Writing

There are two different speech-to-text options for the iPad:

1. Dictation Feature: The built-in iPad dictation feature is the easiest option. This can be enabled by going into the Settings Menu > General > Keyboards > Enable Dictation (toggle setting to on "green"). This will allow the microphone icon to show up on the on-screen keyboard. When the student needs to type, they can now tap the place where they need to type and then the on-screen keyboard will pop up and they can then hit the microphone on the keyboard.

2. Read&Write app: There is a feature within the Read&Write app that allows students to dictate. If the student has not been added to our district's Read&Write account, then reach out to the AT Department.

There are multiple options for speech-to-text on the Surface Go and Dell laptops.

1. Built-in Microsoft Dictation Function: This is initially restricted on student devices but if you contact the AT Department, we can have the restriction removed. To use the built-in dictation, the student puts their cursor where they wish to type and then hits the Windows key + H keys. The dictation will initialize and begin typing out the student's speech. When finished dictating, the student hits the Windows Key + H keys again to turn it off.

2. Google Voice Typing: If the student is completing an assignment using Google Docs, they can use the Voice Typing tool. Within Google Docs this can be activated by going to the Tools menu and then hitting Voice Typing. This will pull up the microphone icon on the left side of the document screen and if you hit the icon then it will begin listening for speech. Once the student is done dictating, they can hit the icon again to have the dictation stop.

3. Microsoft Dictation: Within the Microsoft Word program, student can hit the dictation button to have their speech dictated into the Word document.

4. Read&Write app: The Talk and Type tool within the Read&Write Google Chrome Extension can be used for dictation. If you have a student who needs this feature and they have not already been added to our district Read&Write account, reach out to the AT Department.

1. Microphone placement: Make sure to check where the microphone is on the device or headphones. Many students have more success when they speak directly into the microphone.

2. Prepare to speak: Students should be encouraged to form their thoughts prior to beginning speech. Students may benefit from the use of graphic organizers to help organize their thoughts. Students should make sure they check their environment to make sure there isn't extra noise or distractions that will impact the software's ability to accurately pick up the student's speech. If needed they may need to go to a quieter environment (e.g., hallway, corner of the classroom, or alternate classroom).

3. Formal vs. Informal Register: Students should learn to adjust their writing for various types of writing. Many students use speech to text and will speak the same way that they talk to a friend, but should be taught that to recognize whether formal or informal register is more appropriate. Here is a link to more information about formal and informal register: https://thewritelife.com/understanding-register/

Here are two different methods of having word prediction available for students:

1. iPad Built In Word Prediction: The iPad has a setting within the keyboard settings that will provide up to 3 words that will pop up on top of the keyboard. This works well for students that have adequate spelling and reading skills, but struggle with writing fluency.

2. Read&Write Keyboard: For students that need a little more support for their writing the Read&Write keyboard may be more appropriate. There is a setting that enables word prediction with up to 7 words and will also provide word prediction based off phonetic spelling (e.g., if student types "fone" it would provide a word prediction suggestion of "phone" to help the student to accurately spell the word). There is also a setting that allows the student to have the word prediction words read aloud prior to inserting them, which is helpful for students that may struggle to read the words that are being predicted.

Here are two options for word prediction on the Surface Go and Dell laptops:

1. Windows Built In Text Suggestions: Many people are not aware that Windows has a built in word prediction option. This works well for students that are able to read the word prediction suggestions but struggle with typing fluency. To enable this setting, you just need to go to the Typing Settings on the computer and toggle on the "Show text suggestions as I type" option under the Hardware Keyboard settings.

2. Read&Write Chrome Extension: For students that need more support with word prediction or who struggle with reading the words between suggested, they may benefit from access to the Read&Write Chrome extension. They can then use the Prediction tool on the Read&Write toolbar to have the word suggestions read to them before inserting them. There is also the option to have what they have typed read back to them.

On the iPad, students are encouraged to use a combination of the Adobe Scan & PDF Expert apps. These can be downloaded from Mosyle on the student's iPad. Feel free to consult the AT Department with questions regarding setting the apps up. Here are a few resources for using Adobe Scan & PDF Expert:

• Student Desktop Instructions on How to Use Adobe Scan & PDF Expert

• Detailed Steps for Using Adobe Scan & PDF Expert (with screenshots)

The best option for annotating PDFs is to use the OrbitDoc Google Chrome extension (part of the Read&Write extension family). If your student needs to be added to our district Read&Write account, reach out to the AT Department.