'My talker gives me a voice' — 'Stuart' makes an appearance at Hill of Beath
Children's minister Angela Constance has launched technology to help pupils with communication difficulties in Fife.
Learning support assistant Lynn Baynham (left) and Ms Constance look on as Brooke Smith demonstrates the voice technology.
- By Aileen Robertson
- Published in the Courier : 15.09.11
- Published online : 15.09.11 @ 02.39pm
Hill of Beath Primary School is already using 'Stuart', a friendly Scottish voice delivered by a computer software package, which helps pupils by vocalising text, allowing them to listen to online material and hear their work read back to them.
There was already a female voice, 'Heather', but teachers found boys were reluctant to engage with it.
Ms Constance said: "Seeing young people use the synthetic voice technology today has been an uplifting and informative experience.
"The launch of Stuart today underlines my commitment to ensure that all of Scotland's children and young people get the most from the learning opportunities available to them."
She added: "The Scottish voice technology enhances pupils' inclusion, participation, access to the curriculum and independence, helping pupils reach their full potential."
Principal teacher of learning support Sarah Gibson said Stuart and Heather were easier for the children to understand than the previous American-sounding "robot" voice.
'Tell people my stories'
She said the technology had helped children with reading and writing difficulties extend their vocabulary.
She added: "All the children really enjoy using it and this has really expanded what they can do."
Youngsters at Cairneyhill Primary are also using the technology.
Cairneyhill pupil Brooke Smith said Heather had helped her express her ideas.
She said: "I love to chat and tell people my stories.
"I love using my talking device because I find talking difficult and my talker gives me a voice."
'Talking the same as my pals'
She added: "I usually decide what to say and my helper puts my words in my talker for me.
"I used to have a device with an American lady's voice but now I have my new Heather voice I love it because it makes me sound just like a primary five Scottish girl talking the same as my pals."
Stuart was developed by CALL Scotland at Edinburgh University.
CALL Scotland senior research fellow Paul Nisbet said: "Since 2008, Scottish learners have been able to use Heather, the Scottish female voice, and so it's great to have gender equality.
"From today, pupils with visual impairment, dyslexia or reading difficulties will be able to have books and learning materials and exam papers read out by Stuart."
Add a comment