ISCI 761: Utilizing Assistive Technology in the Library (Week 7)
Many tech companies offer access to some great assistive technology resources. One company in particular that has a lot to offer is Google. Specifically speaking, one tool that they provide is the voice typing feature embedded into the Google Docs program. Similar to using talk-to-text on your phone, this program allows the user to speak directly into the microphone on their computer, and the Google Docs program will type up what they are saying with great accuracy. Personally speaking, when I use talk-to-text on my phone, it is usually riddled with errors, but when I tried out the Google Docs version, everything that I said was typed correctly. This alone is a very important feature as having a talk-to-text program that is inaccurate would frustrate the user and ultimately make the process more difficult for them as they would have to then go back and correct each of these issues.
The best part about this program is that it could be beneficial for students with and without disabilities. As we know, all children develop at different rates, so a program like this would be great for kids at various ages and stages of their life. Younger students may take longer to develop fine motor skills necessary for writing and typing. They also may take longer to fully develop an understanding of phonics and word sense and may be unable to convey through writing what they are thinking. While these aspects are important, they may frustrate the students or prevent them from being able to express what they really know and understand if having to physically write or type and spell out her explanation is a challenge for them. For children with disabilities, this is also true as their disability may prevent them from being able to use their hands accordingly in a way that would require them to be able to write or type a response to a question. Being able to click on the microphone button and then just speak what is on their mind is going to be a much easier process for them while still allowing them to have access to the same activity utilizing the same program. Through this program, all students have a voice and a platform to be heard on. Too often, students are just assumed to not understand what is going on when they cannot explain themselves through writing, but having the ability to verbally share what you know, and have it written down for you, will definitely help with these misconceptions.
For librarians that are already working at a Google school, implementing this program should be easy as most of the members of the school community should already have a Google account. For librarians that are not already working in a Google school, they would need to create a Google account for themselves. They may be able to log into the general Google account for the library and let students use the program through this format. They may also be interested in setting up Google accounts for all of the students that will be using the program so that they can keep track of their documents separately. Once you are in the Google account, there are many apps and utilities that you can utilize. Google Docs is one of them and has an icon that looks like a blue piece of paper with a folded corner. The librarian or students can access the Google Docs program by clicking on this icon. You can also access the Google Docs program through Google Drive. Once they're in the document or this program, they can start a new document and begin working. The voice typing feature must be enabled through the tools menu. On computers that are being used by multiple students, I would suggest the librarian have all of these settings already selected and set up as a default setting so that you do not have to do this part every time. You would also have to allow the Google Docs program access to your microphone, but once this has been allowed once, it should not ask every time. Once that has been enabled, students just have to click on the microphone icon whenever they talk and it will begin typing for them, then click on the microphone icon again when they are done.
The concept of universally designed libraries is becoming more present and popular. This means having a library setting that is flexible and easy to access for everyone. It also encourages and enables students of all abilities to be able to feel welcomed in the library setting (Spina, 2017). Adding a program like this in the library would continue this theme of accessibility for all. School librarians of the 21st century also have certain aspects of assistive technology implementation that need to be considered. Some of these considerations are to see if the technology is actually helping the student, if it is beneficial for all students, if the students can access it easily, if will it distract the typically developing students, etc. (Copeland, 2011). These aspects are very important for librarians to consider as they need to investigate further into these different assistive technology options before investing and implementing to ensure that they are doing everything they can to truly provide an accepting and accessible environment for all students.
The Google Docs program can be utilized on tablets, laptops, or desktop computers as long as there is a microphone attached. This will allow the library that is utilizing more of a universal design to provide access to Google Docs through a variety of flexible seating and devices to accommodate all users (Spina, 2017). Students can go to sit at a desk and work on a computer, they can carry a laptop with them and work on the go, or perhaps use a tablet that is mounted in the library somewhere or can be checked out and borrowed for them to use during their time in the library.
Speaking from personal experience, I have a 10-year-old sister who has Down syndrome. Fine motor skill development, such as writing, and typing, are challenges for her. While she is continuing to develop these skills, she could still be able to participate in activities with her typically developing peers through assistive technology such as this by being able to verbally respond to activities or create projects with the Google Docs voice typing feature.
Overall, I think that this specific program has a lot to offer to students of all grades, stages, and ability levels. If you enjoy this tool as much as I do, I would encourage you to check out the other resources that Google has to offer. One added benefit to using Google programs is that it is almost like a one-stop shop. You will be able to have access to so many different resources all through one portal which definitely adds to the ease of use and functionality for teachers and students alike.
Here are some additional resources addressing the use of Google Docs in the school library setting:
References:
Copeland, C. A. (2011). School librarians of the 21st century: using resources and assistive technologies to support students' differences and abilities. Knowledge Quest, 39(3), 64-69 https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A248406079/PPNU?u=colu68650&sid=bookmark-PPNU&xid=aa583465
Spina, C. (2017, May 5). How universal design will make your library more inclusive. School Library Journal. Retrieved October 5, 2022, from https://www.slj.com/story/how-universal-design-will-make-your-library-more-inclusive
Photos :https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/edtech/professional-development-and-training/tech-bytes/using-google-docs-and-your-computer-speaker-to-create-a-transcription-file/
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