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Windows Speech Recognition is built into Windows 7 and above. It lets you control your computer and also dictate text. You can start speech recognition by clicking on:
Or if you can't get to the Control Panel on your computer, try:
To help you get started, refer to:
These resources take you through:
Before you introduce speech recognition to a student, learn how to use it yourself by going through the tutorials and resources above. For teaching students, we the procedure outlined in Speech Recognition as AT for Writing, by Daniel Cochrane and Kelly Key, which uses the following approach:
A good headset microphone is essential for speech recognition. We suggest you buy a mic with a USB plug such as the Andrea NC 181 USB which we think is more reliable than headsets with jack plugs. There are many other mics that you can use - see the Dragon Approved Mics for microphones that have been tested for use with Dragon - these will be good for Windows as well.
Unlike Dragon or WordQ+SpeakQ, Windows Speech Recognition does not have text-to-speech for reading back what you have dictated. Proof-reading your dictated text is essential, so you really do need to have a text reader on your computer. There are many options available, such as WordTalk or the built in Word Speak button, free general purpose text readers such as MiniReader, Orato or Natural Reader, or commercial products such as Read and Write Gold or ClaroRead. Take a look at Craig's video on how to read back dictated text with Orato and Balabolka.
As well as a text reader, you should also install the high quality Scottish voices that are free for Scottish state-funded schools.
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