Upload and Read a Document with ReadSpeaker TextAid

Learn how to upload a document to ReadSpeaker TextAid and use its reading tools to have the text read aloud and navigate the document more easily.

Overview

This article provides instructions on how to upload a document to ReadSpeaker TextAid and have the document read aloud.

Instructions

Upload a Document

1. Open ReadSpeaker TextAid from Brightspace. (Go to brightspace.villanova.edu and select ReadSpeaker TextAid under Villanova Resources)
2. Click Library.
3. Add the document using one of the following options:
   • Click Upload, and then select the file from your computer or device.
   • Drag and drop the file into the Library.
   • Choose the Document Language and folder.
   • Click Upload
4. Wait for the document to finish uploading and processing.
5. Open the uploaded document from the Library in TextAid.

Note: Supported document types include .doc .docx .dpt .epub .odt .pdf .ppsx .ppt .pptx .rtf .xls .xlsx

Read the Document

1. Open the uploaded document from the Library in TextAid.
2. Click Listen or select the play button to begin reading the document aloud.
3. Use the available reading tools while reviewing the document. Tools may include:
   • Text highlighting
   • Notes
   • Annotations
   • Page navigation
   • Search
4. Save the document to your personal TextAid Library when available to access it later from another browser or device.
5. To create an audio copy for later listening, select the option to save the document as an MP3. [Needs Verification]

Tips for Uploaded Documents

• Use documents with selectable text whenever possible. Scanned PDFs and image-only files may require optical character recognition before TextAid can read them accurately.
• If a PDF does not read correctly, try using the document reader option or uploading a cleaner version of the file.
• Allow additional upload and processing time for long documents.
• Use headings, bookmarks, page navigation, or search tools to move through longer documents.

Note: Do not upload documents that contain sensitive personal, medical, financial, or confidential information.