Image via WikipediaI am writing this blog post using windows speech recognition. It is not easy, but it is fun. You must learn the correct commands in order for the program to understand what you're asking it to do. You must speak in a clear and somewhat slow manner so that the program understands the word you want to use. The program learns as you correct it. Correcting the errors in the program helps it learn your speech pattern. I think it will be much easier to use this program once I learn all of the commands, at least the more common ones. I have Windows 7 and the software comes preinstalled. Since I've struggled with spelling, if I am able to increase the speed at which I dictate my thoughts this might be a great program for me to use. Of course, if the program does not recognize the word I want to use the and I might have problems spelling the word I need. I found out about the windows speech recognition program by reading another blog SpeEdChange by Ira David Socol. Mr. Socol points out that using dictation tools such as Windows Speech Recognition and Dragon can help students to struggle in spelling be able to still write without so much stress.
I have found several flaws in the program. The most frustrating is if you introduce a new word to the program and try to save the word into the program without first inserting what you have written then what you have dictated will be lost. Another issue I have found may be one that is specific to my computer. If something pops up all my computer, say an updater, then everything I had dictated will also be lost. However, I do see how this program could be lots of fun and very helpful helping struggling students work on becoming better writers. Other than the HTML code which I used to link Mr. Socol'S blog, I have written this entire post by using the speech recognition software. However, it has taken me about 35 minutes to do so. I am hoping to continue working with this for a little while longer to see if I can speed up the process. It takes work, but having tendinitis in trouble spelling I think it will be worth the effort.
Very interesting post. I have tried voice recognition programs in the past. I never found one that was worth trying to learn. I think my Tennessee accent confuses the computer. I am very curious to begin using Windows version. I have Windows 7 on my PC and I did not know the program was even installed. Thanks for the heads up on the bugs in the program too.
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