Recorders and players have moved from the large two or four-
track tape machines to minidiscs and digital recorders. The
latter may produce very clear speech output but can be too small
and fiddly for students with dexterity difficulties. Digital
recordings can be downloaded onto computers and portable players
as audio files. The dictation of a speaker trained for a speech
recognition package can be recorded and downloaded for instant
transcription into text. Recording notes can help many students,
including those with visual and hearing impairments, writing
difficulties and specific learning difficulties. Note taking can
be enhanced by recordings that clarify the notes. Some students
find it hard to write and concentrate on what is being said at
the same time, so a recording may act as the main source of
information. Recorders can also be used for memos, revision,
practising presentations and dictating assignments. Tape and
digital players are useful in reading from audio books. These
books have good navigati