Dragon Dictation
Nuance
Free from the Apple store
Requirements:
- iOS 4.0 or later
- Works on iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch
Description
Grade Level: This app is good for any grade level.
Instructional Area: This can be used for students who have difficulties writing out what they want to say.It can be used on assessment or assignments that need to be written out. It can also be used as a tool for students who are physically or visually unable to write, but can speak well.Reading Level of Text: The text may be hard for younger students to proofread. Also, if an older student has a difficulty writing they may also have a difficulty reading or even just proofreading. This application may also be used by students who are visually impaired and are unable to read what they have written on the screen. This could easily be fixed by having someone look over what they have said and ask if what was written out was what they said or meant.
Purpose: The purpose of this Apple app is to make writing things out on your iPhone and iPad easier. It is used to make lists, compose texts, and create notes.
Information Presentation:
information tab it will bring up a list of information on how to use the app. On the main screen it clearly states how to record and where the microphone of your device is located so that you know where to speak.
Speech: The speech for this app is provided by the user. The user speaks into the microphone of their device and the app dictates it into a note.
Graphics: The graphics in Dragon Dictation is very plain and simple. Tap the screen to record and that will change the layout.There are three main screens that you will see. The tap to dictate screen, recording screen, and the last screen which puts your speech into text.
Text: After you have dictated what you wanted to say, the text will automatically appear. At the bottom of the text screen (last screen) you will have the option to correct the text if it is wrong. Tap on the keyboard icon to start correcting your message. Dragon dictation does allow you to add emoji's to your messages.
Instructional Design
Directions can be found in the lower right corner of the screen shown as an “information” button. This pulls up a new window that explains the different ways to accurately use this app. The directions are very straight forward. Most of the app was easy to figure out without the instructions. There are some commands to use while dictating that are listed and explained here. One thing that took a little more effort to find was where you can change the settings and use the added features of the application such as composing emails and posting to social media. This can be found in the upper right corner.
Examples Provided:
There is a model provided for where to speak when dictating as pictured above under graphics.Pacing:
The tips are available at all times while dictating.Practice:
If a note doesn’t meet your standards it can easily be deleted and started over or edited by typing.Corrective Feedback:
The user in this instance is the form of corrective feedback. The user can go over what was dictated and make corrections by typing.Difficulty:
The difficulty level will automatically be individualized by the user. The user determines the difficulty level of the speech they are dictating.Content
The content of this application is mainly determined by the user. It can be used to create notes within the application, but it can also be used to compose emails and post to social media. All of the extra features are available after you dictate your message into a note. They can then be sent directly into your email, your Facebook status, or onto your Twitter. There currently is no other social media sites available to post to directly from Dragon Dictation. However, you can copy and paste what you have dictated to other applications and social media sites.
There is no way on the iPad to post directly into messages, but that feature is available on the iPhone.
Using the free version of Dragon Dictation the user is able to record for a maximum of 60 seconds at a time.
User Demands
Academic – The user will need to know how to speak the language selected. The user will also need to know how to read and write the selected language.
Computer Knowledge – There really isn’t any computer knowledge background needed for this app as it is very user friendly. There are only three main task a user has to be able to do such as speak, read, and write.
Functions – You have Notes on the top left, then you have save, delete, and social media on the top right of the screen. In the middle of the screen will be a red dot which represents the recording button. Tap on the red dot to start recording. After dictation, when you are on the text screen, the keyboard function will be at the bottom of the screen. There is also a “Tips” button on the bottom right of the screen to help assist you if needed.
Save work in progress – After each dictation you can save the text on the app. All you have to do is tap the plus (+) function on the top right of the screen.
Change Pace – There is a 60 seconds limit to the recording so if you wanted time you will have to record a second time to continue on with what you had to say. Speaking faster is an option but that could potentially make it harder for Dragon Dictation to understand you.
Ability to make adjustments for – After using Dragon Dictation for a while it will start to pick you the way you speak, making it a lot easier to recognize what you have said. Dragon Dictation also has a “recognize names” and “detect end of speech” option. These will also make it easier for Dragon Dictation to detect names and when you are done dictating.
Low vision – The background is black which could make it hard to see but the recording button is red which makes it easy to see. Your other options such as note, delete button, add to social media button are all in white also. When you are done dictating the app will write out your message (in black) on a white background. If all else fails you can always try to turn up the brightness on your app.
Motor difficulties – Dragon dictation will be hard to work with you have a difficulty with your hands such as carpal tunnel or arthritis. In this app you have to use your fingers a lot to tap on the screen.
Computer Access – You can access Dragon Dictation through MAC laptops as well as the ipad. You can also access Dragon Dictation on a PC laptop as well but there will be a cost for the software.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One weakness of this program is everything must first be dictated into a note and then uploaded or pasted into other programs. With other dictating applications such as Siri, the user is able to command an action before they dictate, creating one smooth process. The user is still able to proofread what they said before Siri will upload or send it. Also, Dragon Dictation only dictates what a user says and cannot access the internet or pull up files like Siri or Cortana can.
A strength of the program is that it will start to recognize your voice after you use the program after a while. This makes it better at recognizing what you are trying to dictate into the application.
References
Dragon Dictation. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2015, from
http://www.nuancemobilelife.com/support/usa/engusa/dragon-dictation