Assistive Teachnology
Creating Added Accessibility in the Classroom!
Screen Readers
While I have not seen the technology used first hand in my classroom, I have heard other teachers in the building talk about the benefits of these AT devices.
I think about a student I in the past that struggle severely with reading, and how he could benefit from this technology. He was one that would get every problem wrong if the test or assignment was just handed to him to complete, however, if you read the questions to him, he would be able to verbally tell you the correct answer. This piece of technology would be the first step in helping this child in a way that would increase he knowledge of concepts and allow him to feel success. Which, isn't that the goal of AT at it's heart?
I know that there are kids, typically one or two a year that are like this student described, and if they were able to get the help they needed with their struggles related to illiteracy, it would cut out a step in the process that they have not seen success by allowing them the assistance they need so they can focus on creating their response and learning.
Sources:
American Foundation for the Blind
http://www.afb.org/ProdBrowseCatResults.asp?CatID=49
Screen Reader
Speech Recognition Software
I the previous section I discussed a student that struggled with communication skills, he would bomb a test or assignment if simply asked to take it. But when that same exam (or rather, a different version of the test) would be read to him, he would soar with flying colors. Imagine also, if instead of spending afternoons with my at my desk being read the assignment and then having his responses dictated, he were able to use technology to help him complete assignments. That would take the stress off of me as the teacher, and would allow him autonomy in the classroom he hasn't ever been able to have.
This would revolutionize the classroom for students who are visually impaired or struggle with literacy. The interesting thing about this technology too is that in terms of speech recognition software, it is a technology that is already being used in students cell phones or ipods. It could easily be implemented in the classroom.
Sources:
Top Ten Reviews
http://voice-recognition-software-review.toptenreviews.com/
Next Generation Technologies
Popular Speech Recognition Software:
Dragon Naturally Speaking
Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional
Dragon Helps People Work Faster and Smarter
Dragon NaturallySpeaking 12 Professional can provide hands-free access in most computing environments— and provide overall gains in worker productivity. State-of-the-art speech recognition can transcribe to three times faster than most people type, with accuracy rates of up to 99% right out of the box. With support for handheld digital recording technologies transcription can even be accomplished when one is away from their PC. Create custom commands to automate repetitive tasks and provide expanded hands-free access for tasks that involve multiple keystrokes or mouse clicks. This edition offers complete enterprise network support, including new security features, a special management guide for IT professionals and support for Citrix deployments.
New in Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional 12
Even More AccurateImproved Accuracy: Dragon 12 delivers up to a 20% improvement in out-of-box accuracy compared to Dragon 12. This means that Dragon gets you, and you get things done, faster than ever. And when you do need to make a correction, Dragon learns, making it more accurate the more that you use it.Faster Than EverFaster Processors Yield Faster Performance: If you use Dragon on a computer with multi-core processors and more than 4 GB of RAM, Dragon 12 automatically selects the BestMatch V speech model for you when you create your user profile in order to deliver faster performance.Better performance: Dragon 12 boosts performance by delivering easier correction and editing options, and giving you more control over your command preferences, letting you get things done faster than ever before.Enhanced Web Mail;Enhanced Experience with Gmail and Hotmail: Dragon 12 enhances the experience of using your voice with two of the most popular web-based email applications — Gmail and Hotmail — offering Full Text Control and commands for the most frequent actions in Internet Explorer 9, Mozilla Firefox 12 or higher, and Google Chrome 16 or higher.Interactive TutorialInteractive Tutorial: Proposed at the end of profile creation and available any time from the Help menu, the Interactive Tutorial in Dragon 12 offers short progressive simulations to help you practice good dictation, correction and editing habits so that you can create text efficiently within just a few minutes. Even experienced Dragon users can benefit from the Interactive Tutorial.Wideband Bluetooth SupportEnhanced Bluetooth Support: Dragon 12 adds support for wideband Bluetooth wireless headset microphones, and you can get up and running quickly. When it detects that the USB dongle of a certified microphone is plugged into the PC, Dragon 12 offers “Enhanced Bluetooth” as an audio source type and does not require a script reading to get started. (Available in Premium Edition and above).Smart Format RulesSmart Format Rules: Dragon now reaches out to you to adapt upon detecting your format corrections – abbreviations, numbers, and more — so your dictated text looks the way you