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Voice Recognition

Overview:

  • Voice recognition softwares are programs that recognize and translate spoken language into written text.

  • To use Voice Recognition (VR) software, sometimes called speech-to-text, the user must train the computer to recognize their voice. The software and hardware enable the user to talk naturally to the computer, which will record exactly what they said and record it as text. Users can also speak commands enabling hands-free computing.

  • Voice recognition can support students experiencing challenges with writing or graphomotor skills, including those with a writing disability.

To see Voice Recognition in action, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEn9n1X7wIA


Research

Higgins & Raskind (1995)

  • This study examined the essays of 29 postsecondary students with LDs writing with VR, with a human transcriber, and without assistance.

  • Results suggested that students with LDs demonstrate improved writing performance using VR compared to handwriting. Specifically, writing fluency and vocabulary have been found to improve using VR.

Bruce, Edmundson, & Coleman (2003)

  • This case study examined the effectiveness of VR for a man with fluent aphasia (a language disorder).

  • The results of this case study indicate that individuals with physical disabilities and traumatic brain injuries may also benefit from using VR products.

MacArthur (2009)

  • This reflection paper examined research on the use of assistive technologies to support students with learning challenges.

  • The author notes that students who are already proficient writers have not been shown to make improvements in their writing using VR. As well, students must learn to speak clearly, avoid intrusions (like um), and dictate punctuation when using VR. Due to these limitations, extensive training must be provided on VR software.


Quick Facts

Advantages

  • Effective in circumventing problems for children with writing learning disabilities

  • Can be used regardless of impaired vision or physical disabilities

  • Can assist writers in writing fluency and vocabulary

Disadvantages

  • Extensive training required

  • May be impractical to use in a school setting

To Consider

  • Students may require a private, quiet location in which to use voice recognition toolsols


Insights from Practice

Voice Recognition (VR) can assist students who struggle with writing and spelling but are not proficient typers to jot down ideas and fill in short amounts of text. VR can be useful for longer form writing for students with proficient conventions of writing and knowledge of text structures, however, we do not recommend voice recognition as the primary tool for writing for young students as they have not the developed the necessary models of writing essential for longer form writing. Can also be useful for writing single words when a student is completely unsure how to spell it.

Product
Price
OS Compatibility
Internet Reliance

Exact prices change frequently, which is why only approximate ranges are listed. 

$ - Under $5

$$ - Between $6 and $50

$$$ - Between $51 and $250

$$$$ - Over $250

References

 

Bruce, C. Edmundson, A., & Coleman, M. (2003). Writing with voice: an investigation of the use of a voice recognition system as a writing aid for a man with aphasia. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 38, 131-148.


Caverly, D.C. (2008). Techtalk: Assistive technology for writing. Journal of Developmental Education, 31, 36-37.


Daniels, P. (2015). Using web speech technology with language learning applications. JALT CALL Journal, 11, 177-187.


Higgins, E.L. & Raskind, M.H. (1995). Compensatory effectiveness of speech recognition on the written composition performance of postsecondary students with learning disabilities. Learning Disability Quarterly, 18, 159-174.


Higgins, E.L., & Raskind, M.H. (2000). Speaking to read: The effects of continuous vs. discrete speech recognition systems on the reading and spelling of children with learning disabilities. Journal of Special Education Technology, 15, 19-30.


Higgins, E.L., & Raskind, M.H. (2004). Speech recognition-based and automaticity programs to help students with severe reading and spelling problems. Annals of Dyslexia, 54, 365-392.


Honeycutt, L. (2003). Researching the use of voice recognition writing software. Computers and Composition, 20, 77-95.


Lee, I. The application of speech recognition technology for remediating the writing difficulties of students with learning disabilities (Order No. AAI3501541). Available from Linguistics and Language Behavior Abstracts (LLBA). (1323345375; 201303874).


MacArthur, C.A. (2009). Reflections on research on writing and technology for struggling writers. Learning Disabilities Research & Practice, 24, 93-103.

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