Dragon Naturally Speaking
What is Dragon Naturally Speaking Software?
"Dragon speech recognition software makes it easier for anyone to use a computer. You talk, and it types. Use your voice to create and edit documents or emails, launch applications, open files, control your mouse, and more. Quickly and easily capture your thoughts and ideas while Dragon helps you get more done faster" (Nuance Communications, Inc. Website).
Dragon Naturally Speaking is the primary speech-to-text program in use at Carleton. Students may find Dragon a useful option for word processing and voice-controlled computer navigation. Disability Services for Students and Assistive Technologists at the SCIC work together to provide students with as much information and assistance as possible for continued use of Dragon on and off campus.
How do I start using Dragon?
Dragon Natural software only runs on the Windows operating system and is located on several public lab machines, including the three machines on 5th Libe and one in the Assistive Technology room, Libe 328.
To start using Dragon, contact Andy Christensen, Coordinator of Disability Services, to discuss eligibility. After registering with the Disability Services, contact the AzTechs to help set up your Dragon account for use on campus lab machines.
Once you have a Dragon account built, open Dragon on your desktop. The first time you use the software you will be asked to complete a four to ten minute voice training session. We highly recommend this process (best, we found, when used "with prompting"), as it will greatly improve the accuracy of the software. Dragon offers tutorials on the software, available both upon first use and later, if desired. If you are interested in one-on-one consulting, please email aztechs@carleton.edu.
Helpful Resources:
While the Dragon software contains a large volume of its own documentation within the program, to the right are some additional resources we have found useful.
Additionally, below is a helpful video walking new users through the profile creation process.