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Using Text-to-Speech with an Open Textbook & the Microsoft Edge Browser
Open Textbooks
- The native format for Open Textbooks is digital.
- Open Textbooks hosted on NSCC Pressbooks are compatible with Text-to-Speech tools.
- Some text-to-speech tools work better than others with Open Textbooks.
Recommended Tool
- FireFox or Microsoft Edge Browser
- Using the browser's built in text-to-speech tool provides a high quality reading experience.
- You can Download Edge or Firefox to your device.
How to Use
- Open the Browser and go to the Open Textbook you want to read.
- Select the chapter you want to read.
- Look for tool icons in the url [web address] box.
- In Firefox look for a blue book icon.

- In Edge look for the open book icon.

- Edge Options
- Select the capital A icon with 2 sound waves
- Reading of your content will start.
- A new toolbar should also be visible.

- Use this tool bar to:
- pause reading
- restart reading
- go back or forward
- customize the voice and reading speed
Reading in Immersive Reader View
- Select the Open Book Icon

- Immersive Reader will simplify the page
- Ads and pop ups are not included in this view
- Only the text of the web page is displayed
- Great option for reading website content
- A new toolbar will display when you are in Immersive Reader View.
- Select the capital A with 2 sound waves and the words Read Aloud to begin.

Toolbar not Visible
- Place your cursor where you want to start reading
- Right click with your mouse or keypad
- Select Read Aloud
- A new tool bar should now be visible in a black bar at the top of the page you are reading -- on your right.
- Use the tool bar to:
- pause reading
- restart reading
- customize the voice