Automatic Speech Recognition

Students can control a computer through the use of their voices.  Most programs used allow people to dictate words and the computer types them on the screen.  I grew up watching my father use some of the earlier forms of speech to text programs and never thought about its use in school.  What a great idea for students who have motor skill issues.  The tutorial suggests a few ways to determine if your student is a good candidate for such a program:

Is your student a good candidate for speech recognition software?

What else have you tried?
Is typing unsuccessful? Even with word prediction software and/or onscreen keyboard?
Is scribing successful but staff/parent time reducing student's independence?
Is using a tape recorder successful but the staff/parent time to scribe afterwards difficult?
Is this a motivated student?
Does the student like to use the computer?
Are they a student who can verbally create a draft paragraph without prompts?
Can they recognize words on the screen/on paper and know that they are mistakes?
After a pre-writing activity (graphic organizer, brainstorming, etc.), is the student pretty independent in organizing and formulating thoughts and ideas?
 
Does the student have a...

Average spelling ability, at least enough to identify the first letter or two of words?
Ability to read at a fourth grade level?
Clear, intelligible voice?
Long attention span with sustained concentration?
A high tolerance for frustration?
10-12 hours to dedicate to training on just the software before doing schoolwork? 6-8 weeks to dedicate to completing a trial period in the school setting?
Access to a room with little to no noise background?
Basic computer skills? (examples: open and close documents and programs, cut and paste, save)
Staff members willing to participate in 10-12 hours of training and support of software?

My worry for the program is the tolerance for frustration and concentration questions, as some of my students who would benefit most from the program do not have either of those qualities.  In addition, I would not be able to allow my student the access to a room with little noise as I am required to have an eye on all of my students at all times. However, as explained in the tutorial with Jimmy's example, this program may benefit students at home working on lengthy assignments. 

Post Assessment Success!