Unlocking the Power of Digital Assessment with Text to Speech

In today’s tech-led corporate world, technology advances and digital assessments are transforming workplace training, offering new ways to enhance learning experiences.

However, ensuring these assessments are inclusive, offer a good user experience, and remain effective at evidencing a student’s ability can be a challenge for many organisations.

By integrating text-to-speech (TTS) technology, digital assessments become more accessible and engaging, catering to diverse learner needs.

The collaboration between ReadSpeaker and e-assessment providers is key to solving these challenges while providing transformative learning experiences. During a recent webinar hosted by ReadSpeaker and Televic Education, L&D professionals learned more about the power of digital assessment and the importance of an inclusive corporate training strategy.

Watch the webinar on-demand here.

This blog builds on the insights shared during the webinar and highlights the collaboration between ReadSpeaker and Televic Education’s assessmentQ solution, providing insights into how TTS tools are shaping the future of corporate learning and training.

Five benefits of accessible digital assessment

1. Candidate-centred and inclusive approach

Digital assessments, tests and quizzes are at the forefront of creating learning environments that prioritise the needs of candidates, accommodating diverse learners and their preferences.

Many educators find that neurodiverse individuals and language learners benefit significantly from the flexible formats that digital assessments provide. Such adjustments not only alleviate anxiety but also allow candidates to showcase their true capabilities without the constraints of traditional testing methods that may challenge their reading skills.

For instance, allowing read aloud audio support can help learners process information more effectively, leading to better performance outcomes.

This is powerfully illustrated by Constructiv, a company that uses assessmentQ combined with ReadSpeaker’s TTS software to help level the playing field of candidates undertaking compliance examinations for the construction industry.

“Constructiv organises digital exams via assessmentQ for construction workers who often have enough knowledge, but who get nervous when they can only read the questions on a screen. Because of the possibilities offered by ReadSpeaker, in combination with assessmentQ, people will be able to demonstrate what they have to offer.”

2. Implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

For corporate training to really work, we have to acknowledge that people learn in different ways. They may work best using pen and paper, or perhaps they would prefer app-based learning.

Some employees will be embracing artificial intelligence, while others will shy away from new technologies. That’s where implementing UDL, a framework that is used across traditional education institutions, from the early years through to higher education, can make a huge difference.

It’s estimated that 15-20% of the global population is neurodivergent, and 10% have dyslexia. Yet 70% of neurodivergent individuals choose not to disclose their condition to their employer.

Whether your company employs anyone with learning disabilities or not, you will certainly train staff with temporary or situational learning needs, including language learners. Helping employees feel included can be as simple as meeting their needs without needing to be asked.

Assistive technology can help to reduce the gap between your training program and the employees’ preferred mode of learning, providing equal access to content and building a sense of belonging and inclusion within the workplace.

One of the main principles of UDL recognises that providing multi modal means of engagement can support learners in choosing what works best for them.

Whether that is by providing video content alongside written materials or the functionality to have digital assessments read aloud for learners with reading difficulties, companies that embrace UDL can help ensure learning and development opportunities are available and accessible to all employees, from onboarding to performance reviews, to mandatory assessments and professional qualifications.

For example, providing text-to-speech technology for employees during performance reviews can enhance understanding and retention, allowing employees to fully grasp feedback and expectations.

Read more about Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Principles for Workplace Training in our blog on the subject.

3. Secure and scalable solutions

Digital assessments offer secure, scalable solutions that are adaptable to various contexts, including hybrid and remote settings.

Organisations often report that robust security measures are critical to maintaining the integrity of assessments, while scalability allows them to adapt quizzes to different group sizes and needs. This flexibility ensures that all employees receive the same high-quality learning experience, regardless of their location.

While adding text-to-speech software to the mix can enhance the accessibility of digital assessments, with ReadSpeaker, there is no need to be concerned about a negative effect on the security of those assessments. ReadSpeaker never collects user data, and is fully compliant with data protection laws, ensuring the privacy of learners and candidates and their responses to assessments.

4. Seamless integration

For digital assessments to be truly effective, they must seamlessly integrate with existing learning management systems (LMS), content authoring tools, and accessibility solutions.

Seamless integration streamlines workflows for training teams, reducing administrative overhead and ensuring consistent delivery and tracking of learning outcomes.

ReadSpeaker integrates effortlessly with most LMS platforms, embedding TTS capabilities directly within learning content and assessments. This allows organisations to provide voice support without requiring separate applications or complex technical adjustments.

With a simple click, learners can listen to questions, instructions, and feedback, which enhances reading comprehension and accessibility, especially for language learners or those with dyslexia.

5. Flexible, fair, and accessible assessments

Modern learners expect training programs to reflect their needs for flexibility, fairness, and accessibility. This includes the ability to complete assessments at their own pace, access materials in multiple formats, and trust that evaluation methods are unbiased and supportive of different learning needs.

Linking back to UDL, text-to-speech tools like ReadSpeaker contribute to these expectations by offering multi modal content delivery.

This adaptability ensures that learners can choose how they interact with the material, whether that’s by reading the written text, listening as it’s read aloud, or both formats synchronously. It levels the playing field for individuals who process information better when read aloud, or for those with visual impairments, ensuring assessments are not only fair but also more inclusive.

Moreover, this can reduce cognitive load, help with focus, support language learners with pronunciation and ultimately increase assessment completion rates and overall learner success.

Want to learn more?

Digital assessments with text-to-speech technology offer significant benefits for corporate training, making learning experiences more inclusive and effective.

For further insights into the future of digital assessments, watch the on-demand webinar, and get in touch with ReadSpeaker today to find out how we can transform the learning experience in your organisation.

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