Students can use text-to-speech in digital co-requisite assessments. Text-to-speech is an assistive technology converts text into audio. It supports students who have:
- low vision
- learning differences
- reading difficulties.
Text-to-speech can replace the need for a human reader for students who are entitled to one. Students can also use a reader or writer for extra support if they wish.
Students using text-to-speech technology in the assessments can be accommodated in the same room as other students, but they must use headphones.
Students can practise using text-to-speech technology by completing past digital assessments. Look for Literacy Writing and Numeracy assessments on the past digital assessments page.
On this page
Polly
Polly is the text-to-speech tool in our digital assessment platform.
Polly is available to all students, but they must use headphones.
Check the firewall at your school or kura
For Polly to function as designed, check that the firewall at your school or kura allows requests to Amazon. Your IT support can help with this.
This is the URL that you need to whitelist:
https://polly.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com
Assistive technology (text-to-speech) tools
Students who normally use other text-to-speech tools, such as Google Read & Write, can use these tools in Literacy Writing and Numeracy assessments, providing the tools have been approved by NZQA.
Students need to use headphones during assessments.
Information about using text-to-speech tools other than Polly is available in the MyNZQA school and tertiary portals:
Text-to-speech resources
Teachers, use the resources below, and log into the MyNZQA portal, to get full instructions and more information about Polly and other assistive technologies.
You can forward the student instructions and video links directly to your students.
Resources for teachers
Polly overview for teachers [PDF, 91 KB]
Polly video guide for teachers
Assistive technology overview for teachers [PDF, 94 KB]