Speech to text/Dictation tools

Spech to Text

Read and Write  is mainly speech to text and text to speech with word prediction (Co:Writer is now integrated in this toolbar!). All features are free for teachers, 30 day free trail for students, then only basic features like text to speech available for free (list of free features)- available as on-screen keyboard for iOS and Android, as Chrome extension usable on Chromebook, Windows and Mac systems.

EquatIO (from the makers of Read and Write) is a program that allows dictation or prediction of Math/STEM subjects. Has free trial available. 

ClaroSpeak (Chrome, Android and iOS)  is a text to speech and writing app available for iOS, Android and in the Chrome browser as a Google App, but is also available for Windows 10. It is free and can read PDFs and other documents, but has a synthesized voice. It allows for text customization and has an integrated word prediction program with voice feedback while writing.

Easy Dyslexia Aid – Dyslexic & Dysgraphia Spelling & Literacy Helper with the Aid of Special Fonts & Colored Backgrounds helps with spelling and literacy with the aid of the 'OpenDyslexic' font and color overlays. The absence of 'options' pages ensures that learners with specific difficulties can quickly start using the app.  $2.99

inku ($14.99) iOS is an intuitive and powerful dyslexia tool that helps you write your notes without spelling errors. It allows a person to type a message using sophisticated word and phrase prediction, which learns their pattern of use, making writing even faster. An advanced spell-checking system designed especially for people with dyslexia offers great support. 

DictaNote Speech Recognizer: Quite accurate Chrome Speech to Text tool. Works well on Chromebooks built-in microphone. There is a free version available. Dictate into a single note then cut/paste into application of choice. Provides support as a note-taking tool.

Google Supports for Reading and Writing (PDF)

VoiceItt for students with atypical speech patterns (articulation errors, accents etc.), AI powered. You can purchase Voiceitt2 with either a monthly subscription at the price of $49.99 per month, or an annual subscription of $499.99 per year. In both cases, the subscription includes a 30-day free trial period, during which you can try out Voiceitt2

How to support your student with speech to text:

PDF with How-tos

NOTE: If you have difficulties with technology not understanding your student well- the microphone you’re using and the positioning of that mic can also make a huge difference. A very low-cost accurate microphone is the Andrea NC-8. The positioning of this mic is important, here’s a short audio clip where positioning is demonstrated using a different mic, but you’ll get the idea.   In many cases, plugging the microphone into your computer using a USB adapter will also improve performance, as that digitizes the audio (meaning EMI in your computer will not be an issue).