What is Dragon NaturallySpeaking™?

Dragon NaturallySpeaking™ from Nuance Communications, is speech recognition software that transcribes spoken language into a text document. The software has incredible
potential for students with language-based learning disabilities and/or difficulties with written expression, typing or organizing ideas. Students simply dictate or speak aloud their thoughts and the computer software technology types simultaneously, with 99% accuracy.

By composing with their voice rather than the pen or keyboard, many students will find that ideas flow more consistently and the writing process is less staggered. Students can focus on the content of their writing by dictating essays, and assignments into a microphone three times faster than it would typically take them to type or write. They can get their ideas out and on the page without having to stop and think about how to spell a word, shape a letter or construct a perfect sentence. The speech recognition software ensures that thoughts and ideas are quickly captured and the writing process is not interrupted by the physical demands of writing or typing.

Dragon™ users can also dictate voice commands to control, organize and switch between computer desktop applications, programs and pages, therefore making it easier to organize files, create word documents and spreadsheets, send emails and compile research from the web. Dragon NaturallySpeaking™ speech recognition software can dramatically improve a student's composition, grammar, and computer technology skills, and is an essential support for struggling writers. It provides an accessible interface through which students can achieve greater independence and success in their learning.

Who benefits from this program?
Dragon NaturallySpeaking™ is a particularly resourceful tool for students with language-based learning disabilities (including dyslexia and working memory issues), and physical impairments that hinder the physical act of writing or typing. It is designed to help users express themselves in writing by moving the focus of the task to content, rather than the mechanics of sentence structure, grammar and spelling. It is intended to make the writing process easier for users by facilitating the transfer of ideas into written words through dictation.

Although beneficial for students with physical or learning differences, Dragon™ can be used by students of all abilities and skill levels to develop writing process and composition skills. If a student is more fluent as a speaker than a writer, the speech recognition software will definitely be advantageous in approaching written tasks, especially longer assignments. Dragon™ has been shown to help improve reading and writing skills in students of all abilities. The practice of dictation naturally increases oral reading skills and also improves word recognition and punctuation as well as comprehension and reading fluency.

How is this program delivered?
The Dragon NaturallySpeaking™ training at RRLS is a direct instruction program. In a one to one setting, teachers direct students through the training using structured, sequential lessons, providing clear and explicit instructions to guide students through the steps of learning. RRLS teachers who deliver Dragon™ training have either a B.Ed or M.Ed, as well as extensive knowledge and experience with the software.

The Dragon NaturallySpeaking™ Training Program at RRLS Includes:
Unique Approach to Training
RRLS provides a unique approach to Dragon NaturallySpeaking™ training. We use grade appropriate materials and curriculum resources to show students exactly how to use the programs for school purposes. Curriculum based activities and assignments are specifically used to train students and provide them with the skills necessary to effectively and independently use the technology and its features to support their learning. In addition to guiding students through the writing process using the software, RRLS teachers also teach students how to use the speech recognition technology to organize files, create documents, open programs, send emails and compile research from the web.

Assessment of Needs
Effective use of Dragon NaturallySpeaking™ requires an understanding of the student's needs and any particular learning challenges or barriers that they may have. RRLS teachers recognize the importance of initial and ongoing evaluation and assessment. We are committed to providing feedback and analysis of a students' progress, based on the knowledge that the technology will only assist a student if the tool matches the student's needs.

When and Where is This Program Offered?
The ideal setting for the Dragon NaturallySpeaking™ training program is private one to one lessons at our office located at 720 Spadina Avenue, where each learning space has been designed to minimize noise and other distractions. However, lessons can also be delivered at your child's school or at your for home for an additional charge. Given that effective use of the software requires voice recognition setup, it is important that the training is conducted in a quiet space with minimal noise interference. Training consists of three 1 hour training sessions. Each hour is designed to reap the full benefits of the training program and the technology.

Immediate and Ongoing Training RRLS offers immediate and ongoing training to assist students in acquiring a thorough understanding of Dragon NaturallySpeaking™ software technology and the ability to effectively and independently use its features to support the development of reading, writing, oral communication and organizational skills.

How do I begin or receive more information?
For more information about Assistive Technology training at RRLS, or to book an initial assessment, you can call 416.925.1225 or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

FAQs
Is Dragon NaturallySpeaking™ training offered at schools?
Assistive Technology training is often recommended to students through educational assessments or psycho-educational evaluations. However, because of high demand, limited resources and a significant backlog, students can wait up to two years to get the computer, software and training they require.

Is Dragon NaturallySpeaking™ beneficial for ESL learners?
Yes! Dragon™ is an excellent tool for ESL learners. The process of dictation helps to develop oral communication skills, as well as reading fluency and comprehension skills.

Is there a way to customize Dragon NaturallySpeaking™ software to suit a student's particular needs?
Yes! Users can customize many features of Dragon™ including vocabulary and word lists. Frequently used names, acronyms, terminology and phrases as well as custom commands can be added for instant recognition by the speech to text software.

What other learning support features does Dragon NaturallySpeaking™ offer?
Dragon™ offers a playback feature, which enables users to have the text read aloud for editing purposes.

The Select and Say feature can be used for editing and formatting – users simply dictate commands to move to or select blocks of texts or specific words by saying, "select" followed by the word or phrase. Similarly, text can be replaced or edited by saying a new word or giving formatting instructions.

The Dragon™ Sidebar enables users to switch between pages, programs and applications using voice commands. For instance, users can command "open email" and the user's email account will open automatically.

Dictation Shorthands – users can dictate acronyms or abbreviations but have the full text appear on the screen. For instance, the user might say, "WWF" and the voice recognition software will type "World Wildlife Fund".

In addition to the bilingual dictionaries provided, users can also use Vocabulary Builder to create personal dictionaries, which they can add to.

Can Dragon NaturallySpeaking™ technology be used to support the development of study skills?
Yes! Dragon™ software can be used to help students brainstorm ideas and organize their thoughts. It can be used to create summary sheets, study sheets, and graphic organizers for assignment and test preparation. Students who are strong auditory learners will find the playback feature helpful to reiterate and reinforce learning.

Can Dragon NaturallySpeaking™ be used to format and edit documents?
Yes! Dragon NaturallySpeaking™ can be used to create, format and edit documents, text and emails as with any application or program, only instead of using the keyboard or mouse to make changes, users instruct the computer to make speech directed changes. Users can select and highlight text, insert or change words, format font size and colour, bold, underline and italicize using their voice. Additionally, Dragon™ features a drop-down autocorrect menu (much like autocorrect on an iphone) for spelling and grammatical errors, from which users can select an alternative word or phrase.

Can Dragon NaturallySpeaking™ be used for research?
Certainly. Dragon™ gives the user complete voice-directed control over the computer. Any task that is typically done with a mouse or keyboard can be done by speaking the instruction, or command. Users can provide voice-directed instructions to launch a website, search the web, copy and paste from the web, highlight blocks of text, organize files, send emails, create research notes, or scroll through a website.