Dictation/Speech-to-text

Overview

Dictation can allow students with transcription difficulties to still participate in the writing process and generate ideas. Removing the act of physically writing or typing allows learners to focus on their writing quality and complexity. This can be especially supportive for students who struggle with writing, as dictating speech can help ease frustration. When students' Working Memory is not overtaxed with spelling or handwriting, they can more easily focus Attention on the ideas they wish to express.

Use It in the Classroom

Watch how this fifth and sixth grade classroom uses speech recognition software to support all students in the writing process. Students and teachers talk about their experiences using speech-to-text and how students' Syntax, Composition, and editing has improved.

For students who have difficulty writing or typing, teachers can provide access to speech recognition software and model how to use this assistive technology. Additionally, watching the words appear on a screen when dictated can also improve students' core reading and writing skills, including Vocabulary development.

Design It into Your Product

Videos are chosen as examples of strategies in action. These choices are not endorsements of the products or evidence of use of research to develop the feature.

See how Dragon NaturallySpeaking can be used to dictate in multiple software programs. This allows speech-to-text to be used for a variety of genres, including essays or emails.

Product designers can embed speech-to-text options in programs that students use for writing. This allows students to practice Composition skills and experience positive Emotion associated with successfully expressing ideas. Dictation abilities should also be available for collaborative online writing activities like commenting or providing feedback.

View References

Resources

Below are additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.

Examples

Dysgraphia Association

Information about dictation software and the benefits

Examples

Implementation Guide

Considerations for helping students use speech recognition

Examples

Overview of Speech-to-Text

Reading Rockets overview of the benefits and challenges

Research

Assistive Technologies & Disabilities

Subtopic that includes research on the use and effectiveness of technologies for people with disabilities on Digital Promise's Research Map