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Library Basics

How to Use Your Computer for Dictation

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.

  • Open Microsoft Word
  • Use your existing document or open a new documentscreenshot of the top section of microsoft word
  • 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

screenshot of the dictation module on microsoft word

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.

 

Mac Dictation

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

Reminder!

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. 

Western Iowa Tech Community College
library@witcc.edu / 712.274.8733 ext. 1239