In today’s education environment, making learning accessible and engaging is essential, especially for students who face challenges with traditional reading methods. Two comprehensive platforms, Bookshare and Learning Ally, are long-time leaders in helping students with learning differences access literature and educational content.
Bookshare houses a library of over 300,000 books, available for free to U.S. students who qualify. This incredible resource brings books to life by reading the text aloud, making it perfect for a wide range of interests, ages, and needs. Bookshare’s adaptability allows users to listen to books on various devices and even customize the voice that reads the text. High-quality digital voices are available, especially when incorporated with third-party tools such as Voice Dream Reader. This level of customization makes reading more enjoyable and accessible for everyone, breaking down barriers that might otherwise keep students from exploring the world of books.
The second platform, Learning Ally, focuses on offering books narrated by real people, providing a human touch to the reading experience. This platform operates on a subscription model but offers an extensive collection of more than 80,000 textbooks and literature books. Learning Ally supports not just individuals but educators as well, integrating these resources into classroom instruction with free apps for a wide range of devices. The human-narrated aspect of Learning Ally adds an emotional depth to stories, making it easier for listeners to connect with the material on a deeper level.
Audiobook Benefits
For learners with reading difficulties, such as dyslexia, audiobooks are a transformative tool. They facilitate a smoother and more captivating learning experience, offering several advantages, including these:
- Enhanced comprehension and retention. Audiobooks aid in understanding and memorizing content more effectively, especially when the narration brings the story to life.
- Increased confidence and motivation. The ability to comprehend and enjoy stories through audiobooks can boost readers’ confidence and foster a positive attitude towards learning.
- Diverse learning options. Audiobooks cater to auditory learners (those who learn best through listening), facilitating the acquisition of new vocabulary and understanding of complex concepts. They also support other modes of learning when used alongside traditional reading materials.
- Inclusive access to literature. Audiobooks make a wide range of texts accessible, allowing learners to explore topics of interest and experience the joy of stories that might be challenging to read in print form.
In short, audiobooks open up new worlds of information, stories, and perspectives, helping to ensure that all students have the opportunity to explore their interests, expand their knowledge, and develop a love for reading.
Sharon Plante is the Chief Technology Integrator at the Southport School in CT, which serves students with language learning-based learning differences.