AI @ SHSU - Bring Your Courses to Life with AI Text-to-Speech

Creating engaging audio narration for online courses can be a time-consuming task, especially when relying on traditional recording methods. AI text-to-speech (TTS) tools now offer practical solutions to streamline this process. By converting written scripts into natural-sounding audio, faculty and staff can quickly produce narration for lectures, tutorials, videos and more, saving valuable time during course development.

Why should I consider using AI TTS tools?

By leveraging AI-powered TTS, course content creators can:

  • Create voiceovers anywhere and anytime. No need to control ambient noises as you record.
  • Reduce the time spent on manual recording and editing.
  • Easily update audio content as course materials evolve,
  • Support accessibility by pairing narration with captions or transcripts.
  • Use natural voices that sound human, not robotic.
  • Export MP3 or WAV files for easy upload into Blackboard, Camtasia, Articulate 360 or other course creation platforms.
  • Use voice cloning. Some services offer voice cloning (with consent) to maintain consistent tone across all of your materials.

Technology Trainer, Britney Norris, has used AI TTS service, Eleven Labs, for the last year in creating online training. According to Norris:

“I use ElevenLabs for voiceovers when I make training videos. It saves so much time and still sounds natural, which helps me keep things engaging without all the extra production steps.”

Accessibility & Compliance Tips

  • Always provide a text version or captions for any audio content
  • Do not upload or record student information (FERPA compliance)
  • Confirm that you’re using an SHSU approved TTS product.
  • Follow university AI and data-security policies

Getting Started

There are other AI TTS options outside of ElevenLabs such as Camtasia’s Audiate and Articulate 360 Storyline. If you are interested in using one of these services, research them to find out which is more suited for your needs. Then submit a request through the Technology Acquisition Process.

Get ready to bring your online course content to life with AI-powered text-to-speech!

Microsoft Copilot was used in the creation of this content. Copilot suggested content and provided editing feedback for the final product.