Library Basics

You can use your computer and Microsoft for dictation to help you take notes while during lecture, jot down your ideas, or use them during club meetings. The use for dictation comes in handy and finding the dictation is rather simple.

Remember! If you are using a dictation or recording in class, no matter the program, you do need to get permission from your instructor to record and/or use dictation in their classroom.

These are not ADA complaint. Please seek out the correct department before applying these to your accommodations.

• Open Microsoft Word
• Use your existing document or open a new document
• At the top of the document under the home tab, there is an option for 'dictate' on the right-hand options
• Select the microphone icon that says 'dictate'
• If not enabled, allow Microsoft access to your computer's microphone

The dictation module will look like the above picture. It is a small box with a microphone and settings option. You can tell the dictation when to start and stop. It will do it's best to try to dictate on the document what is being said. As with every piece of technology, there are limitations, but this is available to you, so use it if you need it. This helps many students with note taking during classes.

You can use Mac's keyboard shorthand to start dictation on whatever program you are typing in.

• Push 'control' on your keyboard three times
• Allow Apple to use your microphone
• A small microphone icon will show by your cursor when dictation is active

These are not ADA compliant. These are tools to help in assisting in your work, but cannot be used as replacement for accommodations if you are needing them.