Written by Tabitha and reviewed by our team. Tabitha is a Kortext student ambassador at the University of Exeter
With diverse learning styles and varying needs, accessibility has become a crucial factor in ensuring academic success.
Whether you’re balancing part-time work, long commutes, or specific learning challenges, accessibility features offer students the flexibility and support to excel.
Kortext recognises this need and bridges the gap with tools designed to make learning more inclusive and adaptable.
In particular, the read aloud tool has been instrumental in helping me manage my academic workload, especially during high-pressure times.
How Kortext’s read aloud tool transformed my study habits
This tool converts written text into spoken words, making it easier for students to engage with their reading materials. Here are a few ways it has revolutionised the way I study:
1. Studying on the move
With the demands of university life, finding uninterrupted blocks of time to read can be challenging. Read aloud allows me to make the most of otherwise idle moments, such as commuting or walking between lectures. I plug in my headphones, and suddenly my textbook becomes a portable audiobook, helping me stay productive on the go.
2. Reducing screen fatigue
After hours of looking over lecture slides and digital notes, staring at a screen for extended periods can feel overwhelming. Read aloud provides a much-needed break for my eyes, allowing me to listen to my readings while still processing the material effectively.
3. Supporting comprehension
Listening to complex material is incredibly helpful for understanding challenging concepts. The read aloud tool emphasises natural pauses and pronunciation, making even dense academic texts more approachable.
4. Inclusive learning
For students with disabilities, such as dyslexia or visual impairments, read aloud is a lifeline. It ensures that everyone can access the same learning resources, levelling the playing field in ways traditional methods cannot.
My personal experience: how read aloud enhances my learning
Before using Kortext, I often found myself overwhelmed by the volume of readings required for my courses. Sitting down to tackle dense academic texts felt like a marathon, and I frequently struggled to stay engaged.
Now, with read aloud, I can immerse myself in my studies without feeling drained. Hearing the material read aloud has improved my retention of key ideas. Even during exam season, when the pressure is at its peak, it helps me stay calm and focused by breaking up the monotony of traditional reading sessions.
Exploring other accessibility features
While read aloud is my go-to tool, Kortext offers an array of other accessibility features that cater to diverse needs:
Customisable fonts and backgrounds: Adjusting text size, font type, and background colour reduces eye strain and makes reading more comfortable.
Highlighting and annotation tools: I can mark important sections, add notes, and quickly revisit key points – a lifesaver during revision.
Searchable content: The ability to search for specific terms or topics within a textbook saves me countless hours.
Offline access: With downloadable content, I can study anytime, anywhere, even when Wi-Fi isn’t available.
Why Kortext is a must-have for university students
University life is demanding, but the right tools make it manageable.
Kortext has transformed my studies, offering a smarter way to engage with materials without sacrificing wellbeing.
If you’re looking for a way to make your study sessions more efficient and enjoyable, I can’t recommend Kortext enough.
Look into its accessibility features and see how it can transform your university experience, you might just wonder how you ever managed without it!
Discover more about read aloud on our Instagram channel here.
