Assistive+Technology

=Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Voice Recognition Software=

What is Voice Recognition Software?
Voice recognition (VR) is also referred to as “speech-to-text,” and is a form of “speech recognition.” In general, voice recognition tools allow individuals to convert spoken words to text. “Voice recognition is a system trained to a particular user, where it recognizes their speech based on their unique vocal sound. (Speech recognition is a broad term which means it can recognize almost anybody's speech - such as a call-center system designed to recognize many voices.)” (Retrieved from [|Wikipedia] on March 20, 2010)

What types of software tools can do this?
There are several software applications that __schools__ can purchase:
 * [|SpeakQ]: Schools that have WordQ word prediction software on their school image can purchase a supplementary tool called SpeakQ. SpeakQ plugs into WordQ and adds speech recognition. These tools were designed for individuals with learning disabilities.
 * [|Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred]: Schools can also purchase Dragon Naturally Speaking. This is a more complex __voice recognition program__ optimized for hands-free control of the computer.
 * Windows 7: There is now an integrated voice recognition program in the Windows 7 operating system

How do voice recognition tools benefit struggling writers?
Voice recognition is a long-term solution to writing deficits. Unlike dictating to a scribe or a tape-recorder, VR does not eliminate the need for students to practice and learn the process of writing (i.e., planning, drafting, composing, & editing). Effective use of VR as a writing method requires training, multi-tasking and compositional skills. VR as compensatory strategy must be seen as a part of multi-faceted writing instruction.

What is the research on voice recognition?

 * Authors || Findings ||
 * Graham, 1990, Reece and Cummings 1996 || Speech recognition gets past the barrier of transcription (handwriting and spelling) ||
 * Higgins & Raskind, 1995 || VR enhanced the quality of writing compared to handwriting in college students with LD. ||
 * De La Paz, 1999 || VR “frees users from worrying about spelling and handwriting, but it imposes new burdens—careful speech, vocabulary building, explicit punctuation, error correction, play back and editing procedures, not to mention the initial training requirements” ||
 * MacArthur & Graham, 1991 || Researchers concluded: The cognitive demands of writing mechanics interfere with fluency and the quality of writing for LD kids. General dictation [scribing] is 9 times faster than handwriting and 2 times faster than word processing. Mechanical demands interfere with written productivity. ||
 * DeLaPaz & Graham, 1997; Reece, 1992 || Concluded that neither dictation [i.e., tape recording, scribing] nor [voice] recognition is sufficient by itself to offset the difficulties that persons with LD have in composing. ||
 * MacArthur & Calalier 2004 || 31 10th grade students achieved 85% accuracy on sentence dictation without editing and 92% accuracy with editing. ||
 * Quinlan 2004 || MS students with writing problems wrote longer papers and made fewer errors using VR compared to average writers. ||

What are the pros and cons of voice recognition?

 * Pros**
 * Allows students to speak their text
 * Can provide some students writing independence
 * Unlike dictation to a scribe, it does not adversely affect learning to write
 * Cons**
 * High cognitive load due to multitasking: think>compose>speak> read> revise
 * Significant training required for functional school use.
 * Good reading skills required
 * __Process writing__ skills required

Which students are good candidates for voice recognition?
The following considerations should be kept in mind when choosing to try voice recognition:
 * Consistency of enunciation
 * Appropriate syntactical speech patterns
 * Can inhibit “Uhms,” “ahhs”, etc.
 * Ability to express ideas with verbal language
 * Auditory and visual attending skills
 * The ability to multitask: to think-compose-speak-read-revise
 * The ability to recognize and revise incorrect words
 * Problem solving skills
 * Frustration tolerance
 * Perseverance
 * Motivation to use an alternative method of writing
 * Self monitoring abilities

What can you do to help a student get ready to use voice recognition?
Using VR is not as simple as speaking to an adult or speaking into a tape recorder; it requires training, multi-tasking and process writing skills. One way to begin is by teaching the student how to use his or her voice to answer questions within digital text. This will help students “think-compose-speak-read and revise. For example:
 * Insert sound object in [|MS Word] (video)
 * Insert recorded voice in [|Inspiration] (video)
 * Insert recorded sound in PowerPoint
 * Practice oral composition with Audacity.
 * Record answers with mp3 player or smart pen.

