Speech-to-Text

Speech-To-Text Information

A Tool for All FCPS Students and Staff

What is Speech-To-Text (STT)?

  • Speech to Text (STT) is a technology that lets you turn your spoken words into written text using a computer, Chromebook, tablet, or smartphone. You'll need a microphone, which could be built into your device or plugged in, so you can type with your voice instead of a keyboard. Speech-to-text is different from voice recognition, which usually needs you to train the program to understand your specific voice.

Where can STT be used in FCPS?

  • You can find STT in:
    • Google Docs (using Voice Typing)
    • The Read & Write Extension (using Talk&Type)
    • Equatio
    • Orbit Note
    • Note: Google's voice typing, which is in both Google Docs and the Read & Write Extension, is generally more accurate, easier to use, and less frustrating for students.
  • It's also built into iPads using the microphone on the keyboard.
  • Microsoft has accessibility features on Windows computers that include STT.

How does STT help students?

  • Speech to text helps students focus on sharing their ideas and organizing their thoughts instead of worrying about the physical act of writing.
  • It allows students to produce written work that better shows what they can say out loud.
  • STT can help students write more and make their writing easier to read.
  • It can reduce tiredness and writing fatigue, which is especially helpful for students with challenges related to attention, learning, or getting organized. However, it can be useful for all students.
  • STT can help students become more independent when they are writing.

Tips for Teaching STT:

  • Show students exactly how to use speech to text. Do this by demonstrating the steps during your lessons while everyone can see your screen. Make sure to also say the punctuation marks when you speak.
  • After writing, show students how to use the text-to-speech (playback) feature to listen to their writing and find mistakes to correct.
  • Think about trying an activity where students write something without STT and then write something else with STT to see the difference in their understanding.
  • Encourage students to use digital tools that offer STT as an option.

Resources:

Brief Summary of the Video

This video provides an introductory overview of Speech-To-Text (STT) technology, explaining its core functionality and how it converts spoken language into written text. It highlights various applications and benefits of STT in educational settings, particularly within the FCPS environment, and offers practical tips for effective implementation.