But from my experience in the world of learners, I think that few students, young and old alike, are marvelous typists, or even marginal typists. My prediction is that students, even the skilled typists, will quickly shift to computer voice input programs, more natural and more comfortable than typing. As stated above, we will need much more empirical information comparing these two input modes. In discussing the recent development of voice input software, it is important to acknowledge our lack of good information. To progress further, more research is essential.
More usage is needed with voice input for learning, as with any new and promising technology.
This involves making voice input an integral part of a range of learning products, for students at all levels from early childhood to old age, and of many different backgrounds, including cultures and languages. We need careful empirical studies. Little work is going on at present, and therefore there is a dearth of such material. One of the current undertakings is the project at the Educational Development Corporation in the Boston area. Speak to Write primarily concerns handicapped students.