Microsoft Office XP & Office 2003 Speech Recognition
Everyone was excited when Microsoft released its first speech recognition program in Microsoft Office XP in 2001. Unfortunately, it wasn't very good. They did improve it somewhat in Office 2003 and improved again in the tablet PC version. The 2003 version crashed a lot less and the accuracy improved. But the constant switching between Command and Dictation modes, and its less than useful error correction system, prevented Office XP and 2003 speech from becoming an effective tool for a serious speech-recognition user.
However, Office XP and 2003 SR is good for exploratory experiences. It's fine to show kids a few of the basics and to get them excited about what the future may hold. That future includes either Dragon NaturallySpeaking or Microsoft's next-generation product called Microsoft Windows Vista speech recognition.
Fortunately, if you buy the hardware today for the Office XP and 2003 version, you'll have the hardware you need when Vista finally hits the market. So starting with an Office version isn't time wasted or money poorly spent. If this is all you have, go for it! Just don't plan on spending more than a few days on the Office version. Also, be sure to make sure instruction with the wonderful Microsoft handwriting recognition tools.
But, if you have students with serious disabilities and learning needs, the best solution today is still Dragon NaturallySpeaking.
Teaching Solutions
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DigiTools & Microsoft Vista/Office Speech & Handwriting Bundle (Vista coming soon.)
Recommended for Microsoft speech and handwriting recognition and DigiTools courses. Call 1-888-749-1844 for current Bid Pricing
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