How do you train students on voice recognition?
According to the Fairfax County AT team, it takes 6 months to 18 months using VR 3-4 times per week for 40+ minutes for students to get to the level of using it to accomplish school assignments. There are 5 stages of training: The Mississippi Bend AEA AT team advocates an intensive four session trial protocol that takes 3-4 hours over a period of a week to evaluate whether VR is an appropriate intervention. Once decided, a regular training schedule needs to be set up for the student to become proficient using the tool.
 * Training voice files
 * Learning VR commands and multiple ways to make corrections
 * Using VR to write simple messages, letters, emails
 * Using VR to do outlining and simple class assignments (e.g., vocabulary definitions)
 * Using VR to compose essays

Who is responsible for making sure students have access to voice recognition?
It is the responsibility of the IEP team to conduct a trial using voice recognition to be sure that it is an effective strategy, and to document this. It is the responsibility of the Special Education team to inform teachers of students who have accommodations.

How do you know if voice recognition is effective for a student?
Voice recognition takes training and persistence. The best way to know if a student benefits from voice recognition is to set up a [|trial period].

Free Resources:

 Storybird
//( storybird.com ; Web; free)// Writing is one of the toughest tasks for students, and the beautifully crafted Storybird provides young authors with engaging, meaningful ways to express themselves. A multitude of artist-created images are available for inspiration or as supplements to stories, making Storybird valuable to students with strong spatial skills. Images are also useful for helping to sequence events in a story. There are a variety of genres to choose from, and Storybird allows writers to share their stories easily and to comment on others’ work, too.

 SpellBetter
//( spellbetterapp.com ; iOS; free)// Students with learning difficulties often find writing frustrating, so poor spellers are bound to love SpellBetter as a word processor. Word prediction and auto-completion features allow writers to focus on recording their ideas instead of on spelling. SpellBetter can untangle the most mangled spelling, and its text-to-speech function makes it easy to listen to the suggested words in the word bank or proofread one’s writing. SpellBetter’s spell checker considers both phonetics and context, and it exports finished pieces to other formats (PDF, e-mail) for sharing.

 Any.do
//( any.do ; iOS, Android; free)// Sometimes there’s beauty in simplicity, and it doesn’t get much simpler than Any.do. For those who get lost in options and details, Any.do is the perfect solution for managing a busy life. Set up a to-do list and program the app to send reminders. That’s it. Because it’s sometimes easier to lay out an agenda while looking at a calendar, the Cal version (also free) combines iCal and the Any.do task list.

 Finish
//( getfinish.com ; iOS; free)// Writing down every task can result in an intimidating list. Since prioritization is critical, Finish allows users to place items on one of three lists: short-, mid-, or long-term. The app initially defines short- term as tasks due in 0-2 days, mid-term tasks as 3-7 days, and long-term as due in 8 days or more, but these settings are adjustable. Finish is user-friendly. Type in the task (“E-mail Prof. Brown re: paper”), select the deadline for completion, and relax, knowing that Finish will send a reminder. When you enable it, it will prompt the app to send continuous reminders.

 Wunderlist
//( wunderlist.com ; iOS, Android, Mac, PC; free)// Wunderlist is a simple, powerful way to organize lists of all kinds. But the best reason to use Wunderlist is its collaboration capability. Users can make group lists, assign tasks to different members of the group, and even arrange for the app to send reminder e-mails. The organizer can see which delegated tasks have been marked complete, and a conversation feature allows group members to discuss their tasks seamlessly, too. Parents of teens can use the app to provide the nudge many kids need, without having to nag, and Wunderlist’s ability to attach files to tasks can coordinate group projects.

=== Time Timer === <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Martel,serif; font-size: 1.125rem;">//( timetimer.com ; iOS, $2.99; Android, $0.99; timers and watches, $29.95-$79.95)// <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Martel,serif; font-size: 1.125rem;">Time Timer is a lifesaver for those who lose track of time or get too wrapped up in what they’re doing. The format of the timer—a red field within the clock face gets smaller as the time passes—is simple enough for even young children to understand. Time Timer is wonderful for preventing arguments between parents and kids. When the limit is reached, there can be no real argument that a few more minutes of Minecraft are warranted. Older students and adults can use the timer to keep breaks from lasting twice as long as they should or to keep from spending 20 minutes composing an e-mail that should take five.