Read it to Me! Tools that Convert Text to Audio

Have you found the perfect article, website or document to share with your students but know the readability isn't appropriate for all?  Here are my top two picks to convert the text into audio allowing your students to listen to the content and read along.  The video below demonstrates both tools in action.

1. Natural Reader - is an easy to use software that can convert any written text such as MS Word, Webpage, PDF files, and Emails into spoken words. It can also convert any written text into audio files such as MP3 or WAV for your CD player or iPod.
   
2. Announcify- reads out loud every website you want with one simple click. Annoucify is Android and Chrome compatible.
3. Click here for a list of other text to speech tools.

Create Animation Videos in a Few Clicks

Wideo.co Share feelings, explain concepts, promote products, or simply have fun!  Wideo allows you to create animated videos for FREE.  All you need to do is sign up using your email, you will shortly after receive an invitation via email with your password.  Sign in and start creating.  They have great step-by-step tips too!   Check out a short video I created in about 5 minutes.

DonorsChoose

DonorsChoose.org is an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need.

Here's how it works: public school teachers from every corner of America post classroom project requests on DonorsChoose.org. Requests range from pencils for a poetry writing unit, to violins for a school recital, to microscope slides for a biology class.

Then, you can browse project requests and give any amount to the one that inspires you. Once a project reaches its funding goal, we deliver the materials to the school.

You'll get photos of your project taking place, a thank-you letter from the teacher, and a cost report showing how each dollar was spent. If you give over $50, you'll also receive hand-written thank-you letters from the students.

Cookit- Picture Teller

Cookit- Picture Teller
This site is designed to demonstrate how recipes are made, but can easily be adapted to showing science diagrams etc! Consider putting together a short show labeling the different parts of a cell.

This tool allows you to use your own pictures and audio to demonstrate how a recipe is made. A simple zoom tool allows you to focus in on the items in a picture you are talking about, as you outline the ingredients and stages that are important in creating your recipe.

At present, the articles that you make with this tool can only be downloaded and used locally on your own PC or laptop.

Webdoc

Webdoc- a great alternative to Glogster! Create your own multimedia poster, using audio, images, videos and more!

TEDxKids@BC Play. Build. Reach. Learn!

What is TEDxKids@BC?

TEDxKids@BC is a platform for facilitating opportunities to empower kids and support authentic learning. Some of British Columbia's most awe-inspiring kids will share their experiences and inspire others to follow their dreams.

Careers in Subject Area

 Careers in Subject Area - Check out his list of resources.