What is Speech Recognition? A Multi-Purpose Solution

What is speech recognition? It is a technology implemented into software applications that enables easy computer dictation. Instead of inputting your words over the keyboard, you speak into a microphone and generate text that appears on the screen. This new form of word processing or computing out loud has become incredibly popular among home users and especially business professionals. As some programs grant users with control over computer functions, the technology is also beneficial for people with physical disabilities.

What is Speech Recognition in Education?

Speech recognition is a technology being increasingly used in the educational system, able to accommodate diverse groups of students that may have difficult writing for a number of different reasons. These programs enable students with disabilities that prevent them from using a keyboard to effectively compose sentences and correct their school work.

What is Speech Recognition's Technology?

Speech recognition is a technology that has vastly improved. The technology showed promise with discrete recognition where the user was required to speak slowly with short pauses in between words, enabling the program to recognize their voice. Most programs today employ continuous speech, allowing users to speak naturally which results in better accuracy.

What is Speech Recognition's User Base?

Speech recognition is a solution for a wide variety of users. In fact, individuals with physical disabilities have been using the technology for years. Perhaps the most known example is late actor Christopher Reeves, as he had been using it frequently after suffering injuries in a horse riding accident.

The introduction of continuous speech has led the industry to market products to the general public. Prices have reduced significantly, and these solutions are now available to businesses and the average consumer. Attorneys find it useful as the technology helps them prepare for oral presentations. Those in the research field enjoy the benefit of having the ability to record notes and vital observations. Medical transcribers use speech recognition to accurately create clinical documents. Someone that works at home can shave hours off a typical work day by dictating to create documents and emails.

What is Speech Recognition Training?

Speech recognition is a technology that has become easier to learn. The transition from keyboard to voice input can be compared to that of pen and paper to keyboard, meaning successful speech recognition requires a bit of training and time to master dictation. The training process occurs at three levels: learning the software, learning to talk to the software and converting your style of speech to match your style of writing. Those who speak in more of a conversational style must learn to dictate in more of a writing style. Throughout the process, the software will learn from its mistakes which generally results in better accuracy.

What is Speech Recognition for Your Life?

So what is speech recognition? It is a technology that is gaining ground across multiple industries, making its way into our computers, mobile phones and cars as well. As the technology can only continue to improve from here, it's safe to assume that speech recognition is here to stay.