The physical and mental process of writing can be overwhelming. So, how can you remove those obstacles and get started writing? Just start talking out loud. Use speech recognition to first record your ideas and then begin a draft.
The benefits of a dictation tool:
- Helps to overcome writers block by generating ideas more effortlessly
- Bypasses the physical act of writing or typing
- Increases productivity by generating ideas or a first draft at a faster pace
- Hands free method for writing
- For individuals who are not native speakers, it may be easier to express ideas verbally rather than writing ideas
Get started by logging into your free Microsoft account and free Google account.
Microsoft: Dictate in Word Online
- Open a document in Word Online.
- Click the Dictate button (microphone icon) in the Home menu.
- Allow the use of the microphone.
- With the cursor on the page in a Word document, start speaking and watch your words appear as text in the document.
- Press the Microphone icon again to stop dictation.
Microsoft Support article and video: Dictate your documents in Word
Google: Voice typing in Docs
- Open a document in Docs.
- With the cursor on the page, click the Tools tab in the menu.
- Select Voice Typing.
- A microphone icon will appear. Click the Microphone icon.
- Start speaking and watch your words appear as text in the document.
- Press the Microphone icon again to stop dictation.
Google Help article: Type with your voice
More tools for getting started on a writing project
Explore all the tech tools to help you get started on a writing project. First, break the assignment into small manageable pieces. Then, just let your thoughts free flow. Capture those thoughts using a graphic organizer or a dictation tool. Next, organize your ideas and find a template to provide structure to your writing. And use collaboration tools if working with a group and/or for peer review and editing.
- Break the writing task into small steps. Use a digital calendar with reminders for each step.
- Brainstorm and organize ideas using a graphic organizer
- Structure writing with a document template
- Use collaboration tools for collaborative projects or or peer review
Related posts
- Research Phase of Writing: Learn about digital support tools for reading comprehension from the Reading Strategies: Online and Offline Solutions page.
- Editing Phase of Writing: Learn about digital support tools for writing conventions(spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar) from the Writing Strategies: Online and Offline Solutions page.
Resources
These resources are provided simply to create awareness about additional options to help get started on a writing assignment. Listed in alphabetical order.
Helperbird – A toolbar with digital support tools for reading and writing. Helperbird includes a dictation feature, spell check, picture dictionary and dictionary. Install as a browser extension. Free trial period.
Kurzweil 3000 – Software with digital support tools for reading and writing. Kurzweil 3000 has a dictation feature, word prediction, spell check, and dictionary. Can install as a browser extension. Free trail period.
Read&Write – A software toolbar with digital support tools for reading and writing. Read&Write has a dictation feature, word prediction, spell check, picture dictionary, and dictionary. Can be installed as a browser extension. Free 30 day trial.
Snap&Read – Another software toolbar with digital support tools for reading and writing. Snap&Read includes a dictation feature, spell check, and picture dictionary. Can be installed as a browser extension. Free trial period.
Note: Some educational institutions and workplaces have a subscription to these software packages as part of inclusion practices. Check to see if you have already have access to these tools through your school or employer, if applicable.
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