Multiple representations make it possible for every learner to have access to the same information.

The capacity of new media for multiple representations carries many pedagogical advantages. Concepts are presented in different media within one electronic document. Software includes tools that support transformation of information from one medium to another.

For example, through the technology of synthetic speech, computers can "read aloud" whatever text is typed into the computer, transforming text into speech. Synthetic speech is available in some word processors, notably those designed for young children. Dr. Peet's Talk Writer from Hartley Courseware is one example. Synthetic speech is also included in some early literacy software such as WiggleWorks: The Scholastic Beginning Literacy System (see below).

Speech feedback from their own text supports students in learning about the relationship between spoken and written language. At the level of single words, children actively explore phonics and sound/symbol correspondences by typing letter combinations or words onto the screen and then asking the computer to read them aloud. This capacity enables students to explore what happens when the same letters are placed in different contexts (at/ate; rough/through). They also discover the nature of predictable patterns as they simply begin to enjoy playing with sounds and letters.

At the level of sentences, students use speech feedback to self-monitor their work. As they write and edit, or try new phrases, they test the sense of the passage by having the computer read the selection aloud. Students working independently or students with reading/writing difficulties particularly benefit from speech feedback, as it enables them to hear omissions or spelling errors that they might be unable to notice from the text alone.