Implementing Remote RealTime Transcribing Services

1
Implementing Remote Real-Time Transcribing
Services

• What We Learned
• at
• Oregon State University

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What is Real-Time Transcribing?

• ?Auditory information is converted to text that
  is displayed real-time on a computer or other
  display device.
• - TypeWell
• - C-Print
• - CART
• - Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR)

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Real-Time Transcribing

• ?Transcribers are trained to use specialized
  software and to chunk information.
• ?Information is provided in a
• meaning-for-meaning format.

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Remote Transcribing

• ?Student uses a laptop computer with a TypeWell
  Reader license installed.
• ?Instructor wears a microphone.
• ?Off-site transcriber listens via a phone line or
  internet connection.

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(No Transcript)
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From Theory to Practice

• ?Technology
• ?Coordination of Service

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Technology

• The Devils In the Details!

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Establishing a Remote Connection

• ?Fast, reliable Internet connection
• ? Firewall
• ? Broadband
• ? Wireless

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Establishing a Remote Connection (continued)

• Skype
• http//www.skype.com/getconnected/

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Initial Testing

• ?Voice over Internet, using Skype
• -Intermittent connection with wireless
• -Drop outs remote transcriber lost audio
• -Institutional policy to block or throttle
  Skype traffic

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Establishing a Remote Connection (Part 2)

• Cell Phones
• ? Site policies
• ? Interference
• ? Lack of service

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Refinements

• ?Use of cell phones
• ?Cell phone carriers
• ?Development of building guide for cell phone
  reception

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Technology

• ?Wireless OSU network
• ? Laptop/ultra mobile PC
• ?Microphone
• ?Cell phone
• ? Voice over internet software
• ? Typewell Premium Reader Software

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Microphones

• ?Sony WCS-999 wireless microphone
• -low cost (approx. 100) uses AA batteries
• -radio interference might reduce sound quality
• Information found at http//typewell.com/remote.ht
  ml

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Laptops

• Reader Laptop
• -small
• -portable
• Samsung Q1

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Webcams

• http//www.amazon.com/Logitech-QuickCam-Ultra-Visi
  on-Webcam/dp/B000ME393O

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Technology Points to Consider

• ? Structural issues and building environment
• ?Network infrastructure will you use a wired
  connection or wireless?
• ?Equipment Laptops, cell phones, microphones

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Technical Support Staff

• ?At beginning of class to set up laptop and
  instructor microphone
• ?On-call for technical issues
• ?Training in trouble-shooting
• ?Care/issue of equipment

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Service Coordination

• Where to begin?

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Identify Your Needs

• ?On-going class coverage?
• ?Substitute requests?
• ?Intermittent staff meetings?
• ?Distance education?

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Identify Format

• ?Group discussions?
• ?Formulas/equations?
• ?Lab?
• ?Accents?
• ?Reliance on PowerPoints?
• ?Interactive?

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Identify Needs of Student

• ?Does the student require voicing?
• ?Is class participation required?
• ?Is the student comfortable with computers?

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Locating Service Providers

• ?Resource sharing
• ?Independent contractor (individual)
• ?Independent contractor (referral agency)
• ?Referral from TypeWell

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Discussion Points

• ?Primary contact
• ?Placing the call
• ?Handling substitutes
• ?Prep time/materials

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More discussion points

• ?Editing/delivery of transcripts
• ?Cancellation policy
• ?Loss of audio/wireless connection
• ?Conflict mediation/quality control

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And Still More Discussion Points

• ?Technical support on-site
• ?Technical support for transcriber
• ?Trouble shooting
• -loss of connection
• -poor audio quality
• -microphone failure
• -no transcriber

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Education

• ?Instructor
• -Use of microphone
• -Repetition of questions/comments
• -Meaning for meaning
• -PowerPoint/overhead copies
• -Delayed response from student

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Student

• ?Overview of service
• -Meaning for meaning
• -Class notes
• -Lag time
• -Communication with transcriber
• -Care of equipment
• -Troubleshooting

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Show Time!

• ?OSU contracted with referral agency
• ?Classroom checked for cell phone reception
• ?Student and faculty were educated about the
  process

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Show Time! (continued)

• ?Back-up transcriber in the class
• ?Technical support in the class
• ?Transcriber on the east coast

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Show Time! (continued)

• ?Large class size tiered fixed seating
• ?Interactive class format

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Final Results

• ?Connectivity issues were identified and
  alternate method (cell phones) was implemented
• ?Microphone on instructors podium picked up
  class comments
• ?Remote transcriber indicated no problems

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Final Results (continued)

• ?Late request was accommodated
• ?The instructor and student reported satisfaction
  with the process!