One of the things that is often neglected while creating videos is making sure they have a transcript or are closed-captioned. Here is a process where you can get a rough transcript while you record an audio track or webcam.

Transcript

As I mentioned, this will work while recording an audio file or recording your webcam.

Capturing a Transcript of an Audio File

Here are the steps for capturing a transcript draft while recording an audio file:

1. Prepare your audio recording program for recording. I use Audacity.
2. Open a Google Doc.
3. Get ready to capture the transcript by selecting Tools -> Voice Typing on your Google Doc.
4. Start the recording on your audio program.
5. Click on the button for Voice Typing.
6. Give your narration.
7. When done, stop both programs.
8. Edit your transcription for punctuation.

Capturing a Transcript for a Webcam

Here are the steps for capturing a transcript draft while recording a webcam:

1. Prepare your webcam for recording. I use Camtasia.
2. Open a Google Doc.
3. Get ready to capture the transcript by selecting Tools -> Voice Typing on your Google Doc.
4. Start the recording for your webcam.
5. Click on the button for Voice Typing.
6. Give your narration.
7. When done, stop both programs.
8. Edit your transcription for punctuation.

Capturing a Transcript from a Smartphone

Here are the steps for capturing a transcript draft from your smartphone:

1. Prepare your smartphone for playback.
2. Open a Google Doc.
3. Get ready to capture the transcript by selecting Tools -> Voice Typing on your Google Doc.
4. Playback your video or audio file to the microphone on your computer.
5. When done, stop both programs.
6. Edit your transcription for punctuation.

I used the last process to capture the transcription of the video.

Please give this a try, and let me know how it works for you. If you need assistance, please feel free to contact a member of the TEI team.

Additional Reading

• 6 Easy Steps for Transcribing and Close-captioning a YouTube Video
• #SUNYCIT – Adding Captions to Videos: One Campus’ Homegrown Approach

Stan Skrabut, Ed.D.

Stan is Director of Technology-Enhanced Instruction. He has over 20 years experience working as an instructional technologist and trainer. He has a master’s degree in computing technology in education and a doctorate in education specializing in instructional technology.