Speech 2 Screen
ELECTRONIC NOTETAKING
Discover how you can enjoy real-time access to what is said ....
“We have received some feedback from a customer for whom you both undertook an assignment. The service user has stated that:
'The electronic notektakers were excellent & it was so refreshing to be able to have the notes sent to me on the very same day which I picked up on the next day to work.'
Well done and thank you for portraying both yourself and (agency name) in such a positive light.”
Testimonial
What is electronic notetaking?
Electronic notetakers (ENTs) process speech converting it in real-time, to typed text in English using specialist software. ENTs produce notes in various formats e.g. very brief/in bullet points/ detailed text summaries/near verbatim conversations. The text appears on the reader’s laptop screen (or can be projected onto a large screen for bigger audiences); it can also appear as Braille output. The notes are the property of the client.
The software benefits you by enabling ENTs to:
- type in abbreviations as a few letters which appear in full English
text so that output is faster than input
- indicate who is speaking.
- record environmental information, such as [mobile ringing].
- customise the screen view to individual requirements
Added value options: Word pronunciation or explanation
Transcriptions of audio recordings
1 OR 2 ENTs?
To enjoy high standards of language processing, accurate typing output, and to prevent operator repetitive strain injury, 2 ENTs may be needed for:
- Assignments requiring intense typing for more than 2 hours, where there is a constant flow of informative speech that needs to be recorded in detail.
- Day-long assignments (depending on the agenda content).
The ENTs co-work, taking it in turns to note-take in short intensive bursts, usually sharing equipment.
Unsure if you need 1 or 2 ENTs? Please discuss your needs with me.
How to get the best service?
A netbook laptop is provided for my clients to read from and using specialist software, text is transmitted from a wireless keyboard or my ‘sender’ laptop.
Where possible, providing topic information and / or agendas helps familiarise your ENT with any specialist language. Exchange mobile numbers, arrive a little early to allow your ENT to set up the equipment before the event starts.
All that is needed is access to a wall socket, a chair and table to work from and a place to put the netbook(s) for easy viewing. For notetaking while moving around, please discuss the practical aspects with me.
The text notes can be provided unedited, or on the client’s memory stick at the end of the assignment or emailed later on.
Confidentiality
Sometimes comments and language used at events are not what speakers want to be recorded, but my job is to convey these comments, the tone and language, to the reader.
In these situations I then also note that there is a request to delete the information, and after it has been read, I delete it.
For highly sensitive information, I am happy to use the client’s laptop and attach it to my/a wireless keyboard, so that the typed contents remain with the client at all times.
Demonstrations and Training
Demonstrations and explanations of manual and/or electronic notetaking can be arranged.
Teaching electronic or manual notetaking principles with practice sessions, is customised as required. Teaching includes the notetaking needs of clients with various impairments.
Manual Notetaking
Handwritten notes are ideal if brevity, annotations, colour, science, maths and numerical work are needed. Manual notetaking is also useful for excursions and field trips. The notes can be handed over at the end of the session.
December, 2011