For most students, using dictation to write a report is not the best method to input the text. Using dictation beside peers during a spelling test is probably not a good idea! However, using dictation (or Siri) to quickly input text to complete an Internet search is an efficient way to accomplish the goal, allowing your student to keep up with his or her peers during a class activity.

It is important to consider the goal of the student’s current activity to determine if dictation is an appropriate tool to accomplish this goal. Many students love dictation as it is a quick and easy method of inputting text. When using dictation, punctuation commands and symbols are verbally spoken. Dictation is a mainstream feature and is an efficient means of inputting text for many people students who use VoiceOver, young students who have not yet mastered keyboarding or spelling skills, and for students with physical disabilities frequently find that using dictation is the most efficient method of inserting text. Then, activate the dictation button to the left of the space bar.ĭictation is frequently used when texting, inserting text when doing an Internet search, and for other quick text input activities. If you are using a Bluetooth keyboard paired to your iOS device, press the Hide/Show Keyboard button (located in the top row of most Bluetooth keyboards) to bring up the on-screen keyboard.

If you are using a refreshable braille display and the VoiceOver focus is on the text field, 1+5+6+space will start and stop dictation. If you are using VoiceOver and the VoiceOver focus is on the text field, simply use a two finger double tap to start and stop dictation. When you are finished speaking, tap Done button. Simply tap the Dictation button and start speaking. The Dictation button is physically located to the left of the space bar. Launch the Settings App > General > Keyboard > Scroll down to Enable Dictation

Dictation must be turned on in Settings and Internet is required. Dictation is available anytime there is text field or the virtual keyboard is on the screen. Dictation is a voice-to-text feature giving students the ability to talk to his/her device rather than type.

Enable voice typing on mac