Assistive Technology 2 - Google Voice Typing

 In Bhutan, we believe that education must reach every child regardless of their location, background, or their abilities. Guided by the values of Gross National Happiness (GNH), we aim to create an inclusive classroom where all learners feel supported and included. However, some students still face challenges in doing tasks. These students may have learning disabilities, physical impairments, or simply need more time and support to type or spell correctly. One tool that can help overcome such barriers is Google Voice Typing - a free speech-to-text tool that allows students to speak into their devices and have the words typed out automatically.

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Google Voice Typing is a built-in feature in Google Docs which is a part of the Google Workspace for Education platform. It allows users to speak into a microphone while the software converts their speech into written text in real-time. This tool is easy to use and requires only a device with a microphone and an internet connection. In many Bhutanese schools, especially in urban areas where Google Classroom is already in use, this tool can be accessed readily and with increasing digital spread, even rural schools are gradually integrating such technologies.

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Students with learning disabilities/differences like dyslexia or with physical impairments find writing tasks stressful and slow. Google Voice Typing gives them an alternative way to express their thoughts without the barrier of typing or handwriting. These are few ways on how it supports inclusive learning:

• students can speak instead of typing
• they can complete their tasks like writing notes more efficiently
• it reduces anxiety about spelling and grammar errors or keyboard speed
• it helps them keep pace with other classmates and boost their confidence

For example, a student who struggles with spelling due to dyslexia can still express their knowledge by speaking clearly. This tool removes the technical barrier and allows them to showcase their understanding. According to the International Dyslexia Association (2022), speech-to-text tools like this greatly assist students with language-based learning difficulties. This aligns with Bhutan's inclusive education goals of promoting equity for all learners.

Despite its benefits, it comes with some challenges in Bhutanese context like:

• Internet access : in some remote areas with poor and reliable internet connection can prevent students from using such online tools
• Punctuation use : students must say punctuation out loud like "comma" or "full stop", which may feel unnatural at first
• Speech recognition : some may have different accents which the tool may have difficulty in recognizing so users might need time to practice pronunciation.
• Noise : in a setting like crowded classrooms it may be difficult to use effectively as it works best in quite places.

However with practice, guidance from teachers, and improvement of infrastructure these barriers will become smaller. 

Google Voice Typing aligns with Bhutan's GNH principle of inclusive, equitable, and quality education. It empowers students who might stay silent due to their writing difficulties, Instead of being left out, they can also be active participants in classroom. It also builds independence and self-esteem. When students can express themselves without needing constant help, they gain confidence and control/ownership over their learning. Importantly, it's free and requires no expensive software which is an advantage in resource-conscious education system of Bhutan. According to Edutopia (2023), free assistive tools like Google Voice Typing makes inclusion more achievable, even in low-income or rural schools.

As I prepare to become a teacher, I want to create a classroom that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive. For students who may need help in the above mentioned problems, I will use Google Voice Typing to assist and help every student succeed. Some ways I can implement are:

• introduce the tool to all students
• allow students to choose how they write- with a pen, keyboard, or voice
• provide guidance on fixing speech recognition error and editing work
• build awareness and foster empathy so that all students understand that people learn in different ways

By doing this small things, I hope to create a classroom where diversity is respected and inclusion is practiced.

All in all, Google Voice Typing is more than just a speech-to-text tool, it's a gateway to inclusion. It helps remove the writing barriers that students face, especially those with learning or physical challenges. In a country that values compassion and happiness, we must support every learner's right to express themselves. As a future educator, I am excited and looking forward to use such tools to create a classroom where all children can learn at their own pace and in their own way.

Reference

1. Edutopia. (2023). Free Tech Tools That Support Inclusive Classrooms.
   🔗 https://www.edutopia.org/article/free-tech-tools-support-inclusive-classrooms
2. International Dyslexia Association. (2022). Assistive Technology for Reading and Writing.
   🔗 https://dyslexiaida.org/assistive-technology-for-reading-and-writing