Office of Instructional and Research Technology
Dragon NaturallySpeaking
Dragon NaturallySpeaking is a voice recognition software that allows users to dictate text and commands into their computer. This can be a great tool for higher education because it can simplify the writing process and help improve reading/writing comprehension. A student can write by speaking into the program rather than having to type. This can be an advantage to students who are auditory learners. By hearing what they are writing, the information is reinforced.
Another aspect of student learning that the program fosters is the communication between professor and student because of the speed at which a professor can respond to students’ inquiries. A professor can easily speak responses to questions instead of typing out emails.
Dragon also allows users to control their computer using voice commands. Users can launch programs, edit text, and browse the web using only their voice. This functionality makes Dragon especially useful for students with physical disabilities. Students with motor disabilities may need help with typing and researching for their assignments, meaning that they might have to hire someone to help them do their homework. Dragon can give disabled users more independence.
William Sink
2012 September 24, 5:38 PM
Is this just a useful suggestion or do we have access to Dragon?
Anthony Bonelli
2012 September 25, 1:40 PM
Just a suggestion.
Roger
2012 September 25, 4:32 PM
Dragon is also a feature of Swype, the Android keyboard. Works pretty well. There’s also a nifty standalone app called Dragon Go.
They are both free and feature Dragon voice recognition tech.
Louis Tuthill
2012 September 27, 8:47 AM
I used Dragon NaturallySpeaking and have for some time. It really helps in responding to e-mails, announcements on Sakai, using Microsoft PowerPoint, and even doing your own writing. It was introduced to me by a professor of mine who use it due to an arthritic condition in his hands. The newest version of Dragon recognizes and adapts to your voice and individual vocabulary much faster than the older versions. The real trick is, learning to speak in the way that you write, and also learning how to place punctuation. You can download trial versions of Dragon NaturallySpeaking for your iPad, iPhone, and I think even your computer. It is really worth trying.
Zak D
2012 September 27, 10:02 PM
Not really so useful, before you can use it adequately the program has to get used to your voice. This process goes through reading hours upon hours of computer generated text so that the program can generate accurate feedback from your voice. Also people will assume you are talking to yourself…
Maria E. Gonzalez
2012 October 2, 2:44 PM
For those of you with Lion on your MACs, the built-in voice recognition system is very very good…try it.
Yes, DragonNS is getting better but it has been years…what is taking so long???
Until PCs come up with better, for those of you in real need of daily use of voice recognition the MAC may be the way to go.