TypeWell transcription services are versatile and can be effectively utilized in various educational settings. Here's an overview of class types where TypeWell is particularly beneficial:
Lecture-Based Classes
In courses where instructors primarily deliver content through lectures, TypeWell excels by providing real-time, meaning-for-meaning transcriptions. This ensures that students have immediate access to the material being presented.
Discussion-Intensive Classes
Classes that involve significant student participation and discussion are also well-suited for TypeWell. For optimal transcription:
- The transcriber should be positioned to clearly hear all participants.
- Students should be encouraged to speak clearly and one at a time.
Math and Science Classes
Transcribing technical subjects like math and science can be more challenging due to specialized terminology and symbols. To address this:
- Utilization of TypeWell's Math Mode features can aid in accurately capturing complex information.
- Transcribers may use handwritten adjuncts alongside typed transcripts.
Additional training and techniques are often employed to ensure precise transcription in these subjects.
Advanced Professional Programs
In high-level courses such as law and medicine, the need for near-verbatim transcription may arise. In such cases:
- Advanced TypeWell transcribers with specialized training are recommended.
- Alternatively, qualified Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) providers may be more appropriate.
It's important to assess the specific needs of the course and students to determine the most suitable transcription service.
Understanding TypeWell's Meaning-for-Meaning Approach
TypeWell operates on a meaning-for-meaning transcription model, focusing on conveying the speaker's intended message rather than a word-for-word account. This approach involves:
- Condensing and rephrasing content to capture essential points.
- Occasionally expanding language to clarify auditory or nonverbal cues.
While some transcribers may provide near-verbatim transcriptions, extraneous elements like false starts and immediate repetitions are typically omitted to enhance clarity.
Choosing Between TypeWell and Verbatim Transcription Services
For certain students and classes, a verbatim transcription service like CART may be preferable. Considerations include:
- Volume of Content: Verbatim transcriptions can result in extensive documentation, sometimes up to 20 pages per hour of class, which may be overwhelming for some students.
- Relevance: All spoken information is transcribed, regardless of its educational significance.
Some students may find the detailed nature of verbatim transcriptions beneficial, while others might prefer the concise format of TypeWell. It's also common for students to use a combination of services, opting for TypeWell in certain classes and CART or sign language services in others, based on their individual needs and the nature of the course content.