What Is Voice Recognition?

　

Disabled students are often at a disadvantage in the classroom. Voice recognition software improves communication, enables note-taking, and increases participation

How does Voice Recognition Software Work?

 Voice recognition software uses a type of artificial intelligence technology called natural language processing, or NLP. NLP stores a vast database of information, and compares input to that information in order find a corresponding piece of data.

Voice Recognition Software

Voice recognition software programs work by analysing sounds and converting them to
text. They also use knowledge of how English is usually spoken to decide what the
speaker most probably said. Once correctly set up, the systems should recognise
around 95% of what is said if you speak clearly. Several programs are available that
provide voice recognition. These systems work best on Windows XP Windows Vista.

A number of voice recognition programs can be used with Windows, including the one
supplied with Microsoft Vista. Most specialist voice applications include a software CD,
a microphone headset, a manual and a quick reference card.

You connect the microphone to the computer, either into the soundcard (sockets on the
back of a computer) or via a USB connection. Then you can begin talking using the
following steps.
　

Speech recognition is a rapidly growing and changing technology field. Many companies offer more than one version of a program; different versions will have different features. As you investigate these programs look for features that are most beneficial for individual students.

Continuous Speech -- A student speaks a string of words with a normal rate of speech, not pausing between words. Dedicated Word Processor -- A built-in word processor provides the user a quick start. Hands-Free -- A student's voice can create text, input commands and perform mouse movements. Other programs require using the keyboard/mouse together with the student's speech. Playback - The spoken text is repeated in the student's voice. Text-to-Speech - The produced text is read back with a computer voice. This may make it easier to identify errors. Use Across Applications - Some programs work with one or two applications, such as word processors. Others work with all software programs. Customization - A variety of options should be examined: Built-in keyboard commands
Built-in voice navigation
Built-in macros
Macros created by the user

Macros provide opportunities for students to control repetitive tasks, insert pre-determined text phrases, or create scripts to do things like send e-mail, select and complete math problems or organize a personal calendar

How to turn off the speech recognition and handwriting recognition features in Office XP

Microsoft Office contains a speech recognition feature and a handwriting recognition feature.
You can use speech recognition to dictate text into any Office program. You can also select menu, toolbar, dialog box (U.S. English only), and task pane (U.S. English only) items by using your voice. Speech recognition is installed as part of a Typical or Complete installation of Office. If you perform a Custom installation, Office Setup installs the features as part of the Alternative User Input feature in the Office Shared Components.
Use handwriting recognition to enter text into any Microsoft Office program by writing instead of typing. You can write by using a mouse or by using a third-party handwriting input device. Office programs can automatically convert this input to typed text. In Microsoft Word and Microsoft Outlook (if Word is your e-mail editor), the input can be left as an "ink object" in your own handwriting. Handwriting recognition also supports a drawing function, so that you can include hand-drawn sketches in your Word document.
After you install Office XP and turn on speech recognition and handwriting recognition, these features become part of the operating system and cannot be removed--even if you remove the feature in Maintenance Mode of Office XP Setup.
　

Some programs can be used with portable digital recorders to let students record their speech in multiple environments. The computer then transcribes their work to text later

Features