People vector created by pch.vector – www.freepik.com
Students using STTS should have the opportunity to have access to quality notes from a notetaker because transcripts may not present a complete summary information being provided.
Difference Between Notes and Transcripts
Note taking is a commonly-used accommodation where a qualified notetaker captures the key points, vocabulary, and other essential information and summarizes it in the form of notes for the student. This creates a more effective means of accessibility for the student.
Key information presented visually (such as what was written on a board or in presentation materials) can be captured in notes but not in a transcript.
Students can work with faculty and the note taker to ensure the needed information is included in the notes.
Transcripts are copies of what was captioned by the STTS provider, produced after the event.
Transcripts tend to be lengthy: a one-hour verbatim transcript averages 25-30 pages while a meaning-for-meaning transcript averages 15-20 pages.
Transcripts, if approved, are generally shared immediately after the event and are unedited. Some schools will not provide transcripts since STTS is considered an accommodation available in real-time (not after the event).
Transcripts are useful in adding captions during post-production for recorded events, saving time and allowing the person to edit errors.
If there is resistance from faculty, staff, or others involved, developing a written agreement regarding the use of a transcript can help prevent any unauthorized use or distribution of the transcript and ease concerns.
