Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Assistive Technology: Voice/Speech Recognition Software


I researched speech recognition software as part of my assistive technologies study.  I have worked with students in the past who have had to use personal word processing machines and software for classroom written assignments and I am interested in learning more about these technologies and how to better utilize them with students I may encounter in my future.  


Assistive Technology Training Online suggests that students who would benefit from using this software are those who have difficulty using written tools, struggle with writing mechanics, and/or have difficulty with the writing process.  I have worked with some twice-exceptional students who needed support to share the creative thoughts within their minds.  If I encounter students with this need in the future, I would definitely make sure that the software was installed on a computer within my classroom, so the student could still keep a reflection journal or blog and utilize the software to help him/her write for whatever assignment.  We do have a ReadWrite Gold tool within our server that our students can use to help them research and understand information online.  I definitely think I could integrate this tool also, because it would help support my students during independent studies and then they could use the voice recognition software to take their notes and write their reflections.  The biggest challenge I would face, would be to find someone to help train the student if the student did not know how to use the software program.  The site suggests using “voice recognition to record thoughts for written assignments and then worry about organization and writing later”. I think some of my students could benefit from using this tool just to get their ideas down and then they could go back and write their reflections and organize their notes.
http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/ATBasics/Curriculum/Writing/speechRecognition.php

Bob Follansbee, Ed. D., discusses the challenges and benefits of speech recognition software within his article SPEAKING TO WRITE / WORD FOR WORD:  An overview of Speech Recognition.  I found this article to be very helpful because it provides several important points to consider before using with older children, usually over age 10.  Speech recognition programs are advanced and should only be utilized by students who are capable of completing the extensive training, clear pronunciations, and understanding literacy’s purpose.  Since this requires in-depth training and must be used within a relatively quiet location, other strategies should complement the use of this program.  Classroom activities involving pre-writing and editing will still be necessary, because the student will still need to be able to learn to identify errors and make corrections.  Also, initial work should be simple and a gradual release of responsibility and advancement should occur as the student builds confidence and learns to use the software. http://www.resourceroom.net/older/speechrec.html


One resource I could use to find more information and locate this software would be The Great Prairie Area Education Agency.  Marge Nash is the Assistive Technology Specialist from the Ottumwa office that I could contact.  Their site also has links to numerous other sites and documents with helpful information.  I could even check out a Toshiba Tablet with the software installed through Snap Smart Search to review the program and become familiar before the school purchased.  http://www.gpaea.k12.ia.us/programs--services/assistive-technology.aspx

Another resource is a website http://www.boundlessat.com/Home/Education-Purchases.  I selected this site because it was geared more towards education purchases and the features of free UPS shipping and flexible ordering methods.




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