I have a question that definitely will demonstrate my lack of knowledge regarding computer technology. Is there a way for my son to record class lectures and have it converted into text via the computer? I have a high schooler that is dyslexic, dysgraphic and CAPD. His writing is difficult to read; and in the process of note taking, he loses much of the lecture due to his difficulty in processing information. We had come to the conclusion that he needed to tape record his class lectures from his 4 core “academic” classes and have it transcribed into text. Sony had a “special” with Dragon Naturally Speaking and I ignorantly purchased a Sony Memory Stick Portable Voice recorder ICDMS1 that is compatible with Dragon Naturally Speaking voice to print software, which ultimately converts the recording into text files. I had no idea what I was buying; but I had done a long search on the net and posted many questions with electronic/technology boards on the net and this “sounded” just what my son needed. His academic language tutor did recommend Dragon; although she confessed not really knowing anything about it but was sure that was what he needed to enhance his writing efforts. My son goes to a private school, so we don’t have access to any “specialized learning center or teachers for LD students”. As I’m waiting for the digital recorder & Dragon to come, I’m pondering to myself how this is going to work. I had read enough re Dragon to understand that the user must “train” the software to know, recognize & and understand one’s voice in order for the package to be successful. I kept asking myself, “How does one train this software to “recognize” and “understand” the voices from 4 different teachers??” After receiving the recorder and Dragon software, I finally received a straight answer from Dragon tech & support (The Learning Company): “Since the professors/speakers have not been trained to use the program, it will not dictate the recording. If you wish to return the product for any reason, you can use the 90 day product guarantee.” So, finally, here was my answer! Is there a way for my son to record class lectures and have it converted into text via the computer (without me doing the transcribing!)? Thanks to those of you who are not as computer/technology illiterate as I am! Susan H
Re: Classroom recording & transcribing recorded lectures
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Re: Classroom recording & transcribing recorded lectures
I have survived high school, college, and grad school with auditory and visual processing deficits as well as ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Assistive technology is extremely helpful in some cases. However,developing the skills to use the software is time consuming and challenging, not to mention expensive. Here are some survival strategies. I find someone in class who is willing to take notes for me. (NYU as special funds set aside for me to pay students so that I don’t have to feel like I’m a burden.) I have no idea if this exists at a primary or secondery level, but it’s worth looking into. The teacher might be willing to share his /her lecture notes. I make sure to sit in the front of class where I can see the teacher. Since I have trouble processing sounds, I need to read lips which makes it impossible to take notes. I explain all this to my professors before class starts so that they know what they are dealing with.(This also give me a chance to see if they are capable of working with my special needs. If not, I can find a another professor before school begins.)
As far as taping lectures and having them transcribed, I suggest getting books on tape through recordings for the blind and dyslexic. They have most standard course text books recorded which will give the infromation that is needed. If they don’t, they can have it recorded for you. The key element with all this stuff is time. I usually set up assistance a month before class begins.
It can be a hassle, but it’s worth it, after all I’m on my way to a PHD.
Re: Classroom recording & transcribing recorded lectures
get a student to act as a scribe using NCR paper, you can go to a quick print shop and have it made into notebook style. The student just puts this type of paper under his and the pressure copies it.
It would be worthwhile to train a voice file for your son so that he could use the Dragon to compose written assignments. Once this is done, the only thing I can think of as far as getting the lectures into written form is for him to record the lectures, then at home listen to a few sentences and paraphrase a summary statement of his own into Dragon, working his way through the lecture. If you can teach him to do this (could be hard) it would have the benefit of making a more coherent set of notes rather than the verbal rambling that is sometimes a word by word transcript of someone speaking and it might help him with his listening skills. If nothing else he will review the material. Good luck.