Are you struggling with the physical act of writing or the physical act of typing? Then, using a dictation tool may be the solution for you. Voice recognition applications offer a hands-free method for writing. Luckily, both the free Microsoft Word application and the free Google Docs application include a dictation tool. The trick is finding an environment where the background noise is relatively low and it is a place where you feel comfortable speaking your thoughts and ideas out loud.
The benefits of a dictation tool:
- Bypasses the physical act of writing or typing
- Increases productivity by generating a first draft at a faster pace
- Hands-free method for writing
- Helps to overcome writers block by generating ideas more effortlessly
- For individuals who are not native speakers, it may be easier to express ideas verbally rather than writing ideas
Begin 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, start speaking and watch your words appear as text in the document.
- Press the Microphone icon again to stop the dictation tool.
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 the dictation tool.
Voice typing in Google Docs
Google Help article: Type with your voice
Additional handwriting alternatives and handwriting help
- Type in a word processing application using a standard keyboard or an alternative keyboard or mouse alternative
- Instead of handwriting on a paper form or worksheet, type information into a form filling application
- Write with a stylus on a touchscreen (less pressure required than pen/pencil)
- Audio record oral responses
Additional typing tricks and tips
- Word prediction to reduce keystrokes
- Abbreviation expansion to reduce keystrokes
- Keyboard shortcuts to save time and energy
- Modify key activation to assist with typing
Resources
These resources are provided simply to create awareness about additional reading and writing applications with a dictation tool. 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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