Speech Recognition (Software)

Speech Recognition

Description of Technology: "A system of computer input and control in which the computer can recognize spoken words and transform them into digitized commands or text. With such a system, a computer can be activated and controlled by voice commands or take dictation as input to a word processor or a desktop publishing system" (10).


Features: A dictation and voice command mode. Dictation occurs when the user speaks into the microphone and his or her words appear on the screen. In voice command mode, the object of what a user speaks is to navigate throughout the current program. The software comes with a list of commands or shortcuts to help the user better utilize the program.


Software Available: Microsoft Office Speech Recognition, Dragon Naturally Speaking, Talk It Type It, ViaVoice, iListen (Mac)


Users/Benefits: Individuals with dyslexia and dysgraphia learning disabilities and individuals with arthritis and hand injuries. Microsoft Office Speech Recognition is a free feature part of Microsoft Office Suite software. Voice recognition is fairly easy to learn. Different software accommodates different languages: English, Chinese, Japanese, French, Spanish, German, etc.


Issues:

• Hardware requirements (headset microphone recommended)
• Location (should be in an area with the littlest amount of noise possible)
• Must speak clearly and naturally
• Must put software through training(s) (the more the better)
• You may speak as clearly as possible and the software may still have difficultly understanding a word or phrase you dictate to it.
• Time consuming

Cost: Free-$200