Why Is It Important in Classrooms?
Supports Diverse Learning Needs
STT tools level the playing field for students with dyslexia, dyspraxia, or other literacy challenges, helping them express their thoughts more freely.
Boosts Confidence
Students who struggle with handwriting or typing can feel empowered by seeing their words appear instantly as they speak.
Encourages Independence
By reducing reliance on teachers or peers for writing tasks, STT promotes autonomy.
Enhances Engagement
Interactive and accessible, STT keeps students focused and involved in learning activities.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking offers industry-leading accuracy for speech-to-text conversion. It works across most devices and adapts to the speaker’s voice, improving performance over time. This makes it an excellent tool for students who require detailed note-taking or support with extended writing tasks.
Good for
Students who need support with extended writing tasks or taking detailed notes during lessons.
Pros
Highly accurate transcription, supports multiple languages.
Cons
Requires initial training to optimise accuracy and can be expensive.
Microsoft Dictate is a built-in tool within Microsoft 365 applications like Word and OneNote. It allows users to dictate text directly, making it easy to integrate into classroom environments where students already use Microsoft tools. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to enable speech-to-text functionality.
Good for
Students familiar with Microsoft tools who need help completing assignments efficiently.
Pros
Free with Microsoft 365, user-friendly and accessible.
Cons
Requires a device with Microsoft Office installed.
Otter.ai provides real-time transcription and playback options, making it ideal for recording discussions or collaborative projects. Students can edit transcripts together, promoting teamwork and allowing everyone to contribute effectively. The free version is robust, making it accessible for most schools.
Good for
Group projects, class discussions, and collaborative work.
Pros
Free version available, supports teamwork with collaborative editing features.
Cons
Requires an internet connection to function effectively.
The C-Pen Reader is a portable device that combines text-to-speech and speech-to-text functionality. It allows students to scan text and have it read aloud or converted into editable text, making it a versatile tool for independent study. It’s particularly helpful for students with specific learning needs.
Good for
Individual support, enabling students to work independently on reading and writing tasks.
Pros
Versatile tool with both text-to-speech and speech-to-text capabilities.
Cons
More expensive than software-only solutions.
Google Docs Voice Typing is a free and easy-to-use feature that allows students to dictate text directly into Google Docs. It supports various languages and works seamlessly within the Google ecosystem, making it ideal for students who use Google tools for assignments.
Good for
Quick tasks, essays, and assignments within the Google ecosystem.
Pros
Free, intuitive, and supports multiple languages.
Cons
Requires a stable internet connection.
Tips for Implementation
Start Small: Introduce STT tools gradually to allow students and teachers to get comfortable.
Provide Training: Offer short tutorials on how to use the tools effectively.
Encourage Practice: The more students use STT, the better they’ll become at speaking clearly and organising their thoughts.
Combine with Editing Skills: Teach students how to review and refine their transcriptions.
Things to Be Careful Of or to Avoid with Speech-to-Text Tools
Background Noise: Ensure the environment is quiet, as excessive noise can reduce transcription accuracy.
Speech Clarity: Encourage students to speak clearly and at a steady pace to improve recognition.
Over-Reliance: While STT is a powerful tool, ensure students don't become too dependent and don't focus on also having good note-taking skills.
Proofreading Challenges: Teach students how to review and edit their transcriptions, as errors in speech recognition are common.
Device Accessibility: Make sure all students have equal access to devices equipped with STT tools.
Privacy Concerns: Be cautious with tools that store data online; ensure they comply with school and data protection policies.
Training Requirements: Some tools, like Dragon NaturallySpeaking, require initial setup and practice, which can be time-consuming.