want it to every time.More Natural Text-to-SpeechMore Natural Text-to-Speech Voice: Dragon 12's natural-sounding Text-To-Speech reads editable text—with fast-forward, rewind and speed and volume control—for easy proofing and multi-tasking. (Available in Home Edition and Above).Faster CorrectionCorrection: When it comes to correcting a word or phrase, Dragon now includes more choices to make it quicker and easier to make a change.Dragon Remote Mic – Now for AndroidDragon Remote Microphone App for iOS and now Android: Dragon 12 lets you go wireless with an iOS or Android device and the free Dragon Remote Microphone App. Turn your compatible iPhone, iPod touch (4th gen), iPad or Android device into a wireless microphone for use with Dragon over a WiFi network. And it's easier than ever to get started – simply use the camera on your device to scan the barcode that Dragon 12 provides on-screen.Key Features
Up to 99% Accurate and Three Times Faster than TypingMost people speak more than 120 words per minute, but type less than 40 words a minute. That means you can create documents and emails about three times faster with Dragon NaturallySpeaking. Dragon never makes a spelling mistake, and it actually gets smarter the more you use it!Easy to UseDragon NaturallySpeaking installs quickly and requires no special script reading. New on-screen help and tutorials will make you an expert user in no time.Use with Any Windows ProgramUse your voice to dictate, edit and control virtually any Windows application, including the full Microsoft Office suite, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Corel WordPerfect.Streamline Complex or Repetitive Document-Creation TasksCreate custom voice commands to automate and streamline repetitive tasks that you perform dozens of times a day. Dragon NaturallySpeaking 12 Professional allows organizations to set up macros of frequently used signatures, boilerplates, phrases, paragraphs and more so that multi-step processes can be automatically executed with a single voice command.Network ReadyDragon NaturallySpeaking 12 Professional offers administrative tools to manage large user populations. Organizations with large deployments can centrally manage voice profiles, custom vocabularies and multiple installations.Productivity for Mobile WorkersDictate into any Nuance-certified handheld device for automatic transcription when you synch with your PC. Use Dragon NaturallySpeaking with Nuance-approved Bluetooth headsets for great dictation results without the wires. Convenient to use with a Tablet PC system.Provide Accessibility for Disabled Workers, and Protect Employees from Repetitive Stress InjuriesDragon NaturallySpeaking 12 Professional can help organizations meet their disability management needs because it's Section 508 certified. Whether employees are permanently disabled or just in temporary rehabilitation, Dragon NaturallySpeaking 12 Professional can keep everyone on the job. Plus, by using voice to control the PC and create documents, users reduce their risk of developing repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.New! Dragon Voice Shortcuts for Email and CalendarAt any time, no matter what is active on the screen, you can automatically create and address an email. For example, while reviewing a Web site, you may need to send an email to colleagues. Just say, “send email to Jon Smith and Raphael Sanchez," and Dragon will activate your email program, create a new email and put the contact name(s) you said into the "to:" box. Or to schedule a group meeting, you can say, "Schedulemeeting with [name of saved distribution list],” and Dragon jumpstarts the process by opening a new calendar entry in Outlook and adding the selected contact(s).New! Dragon Voice Shortcuts for Web SearchMake searching the Web faster and easier. Just say a command containing your desired search words, such as "Search the Web for financial management resources," or "Search maps for Italian restaurants in Burlington Mass.," and Dragon will use the default search engine and Web browser to enter your dictated term(s) in the search field and return the results. You can also search specific sites or search the Web for a specific type of information using commands such as “Search Wikipedia for George Washington Carver,” or “Search eBay for Bluetooth headsets.” Sites supported by Dragon Voice Shortcuts include Google, Yahoo, eBay, Wikipedia, YouTube and more.New! Dragon Voice Shortcuts for Desktop SearchSearch the computer as directly as the Web, by dictating the word(s) to find documents, emails and web browsing history. For example, you can say, “Search computer for launch plans,” and Dragon will complete the search using Google Desktop or Windows Vista desktop search. In addition, commands such as, “Find an email about the Robinson report” directly open the top email containing the dictated keywords. Searching the computer has never been faster — or easier.System Requirements
- Intel i3, i5 and 17 processors recommended
- 4 GB system memory; additional memory on 64-bit OS may prove beneficial
- 1 GB free hard disk space
- 3+ MB system cache; 6+MB recommended
- A web connection is required for activation only
Notes: An internet connection is required for product activation (a quick anonymous process). This edition of Dragon does not support dictation directly into Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Systems. For EMR support, please use Dragon Medical Edition.
