Virtual Reading Companion Technology to Support the Acquisition of Reading Fluency
- Author(s):
- Beigman Klebanov, Beata; Lawless, Rene; Sabatini, John; Hakkinen, Markku T.
- Patent Issued:
- Jun 01, 2021
- Patent Number:
- 11,024,194
- Source:
- ETS Patent
- Document Type:
- Patent
- Family ID:
- 76094624
- Subject/Key Words:
- Patent, Active Patent, Reading Fluency, Virtual Learning, Oral Reading
Abstract
Systems and methods of improving reading fluency by presenting a virtual reading partner that takes turns reading aloud with a reader, are presented. First audio data comprising speech corresponding to the reader reading aloud from a first portion of a written transcript is received. The first audio data is processed to identify spoken words from the speech. The reader's speaking of the words in the first portion of the written transcript are compared to correct speaking of words in the first portion of the written transcript. A reading fluency of the reader is assessed. Second audio data comprising a pre-recorded narration of a second portion of the written transcript or automatically generated text to speech of the second portion is generated. The virtual reading partner is presented to the reader and takes turns reading aloud with the reader until the end of the written transcript has been reached.