Overview
Module: Module 4: Local Voice Assistant
Activity type: Lesson (Orient → Recall → Learn → Explain → Reflect)
Learning objective: Given CPU/RAM constraints, the learner can deploy local Whisper (STT) and Piper (TTS) via Wyoming, benchmark them separately, and record latency/quality tradeoffs before integration.
Bloom level: Apply / Evaluate
Mastery unlock for this topic: reading done + Feynman complete + quiz ≥80% (when scored) + lab gate + homework submitted
Learning objective
Given CPU/RAM constraints, the learner can deploy local Whisper (STT) and Piper (TTS) via Wyoming, benchmark them separately, and record latency/quality tradeoffs before integration.
Why this matters
Voice feels ‘AI magic’ until a tiny host thrashes. Separate STT/TTS proof prevents false blame on Home Assistant or the satellite.
Prior-knowledge check
Answer briefly before reading Instruction. Wrong answers are useful: they show what to review.
- What network contract do Wyoming services need?
- Why might a larger Whisper model be a bad choice on a small NUC?
- What evidence proves STT alone works?
Learn
Complete the module reading first:
Then review the worked example inside that reading (I do).
Guided practice (We do)
We do: hints allowed. Check your reasoning against Instruction.
Run the STT known-sentence check with notes open; record text output.
Feynman teach-back: required
Required. Do not skip.
Explain
Describe what Whisper, Piper, and Wyoming each contribute in your own words. No copying the lesson verbatim.
Simplify
Explain the same idea to a 12-year-old. If you use a technical word, define it.
Example
Analogy: ears (STT), mouth (TTS), and the headset cable standard (Wyoming).
Weak spot
What part was hard to explain? That is where your understanding is thin.
Retry
Return to that part of Instruction, restudy it, then rewrite a clearer explanation below.
Mastery note: a completed Feynman teach-back is required before the next class unlocks: “I get it” without explanation does not count.
Answers save in this browser (localStorage). Completing all five fields is part of the mastery unlock.
Reflection
What latency/quality tradeoff did you accept, and what resource limit forced it?
Also answer:
- What did I learn?
- What did I struggle with?
- How does this connect to earlier classes?
Spiral hook
Class 13 demands these providers still work with the internet disconnected. Keep the separate tests: you will reuse them under failure.