Today, software programs exist for various English teaching learning. Software developers have created dynamic programs useful in the teaching and learning of English pronunciation. Speech Synthesizer 5.0, from Caltrox Software is a powerful Text-To-Speech program that is extremely useful for learning English pronunciation and Vocabulary building. The Software runs on all Windows Systems and has adjustable speaking speeds as well as a aesthetically designed user interface. The program comes with a realistic embedded Speech Engine in that gives a very high quality speech synthesis.
The features of Speech Synthesizer 5.0 are designed for ease of use and interactivity ; realistic embedded multiplex text-to-speech synthesizer; reads all text, RTF and Word documents ; customizable display area ; animated speaking character ; eighteen different voice outputs ; adjustable speaking speeds ; variable voice tones from low to high pitch ; graphical sound output visual display ; record speech output as Wav format; software designed specifically for kids ; and fully graphical Windows based interface .
The interface is very straightforward and designed for ease of use and simplicity by Children. An adult (parents, teachers or guardians) can help to setup the program initially. The following Commands together with screen-shots explain briefly about the interface screen.
Through an analysis of archival course communication records and student final exam grades, the researcher developed course-based indices as measures of the frequency of software Speech Synthesizer 5.0. These indices were then used to conduct statistically appropriate tests to analyze the relationships between Speech Synthesizer 5.0, and student achievement.
According to “Prensky, 2005”: Technologies available in classrooms today range from simple tool-based applications (such as word processors) to online repositories of scientific data and primary historical documents, to handheld computers, closed-circuit television channels, and two-way distance learning classrooms. Even the cell phones that many students now carry with them can be used to learn. Students can learn "from" computers—where technology used essentially as tutors and serves to increase students basic skills and knowledge; and can learn "with" computers—where technology is used a tool that can be applied to a variety of goals in the learning process and can serve as a resource to help develop higher order thinking, creativity and research skills. (http://www.ncrel.org)
According to “ Bruce and Levin (1997)” : such as, look at ways in which the tools, techniques, and applications of technology can improve integrated, observed-based learning to "engage children in exploring, thinking, reading, writing, researching, inventing, problem-solving, and experiencing the world." They divided the idea of technology as media with four different focuses: media for inquiry (such as data modeling, spreadsheets, access to online databases, access to online observatories and microscopes, and hypertext), media for communication (such as word processing, e-mail, synchronous conferencing, graphics software, simulations, and tutorials), media for construction (such as robotics, computer-aided design, and control systems), and media for expression (such as interactive video, animation software, and music composition). The Speech synthesizer is group as media for expression is such a great media to improve the pronunciation of child especially in elementary school. (http://www.ncrel.org)
The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of Speech Synthesizer 5.0 software programs on students’ achievements of elementary school. This study is important to the student that have problem in their pronunciation.
A.Statement of the problem
The research project examined the relationship between the independent variable, software Speech Synthesizer 5.0, and the dependent variable, the English achievement the student of SDN Kedanyang.
The question:
How does Speech Synthesizer 5.0 influence the English pronunciation of SDN Kedanyang ?
B.Objective of problem
This use to answer the question, to find what the influences of Speech Synthesizer 5.0 to the student of SDN Kedanyang.
C.Significances of the problem
This study use to know the benefit of Speech Synthesizer 5.0 in elementary school teaching learning. The teacher can teach the student easier and the student will have good Pronunciation and can speak the word or sentence well.
D.Hypothesis
By conducting this research the writer tries to determine the hypothesis of the research which is: There is significancy of the student of SDN Kedanyang that improve their English by Speech Synthesizer.
E.Definition of keyword
Pronunciation refers to the way a word or a language is spoken, or the manner in which someone utters a word. (wikipedia.com)
Rich Text Format is a document file format developed by Microsoft for cross-platform document interchange. (wikipedia.com)
Speech synthesis is the artificial production of human speech. A computer system used for this purpose is called a speech synthesizer, and can be implemented in software or hardware. (www.caltrox.com)
Text to Speech is text-to-speech software to read text in any application, and convert Text to MP3, WAV, OGG or VOX files. (wikipedia.com)
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