Windows Speech Technology
Windows Speech Recognition
For over a decade Microsoft has been working on speech input technologies. For over a decade Next Generation Technologies, Inc. has been helping deploy speech input technologies for working professionals across the US and Canada.
With the release of Windows Vista Microsoft has brought to fruition a viable speech engine providing basic speech to text and broad based command and control. Windows Speech Recognition (WSR) is an evolving technology with a bright future.
NGT, Inc. personnel have stayed involved in the evolution of WSR, and will be your implementation partner every step of the way. We have developed a proprietary QuickTrack™ training method and support materials to help individuals and groups learn to use Windows Speech Recognition quickly, effectively and successfully.
We'd welcome the chance to discuss the current and future capabilities of WSR and what it can mean to you.
Contact President Edward S. Rosenthal by e-mail or call 425-744-1100, extension 15, for more information about WSR, our training programs and customized services.
MacSpeech Dictate
Dragon Dictate for Mac
Your Mac is Listening
Dragon Dictate for Mac lets you accomplish more on your Mac than you ever imagined possible. Input text just by speaking -- up to three times faster than typing -- and interact with your favorite Mac applications using only your voice.
Built upon the world-renowned Dragon speech recognition engine, Dragon Dictate gives you complete command of your Mac. With Dragon Dictate for Mac, you can produce reports, e-mail, articles, books, research notes, online content, and more -- quickly, easily, and accurately.
You'll get more done faster with less stress and more success -- at home, at work, or wherever life takes you. Dragon Dictate for Mac provides amazing accuracy and requires just minutes of training to get started -- it's Simply Smarter Speech Recognition.
Details
Turn talk into textInstead of a keyboard, use your voice to produce text. Speak your thoughts; then watch your words appear on screen in your favorite Mac applications -- and up to three times faster than typing -- with an astounding recognition accuracy rate of up to 99% right out of the box.Unlock your creativityDragon Dictate for Mac keeps up with your brain. Transform ideas into text at the speed of thought; start being creative and productive with only your voice -- don't let typing get in the way of your ideas or productivity.Work comfortablyControl your Mac in a relaxed, hands-free manner without being tied to your keyboard. Instead of using your mouse, just speak commands to launch and control applications. Move the cursor or click anywhere on screen simply by voice.Multi-task like never beforeTell your Mac what to do, like "Reply To This Message" or "Open Microsoft Word" or "Search Google for �Italian restaurants'" to work faster and smarter. Create voice commands that automate complex workflows on your Mac.Work your wayCreate a digital world, powered by your own voice. Customize Dragon Dictate for Mac with personal vocabulary and voice commands that reflect the kind of work you do.Built For MacDragon Dictate for Mac was built to give you the experience you expect from your favorite Macintosh applications -- an intuitive, easy-to-use interface that dramatically boosts productivity. What's more, Dragon Dictate for Mac works with your favorite Apple applications, including Mail, iChat, iCal, TextEdit, Pages, Safari and many more.Features and Benefits
Amazing AccuracyDragon Dictate provides an astounding accuracy rate of up to 99% right out of the box.Say So Long To TyposDragon Dictate never misspells a word, so typos are a thing of the past.Robust RecognitionDragon Dictate offers Recognition Training which enables it to learn how you speak while you use the software. A powerful Vocabulary Editor lets you add specialized words, such as the names of people, places and other proper nouns.Command and ControlInstead of using your mouse to select menu commands or your keyboard to type shortcuts, simply speak a command and Dragon Dictate executes it for you. Control Mac applications, press any keyboard key combination, or move your mouse cursor and click anywhere on screen, just using your voice.Edit By VoiceDragon Dictate works great with most text documents -- even those it didn't create. Easy-to-say commands help you select, delete, capitalize, and otherwise manipulate text so that editing by voice is a breeze.ProofreadingDragon Dictate can read selected text out loud, enabling you to proofread your dictated documents using Mac OS X's powerful text-to-speech capabilities.CustomizableCreate new voice commands for controlling Mac applications, or set up voice-triggered workflows using AppleScript or Automator.Microphone OptionsDragon Dictate comes with a high-quality USB headset microphone (included with new purchase), so you have everything you need to get started. Or you can use Dragon Dictate with a Nuance-approved Bluetooth USB microphone to go hands-free and wireless.Exceptional Online HelpFor those times when you need a little assistance, Dragon Dictate offers complete, searchable online help. It's always available, convenient to use, and easy to understand so you can get the answers you need without delayWhat's New
Powered By The Latest Dragon
Dragon Dictate's remarkable accuracy is powered by the latest version of the state-of-the-art Dragon speech recognition engine. This is the same state-of-the-art technology used by Dragon NaturallySpeaking 11 for the PC.
