All potential users of voice activated software packages need to be carefully evaluated before implementation.
Technical:-
Quality of sound card, Quality of microphones, Location of use (background noise), Disruption to others etc. etc. (never try to use it where the user has to hold a conversation over the telephone with a client at the same time as inputting to the computer (ie call centres etc) .
Human
To use Voice Activated software user has to have a clear voice that does not deteriorate during the day, have good diction, a good memory to recall all the spoken control elements of the dictation like word correction, indentation etc. Reasonable English to identify misunderstood words dictated, placing punctuation etc. They should also be able to plan and structure their sentences in advance and recall them as they dictate.
In short Voice Activated Software is excellent in the right place. Just be certain you've found the right place if you haven't it will cause a great deal of upset and aggravation. Voice Activated software is like the writing slope that is so popular, frequently recommended, rarely of any use and usually left to gather dust in some forgotten corner.
Other options where there is a physical barrier to using a keyboard are often worth looking at as they tend not to be so intrusive into current working and learning strategies as is Voice Activated Software. E.mail me sepererately if these seem of interest.
Terry Hart
Disability Assist Services
UOP
-----Original Message-----
From: L Gault, Planning and Administration Support [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Mon 08/12/2003 10:11
To: [log in to unmask]
Cc:
Subject: Dragon Naturally Speaking
Dear all,
Can anyone give me any information on the Pros and Cons of using 'Dragon
Naturally Speaking'? Problem areas, software conflicts, Microphone issues
etc.
Any advice gratefully received.
Many Thanks
Lisa
----------------------------------------------
Lisa Gault
IT Disability Coordinator
Planning and Administration Support
University of Bristol
Tyndall Avenue
Bristol
BS8 1TJ
Tel: 0117 331 6739. Internal: 16739
----------------------------------------------
[log in to unmask]
|