Name of Technology:
Dragon Dictation for iPad
Category of Assistive Technology:
The Dragon Dictation software would best be considered a Writing tool that supports students with motor-skill challenges.
Description of How Technology Works:
The Dragon Dictation software is somewhat straightforward and fairly easy to use. By selecting the icon (pictured above) from the iPad home screen, the application will start up. After the application has opened a record button will appear. After selecting the record button, the user can begin to speak near the microphone on the iPad or through a microphone on an Apple headset. Once the user is done speaking they can click the button to stop the recording. The software will then process the information and dictate the recorded audio into typed words. The typed words can be copy and pasted into other applications on the iPad, including mail which could be useful for the dissemination of notes.
Which of the Universal Design for Learning principles might be facilitated by this technology?
This piece of AT can certainly be considered a different way for students to express knowledge. For example, many students may have a difficult time writing some of their ideas down but feel much more comfortable simply speaking about their thinking. This piece of technology will certainly help students literally get their ideas down on paper.
What types or groups of students might benefit from the use of this technology? For what learning goals might it be most effective?
One of the major groups that would benefit from this technology is students who have difficulties with motor skills and simply cannot use a keyboard or pencil. Yet another group that this could be helpful with is students who have hearing impairments. If a teacher or aide is able to use the dictation software, the student can simply read what is said. Finally, as mentioned above, this piece of AT will help with students that have learning disabilities that stop them from simply getting their thoughts out of their head and down in writing.
One goal that this could certainly be helpful with is with the writing process. Not to reiterate a point too many times, but there are a large amount of students that simply have a difficult time brainstorming ideas for a written piece. If they could simply sit there and record every single thought that comes out of their mind and then review them afterwards, they would certainly be much further along in the writing process.
Do you have any concerns or reservations about this technology?
The biggest reservation with this piece of technology is that the purchase of an iPad may be a little cost prohibitive. While the application is itself is free, the $499 price tag of the iPad itself may be a little steep. Another concern is the classroom management that comes along with this software. Monitoring that students are using this properly will be incredibly important. The final concern I have with this piece of AT is that the dictations are not always the best. You must speak clearly and concisely in order for the software to work properly.
Any other comments, suggestions, or recommendations you might make to a teacher contemplating the use of this assistive technology?
This technology is great and while it seems to be in the somewhat early stages, it certainly shows promise to grow into a powerful tool.