Easier Editing
New commands are easy to say, easy to remember, and designed to simplify and speed up editing by voice. These commands include:
- "Select ", "Select Next/Previous"
- "Delete" , "Delete Next/Previous"
- "Train " or "Correct "
- "Insert Before/After "
- "Capitalize" , "Capitalize Next/Previous"
- "Lowercase" , "Lowercase Next/Previous"
- "Uppercase" , "Uppercase Next/Previous"
- And more!
Proofreading
The new Proofreading commands in Dragon Dictate 2.0 take advantage of the powerful Text-to-Speech capabilities built into Mac OS X. Use these commands to have dictated text read back to you:
- "Read/Proofread "
- "Read/Proofread The Selection"
- "Read/Proofread Document"
Surrounding Punctuation
These commands allow you to put punctuation around certain words, using a single command. Some examples are:
- "Put Quotes Around <text> "
- "Put Parentheses Around <text> "
- "Put Brackets Around <text> "
- And more!
Voice Shortcuts for Search
Dragon Dictate's voice shortcuts offer an easy way to search the web for information, or search your Mac for content. Speak a dynamic command, such as "Search Google for 'Italian restaurant'", or "Search Mac for 'history term paper'", and Dragon Dictate helps you find what you're looking for.
Flexible Microphones
Switching between microphones is easier to manage with Dragon Dictate 2.0. A new "Audio Sources" setting lets you specify which microphones to use with a given Profile. You can even designate multiple microphones for a single Profile -- for example, if you use both a wired headset microphone and a wireless microphone.
MouseGrid
Placement of the cursor can be accomplished with MouseGrid commands. Using numbered 3x3 grid sections onscreen, you can narrow down the placement of the mouse pointer, and then use a Mouse Click command. Some of the MouseGrid commands are:
- "Open MouseGrid" or "MouseGrid"
- "Small MouseGrid" (directly around mouse pointer)
- "1" through "9", to narrow down placement
- "Close MouseGrid", or "Cancel"
Mouse Click
To click the mouse, you simply speak a command, with optional <modifiers> that designate one or more keys such as Command, Option, Shift or Caps Lock. Choose from these new commands:
- " <modifiers> Mouse Click"
- " <modifiers> Mouse Double Click"
- " <modifiers> Mouse Triple Click"
- " <modifiers> Press Mouse, or Hold Mouse"
- "Release Mouse"
Mouse Movement
New commands let you move the mouse pointer, just by using your voice. You designate the direction (left, right, up, down, or any combination), and optionally the distance (points, centimeters or inches). These new commands are available in Dragon Dictate 2.0:
- "Move Mouse <direction>"
- "Stop, or Slower, or Faster"
- "Move Mouse <direction> 1-100 Points/Centimeters/Inches"
Minimum System Requirements
- Intel-based Mac
- Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard.
- Internet connection required for product registration.
- Nuance-certified USB microphone for Mac (included, except for upgrades).
MacSpeech Dictate retails from us at $192.50