N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 1997

Computer Puts Teacher's Speech on Screen

Rod Whitney, a student at Silicon Valley Community College, in California is deaf. His teacher, Claire Weis, is hearing. When Rod lost his interpreter, Weis looked for new ways to communicate with him. She learned some sign language and she became interested in a new technology. The new technology, voice recognition technology, uses the computer to change voice to print.
Voice recognition technology is experimental and does not work perfectly. Weis had to practice to be able to use the program. Each time, she put on a headset, made her voice "accent free," and talked slowly into a microphone. As Weis talked, the words appeared on Rod's computer screen.
"The first time it was successful...I translated for another teacher...When the lecture was finished...we both got up and hugged each other."
Rod, a former student at Washington State School for the Deaf, Gallaudet University and another community college, wants to get his degree in mechancial design drafting, and perhaps architecture. "The truth is...an interpreter is still the champ of communication in the classroom," he said. "But if there's no interpreter available, then voice recognition is the next best possibility...it's a whole lot better than notetaker, typists, or gestures."

General comments may be sent to: ISCS.ClercCenter@gallaudet.edu
Last modified March 5, 1998
Copyright © 1997, All Rights Reserved
Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center

Gallaudet University 800 Florida Ave. NE Washington, DC 20002-3695