TTS and STT in Service of Education †

Abstract

This article explores how Text-to-Speech (TTS) and Speech-to-Text (STT) technologies are being harnessed in education to enhance accessibility, language development, and overall learner engagement. Drawing upon theoretical frameworks in linguistics and educational psychology, we highlight the benefits TTS and STT can offer to diverse student populations, including students with disabilities, language learners, and those seeking personalized or self-paced instruction. We discuss methods for integrating TTS and STT into the classroom (hardware, software, and practical considerations) and offer case studies of effective implementations in areas such as literacy support, foreign language acquisition, and assessment. We then address the pedagogical benefits these tools provide—such as differentiated instruction, immediate feedback, and a heightened sense of learner autonomy—along with limitations and challenges that educators may encounter. In conclusion, we suggest future directions for research and practice, underscoring the importance of teacher training, ethical considerations, and ever-evolving advancements in natural language processing.