BRINGING TTS SOFTWARE INTO THE CLASSROOM: THE EFFECT OF USING TEXT TO SPEECH SOFTWARE IN TEACHING READING FEATURES

The aim of this experimental research is to investigate the effect of using Text-To-Speech Software (TTS), one of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) resources in teaching reading, in particular, different aspects of reading fluency. In this study we investigated teaching and learning of word stress, word intonation, pitch contour, and fluency of English reading through TTS. It should be stated that comprehension had been a part of the program but wasn’t investigated in the study. The study indicated that word stress, word intonation, pitch contour, and fluency have significantly improved as a result of using TTS software.