Task 11: Algorithms of Predictive Text
This was one of the tasks I chose not to complete, so I wanted to read a post from someone who chose to complete it. I found it interesting to read about Braden’s experience with algorithms for predictive text. I personally have never had very good luck with predictive text on my phone or tablet. Rarely does it predict what I am actually trying to say and it seems as if Braden had the same experience on his iPad.
Braden made an important observation about the difference between the predictive text on his phone or iPad compared with that on his laptop, even while using the same program. It does make sense, given the different uses for each of the devices. The only real predictive text that I have on my laptop is when I am using Google Docs or Slides to do work for school. There, the predictive text is fairly accurate. The subject matter is quite specific and mostly limited to math and science. The wider variety of activities my phone and tablet are used for would make it much harder for an algorithm to come up with the correct words.
It was interesting that Braden had experience with students completing assignments using predictive text, to the point where the assignments did not make sense. This is something I have never experienced. I question how we, as teachers, can monitor this kind of use of technology.