Exploring Speech Recognition Technology: Children with Learning and Emotional/Behavioral Disorders

Authors

  • Debra Faris-Cole
  • Rena Lewis

Abstract

Intermediate grade students with disabilities in written expression and emotionallbehavioral disorders were trained to use discrete or continuous speech input devices. Speech input devices allow students to speak into a system which learns to recognize individual speech patterns and translate them into written language. The results of the study found extreme variability in the fidelity of two input devices, PowerSecretary and Dragon NaturallySpeaking, ranging from a low of 49% to a high of 87%. The high rate of error correction required by the students made the devices unacceptable for this population at this time. Further research may find these devices useful for students with severe writing disabilities who possess fluent verbal abilities.

Issue

Section

Articles