Learning Objectives

• Learn how to use features within Points of View Reference Center to support student learning.   

Digital text contains tools to help readers access content in ways not possible with traditional print-based text. Text-to-speech and display controls on EBSCO's digital text allow students to personalize their reading experiences. In this lesson, learn more about assistive technology tools available on EBSCO's digital text.

Two Types of Digital Text

There are two types of digital text located in Points of View Reference Center, Explora, and ISearch: HTML Full Text and PDF. Understanding the attributes of each type of digital text can help educators and students determine which type best supports classroom instruction and student learning. 

HTML Full Text: Hypertext Markup (HTML) is the standard language used to create websites. HTML Full Text is available for all full-text articles provided by EBSCOhost. It includes the following tools to personalize all students' reading experiences:

• Text-to-Speech
• Enlarge Text 
• Page Mask 

Students also can adjust the text size, font, sound settings, word color, and scrolling features from the Settings menu on HTML Full Text. Learn more about these tools and features below.

PDF: Portable Document Format (PDF) is an electronic image of text and graphics as they appear in print. PDFs are a great way to present text to students to read along or listen using the Text-to-Speech feature. Selected articles available through EBSCOhost provide a PDF version of the text. These include the following options to personalize all students' reading experiences:

• Access to the full-color image of the article as it appears in the printed version
• Option to increase the text, images, or graphics using the Zoom button
• Ability to download the text for offline use

Please note, the Text-to-Speech feature is not available for use with a PDF. 

Using the Text-to-Speech Feature 

Using the HTML Full Text version of an article allows the user to access the Text-to-Speech function. This function will narrate the article for the reader. Follow these steps to use the Text-to-Speech feature.

1. Locate the article you would like to read.
2. Choose HTML Full Text. 
3. Click the Listen button to hear a narration of the article. 

Playback Options: Click the Listen button to see a display of these Text-to-Speech playback options. 

• Play
• Stop
• Volume
• Reading Speed
• Close Player

Automatic Scrolling: When using the Text-to-Speech feature, students can turn Automatic Scrolling on or off using the pop-up button in the lower right corner. When turned on, the page will automatically scroll to follow the highlighted text. 

Assistive Technology Tools and Options

The following additional tools support students when they are reading digital text from EBSCO. Click the hamburger menu icon to see additional options:

• Settings: Adjust highlighting settings, word color, and scrolling.
• Reading Language: Select an accent or voice for the Text-to-Speech feature.
• Click and Listen: Toggle on this feature to activate Text-to-Speech when the mouse hovers over a paragraph.
• Enlarge Text: Toggle on to simultaneously display at the bottom of the screen the sentence being read. 
• Text Mode: Open a pop-up window to display the current page as text-only.
• Page Mask: Dim the screen except for a highlighted area that follows the pointer. This feature is also available on mobile devices. 
• Download mp3: Download an audio version of the article. 
• Help: Access helpful information about using the Text-to-Speech tool. 

A Closer Look at Text Mode

Text Mode displays the content of the current page in a text-only version in a new window. Users can enhance and customize their learning experiences by using the controls at the top of the text window to access these features:

• Play, pause, or stop the audio
• Adjust the text size
• Increase or decrease the reading speed
• Maximize the window size
• Customize the text formatting

Text formatting includes options for customization:

• Font Size: Users can increase or decrease the text size.
• Font: Users can change the font used in the Text Mode display window.
• Text Colors: Users can adjust the text color and background color.
• Text Spacing: Users can increase the space between words.

Fonts: Users can select from the following fonts.

The images below illustrate Text Mode without and with customized formatting.

Teach students how to access the tools and model how to adjust the text formatting options. Encourage students to experiment with the tools and text formatting options when using digital text available through EBSCO. Students of all abilities can personalize their learning needs, by using these options to customize the text. Help students recognize when and how to use accessibility tools and formatting options to enhance their reading experience. 

Visit Using the Text-to-Speech Feature on EBSCO Connect to learn more about the assistive technology tools available on EBSCO's digital text. 

To learn more about various assistive technology features and how to choose the best for individual student needs, read Assistive Technology for Reading from Reading Rockets.