Using Microsoft Dictation for Speech-to-Text

Description

Microsoft Dictation is a speech-to-text feature available in Microsoft 365 applications that allows users to create and edit content using their voice instead of typing. Dictation can support an alternative method of text input using your voice instead of typing.   

Microsoft Dictation is available in applications such as the rich content editor in Canvas and the Microsoft Education integration. Microsoft products including Word, Outlook, OneNote, and PowerPoint also allow this feature. Dictation can be a great resource for teaching and learning activities by providing a speech-to-text alternative to typing. Availability and features may vary by application, operating system, language, and Microsoft 365 version. 

Who can access

• Current instructors, students, and staff  

Solution

Before you begin 

You will need: 

• A Microsoft 365 account 

• A microphone-enabled computer or mobile device 

• An internet connection 

• An application that supports Microsoft Dictation 

Dictation in Microsoft 365 applications 

To Start Dictation in Word 

1. Open a new or existing Word document. 

2. Select Home. 

3. Select Dictate in the Voice section of the ribbon. 

4. Wait for the Dictate button to indicate that it is listening. 

5. Begin speaking. 

6. Your speech will appear as text in the document. 

7. Select Dictate again when you are finished. 

Dictation is also available in supported versions of applications such as: 

• Outlook: Select Message > Dictate when composing a message. 

• OneNote: Use Dictate to enter spoken notes. 

• PowerPoint: Use Dictate to add text to presentation placeholders and speaker notes. 

How to use Microsoft Dictation in Canvas 

1. Open the Canvas text editor  

   • Open the Canvas area where you want to enter text. 

   • This could be an Announcement, Assignment, Discussion, Page, or other Rich Content Editor (RCE) field.  

2. Place your cursor where you want the text  

   • Click inside the Canvas Rich Content Editor.  

3. Start Microsoft Dictation  

   • On Windows, press Windows key + H. 

   • You can also select the microphone/dictation button from the Windows voice-typing interface.  

   • On a Mac, use the built-in macOS Dictation feature, typically activated by pressing the Microphone/Fn key or through System Settings > Keyboard > Dictation.  

4. Start speaking  

   • Speak naturally and clearly.  

   • Microsoft Dictation converts your speech into text wherever your cursor is located in Canvas.  

   • You can say punctuation commands such as “period,” “comma,” or “question mark” when supported by your device and language settings.  

5. Review and edit  

   • Dictation isn't perfect, so review the text for spelling, punctuation, and formatting.  

   • You can use your keyboard and Canvas's editing tools to make corrections.  

Important: Microsoft Dictation is not a Canvas feature. It is an operating system/browser capability that works with Canvas's text fields. Availability and commands can vary depending on whether you're using Windows or macOS, your browser, and your language settings. 

The exact location and available features for Dictation may vary by application and version. 

Important Considerations 

Review dictated text 

Speech recognition is not perfect. Dictation may incorrectly recognize: 

• Names 

• Technical terminology 

• Acronyms 

• Specialized vocabulary 

• Numbers 

• Punctuation 

• Words that sound similar 

Always review dictated content for accuracy before submitting or distributing it. 

Get Help From OIT

• Visit the Help & Resources: Microsoft Education page to create a ticket  

• Contact - Microsoft Support for support with the Microsoft Education integration and any of its related features. 

• Visit the Technology Help Center (help.ohio.edu) to get live support, view outages, and browse trainings. 

Additional Resources

• Join the Teaching and Learning Advisory Community  

  • The Teaching and Learning Technologies Advisory Community is open to OHIO students, faculty, and staff who have an interest in teaching and learning technologies.   

• Get help  

  • Visit the Technology Help Center (help.ohio.edu) to get live support, view outages, and browse trainings.  

Accessibility

• Ohio University strives to make its digital resources and services accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities who may also be using assistive technology. If special steps are necessary in order to improve the accessibility of experiences for end-users, those steps must be taken.   
     
  If you experience a barrier that affects your ability to access OHIO websites, videos, online forums, documents, or other information technology, please let us know.   
  For further information about OHIO's digital accessibility resources, see:  

  • Digital Accessibility  
  • Office for University Accessibility  
  • Student Accessibility Services  
  • Ohio University's IT Accessibility Policy  

Security  

The Ohio University Information Security Office strives to educate and empower the University community to appropriately manage risks and protect OHIO’s information and systems. This effort is facilitated through policies, standards, and information security risk management program, as well as other tools and guidance that are provided to the University community. This modern approach creates a safe computing environment in which the University community can teach, learn, and conduct research.   

For additional information about OHIO’s security resources, see:  

• Resources for students   

• Resources for faculty and staff   

• Resources for researchers