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Riffit

Text-to-music platform promotes accessibility for struggling readers

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Grades

3–12

Subjects & Topics

Arts, English Language Arts

Price: Free
Platforms: Windows, Mac

Pros: Customization options give teachers and students lots of control over the generated music and how the text looks.

Cons: Although navigation is easy, the generated songs aren't always easy to understand and don't always sound super musical.

Bottom Line: This unique assistive tools taps into the power of learning through music -- and has potential.

How Can I Teach with This Tool?

Teachers can use Riffit as a tool to increase text accessibility for students with dyslexia or for struggling readers in their classroom. Founded on research that shows the positive impact of music training on the development of reading skills among people with dyslexia, Riffit transforms text into song. In terms of how to use it, students can apply it as a study tool. As an alternative to using flash cards, kids can listen to personalized music to help them study vocabulary words or content across different subject areas. To create a new file, students have the option of entering text themselves -- most easily done using cut and paste or by uploading documents or folders. Students can customize the speed, pitch, voice, and genre of the song. As the song plays, words are highlighted, and students have the option to adjust text size and visually isolate text lines to make it easier to read along. Students also have the option of creating their own MP3s to share with friends, which inspires writing and creativity. Plus, teachers can share links to songs via Google Classroom.

It definitely cultivates independence, builds reading confidence, and promotes engagement, and may contribute to better comprehension. That said, it has some room to grow: The music isn't always very ... musical. Generally, we remember songs because the rhythm, rhyme, and other factors make them "catchy." If your document isn't written that way, it can just sound like a document taken through Auto-Tune. To make it work for you and your students, write a document with Riffit in mind so that the song is actually memorable.

Learning Rating

Overall Rating
Engagement

The platform's simple design intentionally centers on students' documents and files, promoting engagement and enjoyment while they're reading or studying.

Pedagogy

This assistive tool helps teachers promote equity and accessibility in the classroom for struggling readers, and serves as a potentially fun option to help students remember information.

Support

There's a demo video that walks users through basic use, and the Riffit blog and website offer information on dyslexia, learning, and music. More tips on how to structure a document for maximum benefit would be helpful.

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