anyone use speech-to-text (dictation) software for school?

[gorillagas]

Ill be starting CRNA school this fall and was thinking about getting MacSpeech Dictate for my macbook. Any thoughts? Think it could be useful for notes or writing papers?

[mytone]

Any speech-to-text program wont work without training and a very good mic. The only way to pull that off is if you convince the prof to do the training session & they have your mic. Ya right.

Instead I would recommend Lightscribe smart pen. Google it. Excellent product for CRNA school.

[HuskerRN]

This is just my personal opinion for anesthesia school...K-I-S-S (keep it simple stupid). Don't get caught up in the technology and all the extra junk that just turns out to be a time waster. Go with the tried and tested technique of pen and paper. 1)The act of physically writing something down will help you to remember it much better. 2) Technology can screw you when you most need it. 3) There is no gimick's that I have found that work better with studying than just plain old repitition and hard work.
I know this doen't address your question, but I'm just trying to tell you not to get too carried away. Before I started school I had all these crazy study ideas in mind...digital recorder for lecture and listening to it in the car...converting it to my ipod and listening to it while I work out....using a laptop in class to type notes directly onto....using software for flashcards on the computer...etc.

You know how many of those I actually do? ZERO, but that's just my opinion

Nick

[Sean04]

I agree repitition and simplicity is key but I have found that a digital recorder has been a life saver for me. I listen to lectures first during class, second time at home. The first listen in class I just kind of to take it all in and not try to write too much so I don't miss what is said next. Second lecture at home I can pause, rewind, etc and make sure I get the fine details (b/c that's all we are ever tested on, obscure, minute facts!)

One tip I would give is that tables, charts generated from other sources like computers, books,etc don't stick with me nearly as much as ones I make for myself.

But everyone is different, I have a friend who can read or write something a hundred times a not remember, but only have to say it out loud to know it forever. You'll find what works for you!

[browneyes39401]

Before I started school I had all these crazy study ideas in mind...digital recorder for lecture and listening to it in the car...converting it to my ipod and listening to it while I work out....

Nick[/QUOTE]

:) so funny; I though/tried/did all of those things, and now, a year later... pen & paper... pen & paper...

[HuskerRN]

Haha, that's funny! I will say this, the only piece of technology I have equiped myself with since starting school last August is a blackberry curve. I just got it last week and even that was a big debate. I just hate relying on technology, but I figure it will keep me more organized and less weighted down in the OR although I will still carry the actual books (go figure).

[gorillagas]

hmm.. yeah maybe im getting too excited about school. not sure if all the tech stuff will make me more efficient. thanks for the reply guys!

[kmchugh]

To buck the tide; When I was in school, I used Dragon Naturally Speaking quite extensively. I used it for transcribing notes to the computer, as well as for paper preparation. I also used it some on careplans.

Between that and having shells already made up in Word for repetitive documents (like careplans) I figured I saved myself time, as well as saving my arms from carpal tunnel syndrome.