Dragon Dictation

Voice recognition surprisingly good, but not perfect.
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Dragon Dictation
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Dragon Dictation is a voice recognition dictation app that allows users to record and send notes via email, Facebook, Twitter, SMS, or cut and paste into other programs. Kids with limited ability to type or with learning disabilities like dyslexia or dysgraphia could benefit from using this app. That said, if kids are going to use Dragon Dictation, they should be old enough to speak clearly and need to make sure they check the notes for dictation accuracy. Some words might be dictated incorrectly if kids mumble, don't speak clearly, or speak with any sort of accent.
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What’s It About?
Kids tap "Record" and start talking. When finished, they press "Stop." The voice dictation in the form of text appears on the screen. There are different commands for various punctuation or other formatting options. Kids choose how and to whom they want to send their note (via email, Twitter, Facebook, SMS) or cut and paste their note elsewhere to edit and save. Saving options are different depending upon which mobile device they're using.
Is It Any Good?
Kids with limited ability to type or with learning challenges could benefit from using DRAGON DICTATION. Kids who use this free app must be able to speak clearly and they or someone else should checks their notes for dictation accuracy. The voice recognition is surprisingly good, but it isn't perfect. Many younger kids may not speak clearly enough for this app to pick up what they're saying accurately, which could make for nonsensical sentences. Dragon Dictation is a good tool with limitations.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Read through the tips for improving Dragon Dictations accuracy.
The next time your kid is stumped on start to write an essay or book report, suggest they speak it using this tool.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Subjects: Language & Reading: speaking, spelling, writing
- Skills: Creativity: producing new content, Communication: conveying messages effectively, speaking, Tech Skills: using and applying technology
- Pricing structure: Free
- Release date: February 15, 2012
- Category: Productivity
- Publisher: Nuance Communications
- Version: 2.0.28
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 4.0 or later
- Last updated: September 12, 2019
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love educational apps
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