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> expected to provide their own microphone/headphone sets. I'm assuming > we'll be able to sell cheap sets from a suitable retail location on > campus. I think you'll find cheap headsets are a waste of time - they make it even more difficult for the SRS to work accurately - most assessors suggest higher quality headsets than the one provided with the software! Cheers Judith ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Judith Stansfield SEN ICT Consultant NASEN ICT Group BDACC Reviews and Literature Editor http://web.onyxnet.co.uk/Stass-onyxnet.co.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ----- Original Message ----- From: "John Hodgson" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2004 11:14 AM Subject: Re: using dictation software in public spaces > Lynnette, > > I raised this issue on the Tech-Dis forum and received a couple of > responses which are copied below. However, I'd like to point out that in > my last message I said that we were going to run a pilot of this > software on a selection of standalone machines. This has now changed, > after an offer to help us install the software on our network from a > chap at Sonant Software, we're now going for the plunge and installing > it University wide. We have been assured that speech recognition > profiles will be able to be saved into users roaming profile network > areas. How easy this will be to setup, we're yet to find out! > > Computers will be installed into separate booths (or reading rooms > perhaps) where possible for speech recognition use and users will be > The majority of our computers are available in the library in an open > area. This area will still be subject to the same noise restrictions. > > Hope this helps > > John > > > > > >>>>>>> > > Gwil / Logan, > > Many thanks for this information. It seems that both of you have > experienced similar issues in the same areas. Alarm bells are ringing > now and I'm pretty sure we won't be going for a network installation. > At > least not straight away. > > I think I'll try out what you've both suggested and setup some > standalone machines in separate booths. I'll see how it goes and if it > proves popular then I'll see if I can link these to their University > accounts rather than installing it on the network as a whole. > > Cheers again > > John > > >>> [log in to unmask] 17/08/04 22:49:59 >>> > Hi John, > > As both a prior student who is blind and now an assistive technology > tutor I > have found the following issues with Dragon in a network environment > > a. The user(voice) files have often proved to be difficult to store > and > retrieve on some networks. > > b. The issue of user recognition is a huge problem, as in a typical > computer suite there is ongoing noise associated with the coming and > going > of other students creating enough background noise to, in some cases, > make > use of the software impossible...this might be addressed by the > specialised > computers with dragon loaded to them being isolated to reduce the > background noise. This situation is not perfect as many may realise > due to > the isolation of the student also, but to ensure their access some > flexibility on their part is needed. > > This solution also addresses another issue which I have encountered, > in > which non disabled students are not keen on computer users talking too > much > in a computer suite. > > > Clearly the possible benefits outweigh the possible issues you may > encounter > but I am aware that Novell has some issues with other assistive > technology > packages(JFW being one) and I am certain that while this project will > be fun > it will also provide you with some restless days!! > > Good luck and remember to smile , it keeps people thinking that you > know > something they don't! > > Best Regards, > > > Logan > > Logan McMullen > CME Services > +64 6 870 4498 > +64 27 6439188 > [log in to unmask] > [log in to unmask] > > > We tried this but > > A the version we had did not easily allow us to store users profiles > on > the network ( you will probably know about the produc tmatrix at the > scansoft website) > > B users don't like other users talking to machines in a typing pool > like > environment > > C accuracy was affected with users coming in and out making noise etc > etc > > I thnk that there should be a number of pcs in booths in places like > language labs or multimedia rooms that could have this software > installed successfully > > In this way disabled users could access it and it may also be useful > to > language students as well ( ie other language versions of Dragon / Via > Voice etc) > > Best wishes > Gwil > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "John Hodgson" <[log in to unmask]> > To: <[log in to unmask]> > Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2004 10:29 PM > Subject: Dragon Naturally Speaking > > > > Hi all > > > > Appals for cross posting > > > > We were thinking of releasing Dragon Naturally Speaking over our > > network here at the University and was wondering if anyone has had > any > > experience of this and whether or not there are any issues or if > there > > is anything we should watch out for. > > > > Our workstations are Windows XP and software is rolled out via > Novell > > Application Launcher. > > > > Cheers > > > > John > > >>> [log in to unmask] 27/09/04 15:06:05 >>> > I wonder if anyone can give me the benefit of their experience with > this one? > We are looking at installing Dragon Naturally Speaking or similar > voice activated software in our public access computers, for the benefit > of students who may have RSI related problems, dyslexia, or any other > conditions where this facility would be useful. > Clearly we are concerned that students will have as much privacy as > possible, and be able to keep noise levels to a minimum to avoid > inconveniencing others who will be using PCs in the same room.; space, > as always, is at a premium, and it would be difficult to find a separate > room in which to install this equipment. > Has anyone encountered similar diffculties and can recommend any > measures we could take? Are there , for example, some acoustic screens > or baffles that you know of that we could install? > Any helpful suggestions gratefully received! > > Lynnette Easterbrook > > ______________________________________________________________________ > This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System. > For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email > ______________________________________________________________________ > >