurge, Inc., PC Mag, Entrepreneur, Mashable, among other leading outlets.