Speechlogger is a voice-to-text web app that is free, easy, and effective. Because the web app allows you to cut and  Speechlogger Logopaste text in, it doubles as a text-to-text service. Scores of languages are covered, including less common ones like Basque, Estonian, Urdu, Tamil, and even Esperanto. Helpfully, in many language choices the translated text also has an audio version. This aspect is particularly useful in phone conversations. The translated text can be exported to Google Drive, .txt file, Word doc, caption (.srt) file, or your local drive. The interface has down menus for language selection and easily understood icons for starting new sessions, file upload, and saved sessions. I like the fact that the web app saves previous sessions because I find myself needing commonly used phrases frequently. To start recording just click on the large microphone icon, and click again to stop. While recording the microphone displays a red dot that cycles through small to large to let you now that you are being recorded.

Simple Uses?

From the site itself the ideas abound: “… voice typewriter (speech to text); real time automatic-interpreter (instant translator from voice to text & voice); hearing aid; caption phone; subtitles generator and more.” For education the benefit to language arts is obvious. For non-English video and audio files, the app does allow textual translation to English. This aspect may prove useful in some specialized classes.

Do I Plan To Use It?

Yes! I already used it for non-classroom purposes. I communicated with my “Ayi” (maid/cook) here in Shanghai. I am not fluent in Mandarin. Through Speechlogger I am able to communicate with her effortlessly. Importantly, we are able to get past the simple, daily communication to discuss more philosophical issues, our families, etc. I finally have a means of understanding her beyond meals and shopping issues. Also, I can communicate with service personnel at my apartment complex, local restaurants, shops, etc. Speechlogger is liberating!

Commitment And Learning Curve

Low, as in a minute or two. I was up and running in moments. IT takes a little playing around to get used to the punctuation insert function, but you can just say “period” or “comma” easily enough.

Best For

ES/MS/HS

Cost

Free!

Website

http://speechlogger.appspot.com/