What is SmartSpeaker?

SmartSpeaker is a new accessibility tool that reads web content aloud. It is available in two modes:

  • As an integrated tool within all D2L courses that appears next to any HTML content, including home pages, content pages, quizzes, discussions and more 
  • As a browser extension that allows students to use SmartSpeaker for assistance reading external websites

SmartSpeaker is highly customizable according to students' individual preferences. To learn how to install, access, and use this new tool, see the instructions below.

SmartSpeaker interface in D2L

Using SmartSpeaker in D2L

SmartSpeaker interface with example of settings window

Using the SmartSpeaker Menu in D2L

When you see the SmartSpeaker interface hovering over any HTML content, the controls will allow you to:

  • Once clicked, the triangle Play button will read the content aloud.
  • Once the content is playing, the square Stop button becomes a Pause button.
  • The Rewind 5 seconds and Forward 5 seconds buttons (once toggled on under settings) allow you to review or scan through content.
  • The Volume button allows you to set the volume to your preference.
  • The Settings button opens multiple settings options including voice options, speed, autoscroll, and more.

Adding & Using the SmartSpeaker Browser Extension

Step 1

To use SmartSpeaker to read external websites, you must first add the SmartSpeaker browser extension.  To add it, go to the SmartSpeaker homepage.

SmartSpeaker Home Page

Step 2

  1. Click the Sign in with SSO button.
  2. If prompted, log in using your KSU Net ID and password.
Sign in to SSO with KSU credentials
User setup, connect, and install buttons

Step 3

  1. Locate and click User Setup in the navbar on the left.
  2. Click Install Extension.
  3. Then click Connect to connect the extension to your SmartSpeaker account

Step 4

To begin using SmartSpeaker,
  1. Navigate to a website and click the SmartSpeaker extension in your browser's extension bar.  
  2. Toggle the SmartSpeaker Vocalization Platform on.
  3. The SmartSpeaker tool will appear on the bottom right of the page. Click the menu to open the SmartSpeaker interface.
  4. Highlight any text you want it to read and click the Play button.

The Power symbol in the top-right of the SmartSpeaker extension will sign you out of SmartSpeaker.  It is not necessary to sign out, but if you do sign out and need to sign back in, go back to the SmartSpeaker home page and click Connect.

Browser plugin, browser interface