Implementing Luvvoice AI into Your Interpretive Listening Activities
Samantha Colby, OFLA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Chair
Spanish Teacher, Toledo Technology Academy of Engineering
In an effort to give my students more authentic listening opportunities, I began searching for a text-to-speech platform that would bring variety and depth to our lessons. I wanted my students to hear more than just my voice narrating texts—I wanted them to experience a range of voices and accents that reflect the linguistic diversity of the Spanish-speaking world. After a Google search, I discovered Luvvoice, a free text-to-speech platform, which completely changed how I approach listening activities in my classroom.
What immediately stood out about Luvvoice was its user-friendly interface. I could easily input any text I wanted—whether it was something I had written, material from a purchased lesson, or culturally relevant content—and convert it into speech. The platform offers a large number of high-quality AI voices, with over 200 voices in more than 70 languages, ensuring that I could find options to meet my students’ needs. What I found especially exciting was the range of Spanish-speaking options. I could select voices from Argentina, Uruguay, or other Spanish-speaking countries, and even choose between male and female voices. This feature not only added authenticity to my lessons but also exposed my students to the rich diversity of regional accents and cultural nuances within the Spanish language.
Another incredible feature was the ability to export the generated audio as an MP3 file. By doing so, I was able to embed files directly into my classroom slides and post them on our learning management platform to encourage independent listening practice. Additionally, Luvvoice allows students to control the speed of the reading, making the content more accessible for learners at different levels. Slowing down the pace helps students who may need extra time to process what they’re hearing, while more advanced students can listen at a more natural speed to challenge their comprehension skills. Utilizing this platform has allowed me to create a more immersive platform that encourages my students to interact with the language on a deeper level.
Luvvoice has been a powerful tool for promoting inclusivity in my classroom. Through the incorporation of a variety of voices and accents, I’m able to ensure that all students feel represented and valued in their learning experience. It’s not just about learning a language—it’s about understanding the people, cultures, and identities behind it. While the platform offers a premium version with additional features, I’ve found that many of my classroom needs can be met with the free version, making it an accessible option for educators with limited resources. Luvvoice has helped me bring my vision of an inclusive, authentic, and engaging language-learning experience to life, giving my students access to a broader world of linguistic and cultural diversity.