Information and links in this LibGuide were compiled by:
Robert David Dawson, Ph.D., CRC
Associate Professor, USC Counseling and Rehabilitation Program
There are several different types of voice recognition systems which are available for free or for low cost. Currently, Apple, Windows, and android systems have a variety of free voice recognition systems. Dragon NaturallySpeaking is one of the most popular voice-recognition systems and ranges in price from $50-$199. The Dragon NaturallySpeaking standard is acceptable for most university coursework.
Windows voice-recognition system
Here are several websites with directions and guides for speech recognition on a Windows computer. Voice-recognition on Windows is free and with patience and training should meet the need for all academic writers.
Set up Speech Recognition on Windows computers
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/14213/windows-how-to-use-speech-recognition
Macintosh voice-recognition system
Macintosh uses a program called “Dictation” which allows a person to use their voice to write papers or give simple commands. This is a free program and available on all current OS systems including tablets.
Mac Basics: Dictation lets you speak text instead of typing
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT5449
Dragon NaturallySpeaking
Dragon NaturallySpeaking is one of the most popular voice-recognition systems and is available for both Macintosh and Windows systems. Dragon NaturallySpeaking is available in standard and preferred edition. The prices range from $50-$100. The Dragon NaturallySpeaking standard edition is acceptable for most university coursework. Dragon NaturallySpeaking is free on Apple tablets and iTouch systems. Go to the Apple Store to add on these APPS.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking 12 Home speech recognition software
http://shop.nuance.com/store/nuanceus/Custom/pbpage.resp-dragon-int-home-bf-2013-digital
Here are some very simple directions on how to use Dragon NaturallySpeaking. This was a training video designed especially for persons who attempted to train Dragon NaturallySpeaking but were unsuccessful. Some specific tips and strategies are presented by Dr Dawson in the video.
http://disability.law.uiowa.edu/itworks/online_ed/trainingthedragon.htm
ITunes and Google APPs
Here is a list of voice recognition APPs or extensions chromed voice recognition which could be used on Apple or Android tablets. These are especially useful to dictate notes or quick information which could be later incorporated into a paper or assignment. Many of these apps can be used directly with your blackboard discussion groups or email. This is not an all-inclusive list and more APPS will be added as they are discovered. Most of the speech recognition apps are free
Found on the iTunes Apple Store
This app allows you to record audio such as memos, class lectures and notes, meetings, and dictations of emails or text messages. It is ideal for professional, educational, and personal use.
AudioNote records and syncs your notes. It combines the functionality of a notepad and voice recorder to create a powerful tool that will save you time while improving the quality of your notes.
Found on the Google Play Store
Type with your voice. Dictation turns your Google Chrome into a speech recognition app. You can use your Google Chrome as a voice recognition app and type long documents, emails and essays without touching the keyboard.
Dictanote - Speech Recognizer-Free
Dictanote provides you with a advanced rich text editor with an inbuilt multi-language speech recogniser. The latest version of Dictanote features QuickType, a faster than ever speech recognition engine using which you can actually write faster than normal typing.
SpeechPad - voice notebook-Free
Speechpad is a voice recognition application for entering text using microphone. It can also convert audio files to the text. It provides: entering punctuation and editing text by voice, using voice commands, converting audio files and you tube video and many others features
Dictation-online speech recognition
This is a nifty website which could be used with chrome tablets. I have found it pretty intuitive with word prediction and fairly fast rate of speech to text. With Dictation, you can use the magic of speech recognition to write emails, narrate essays and long documents in the browser without touching the keyboard.
