Review Overview
A. Instruction - 8
B. Design - 7.3
C. Engagement - 8.7
8
Watson Speech-to-Text: Assistive Technology for All!
Summary : Add a Little Watson to Your Classroom!
Watson’s Speech-to-Text web application converts spoken word into transcribed text. After launching the website, users must first choose if they want Watson to detect multiple speakers or just one speaker by clicking the “Detect Multiple Speakers” box. Next, users must select if they want to speak directly into their computer’s microphone or upload a file. If users chose to record themselves speaking, they need to click the “Record Audio” button. Watson will then record and transcribe their words. If users decide to upload a pre-recorded conversation (.wav, .flac, or .opus files only), they can do so by clicking the “Upload Audio File” button, selecting the file, and then opening it. In both scenarios, Watson will transcribe the spoken words into text, which users can then copy into another document.
If users wish, they can change the language of the recording with the options under the “Voice Model” menu. In addition, users can access more nuanced options with the “Word Alternatives” and “Spotted Keywords” options.
Instructional Ideas for Watson Speech-to-Text
- Teachers can have students record themselves having a conversation with small groups, so they are able to document a record of what was said. After the conversation, students can copy and paste it into an Evernote, Grammarly, or Zoho That way, they will be able to share the recorded conversation easily.
- Students who need support can open this website during a class to record a lecture, conversation, or another classroom happening. They can then save the recording by copying and pasting it into an Evernote, Grammarly, or Zoho Or, for students who need support with typing, they can use Watson to record themselves speaking their thoughts and then copy and paste the transcription into an email or post it to a classroom website.
- As part of an improv, drama, or creative writing lesson, students can have a dialogue while Watson records it. (Make sure the “Multiple Speakers” option is selected.) When finished, students can copy their transcribed recording into a Google Doc and make edits to it. They can then share it with the class by posting it to a classroom website.
- When students are learning a foreign language, teachers can have them use Watson to record themselves speaking the foreign language. They can have a running transcript of what they said, which they can review for accuracy, pronunciation, and meaning.
A1. Rigor | |
A2. 21st Century Skills | |
A3. Conn. to Future Learning | |
A4. Value of Errors | |
A5. Feedback to Teacher | |
A6. Level of Material | |
A7. Cooperative Learning | |
A8. Accom. of Individual Diff. |
B1. Ability to Save Progress | |
B2. Platform Integration | |
B3. Screen Design | |
B4. Ease of Use | |
B5. Navigation | |
B6. Goal Orientation | |
B7. Information Presentation | |
B8. Media Integration | |
B9. Cultural Sensitivity |
C1. Learner Control | |
C2. Interactivity | |
C3. Pace | |
C4. Flexibility | |
C5. Interest | |
C6. Aesthetics | |
C7. Utility |
Screenshots for Watson Speech-to-Text

Screenshot of Watson Speech-to-Text

Screenshot of Watson Speech-to-Text