Speech Recognition software
Software that allows users to give commands and enter data using their voices, rather than a keyboard or mouse.
Speech recognition is assistive software that allows people to control a computer by talking to it. Instead of using a keyboard and a mouse to control the computer, a student speaks instructions into a microphone that is connected to a computer. When the student talks into the microphone, the student can perform two functions. First, he/she can instruct the computer to perform commands such as opening a document, saving documents, deleting, and more. Secondly, the student can write text into a document such as Microsoft Word just by speaking into the microphone. When the student speaks into the microphone, his/her words will appear on a computer screen in a word processing format, allowing the student to revise or edit. Speech-to-text allows students to get their ideas onto documents faster because they do not forget it due to how slow they type. Several companies which develop and market speech-to-text are Dragon Systems, ViaVoice, Voice Express, and Free Speech.
Speech recognition is assistive software that allows people to control a computer by talking to it. Instead of using a keyboard and a mouse to control the computer, a student speaks instructions into a microphone that is connected to a computer. When the student talks into the microphone, the student can perform two functions. First, he/she can instruct the computer to perform commands such as opening a document, saving documents, deleting, and more. Secondly, the student can write text into a document such as Microsoft Word just by speaking into the microphone. When the student speaks into the microphone, his/her words will appear on a computer screen in a word processing format, allowing the student to revise or edit. Speech-to-text allows students to get their ideas onto documents faster because they do not forget it due to how slow they type. Several companies which develop and market speech-to-text are Dragon Systems, ViaVoice, Voice Express, and Free Speech.
OTHER TYPES OF SPEECH RECOGNITION SOFTWARE
- Voice recognition software turns speech into text without needing to use a keyboard or mouse
- Word prediction software which dramatically reduces the number of keystrokes required to type text
- Dragon Naturally Speaking (Windows):http://www.scansoft.com/naturallyspeaking. Australian distributor ishttp://www.voiceperfect.com and local supplier ishttp://www.abilitycorp.com.au. Some versions are available through general retail outlets.
- SpeakQ
- MacSpeech Dictate (Mac)
Speech recognition technology in everyday life- Speech recognition and speech-to-text programs have a number of applications for users with and without disabilities. Speech-to-text has been used to help struggling writers boost their writing productionii and to provide alternate access to a computer for individuals with physical impairmentsiii. Other applications include speech recognition for foreign language learning,iv voice activated products for the blind,v and many familiar mainstream technologies.
New developments in the technology have driven innovation in many familiar customer service industry applications. We have all used voice recognition technologies in our daily lives, many times without even thinking about it: automated phone menus and directories, voice activated dialing on our cell phones, and integrated voice commands on Smartphones are just a few examplesvi. Medical and law professionals use voice recognition every day to dictate notes and transcribe important information. Newer uses of the technology include military applications, navigation systems, automotive speech recognition(Ford SYNC), 'smart' homes designed with voice command devices, and video games such as EndWar, which allows the player to give orders to their troops using only their voice.
New developments in the technology have driven innovation in many familiar customer service industry applications. We have all used voice recognition technologies in our daily lives, many times without even thinking about it: automated phone menus and directories, voice activated dialing on our cell phones, and integrated voice commands on Smartphones are just a few examplesvi. Medical and law professionals use voice recognition every day to dictate notes and transcribe important information. Newer uses of the technology include military applications, navigation systems, automotive speech recognition(Ford SYNC), 'smart' homes designed with voice command devices, and video games such as EndWar, which allows the player to give orders to their troops using only their voice.
Benefits of speech recognition for struggling writers
Populations that may benefit from speech recognition technologies for learning include users with:
Improved access - For students with motor skill limitations, physical disabilities, blindness/low vision, or other difficulties accessing a standard keyboard and mouse, hands-free computing through the use of speech recognition technologies may be beneficial. By removing the physical barriers to writing and navigation of the computer, you can increase student access to technology and classroom activities.
Writing production - For students with learning disabilities, speech recognition technology can encourage writing that is more thoughtful and deliberate. Studies with middle and high school students with learning disabilities have shown that input via speech is less challenging and that students frequently generate papers that are longer and better quality using speech recognition technologies.
Further information: http://www.ldonline.org/article/38655/
Populations that may benefit from speech recognition technologies for learning include users with:
- Learning disabilities, including dyslexia and dysgraphia
- Repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Poor or limited motor skills
- Vision impairments
- Physical disabilities
- Limited English Language
Improved access - For students with motor skill limitations, physical disabilities, blindness/low vision, or other difficulties accessing a standard keyboard and mouse, hands-free computing through the use of speech recognition technologies may be beneficial. By removing the physical barriers to writing and navigation of the computer, you can increase student access to technology and classroom activities.
Writing production - For students with learning disabilities, speech recognition technology can encourage writing that is more thoughtful and deliberate. Studies with middle and high school students with learning disabilities have shown that input via speech is less challenging and that students frequently generate papers that are longer and better quality using speech recognition technologies.
Further information: http://www.ldonline.org/article/38655/