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7 minute read
15 May 2023

Distance Learning: Top transcription and captioning services for online educators

Topics
Automatic subtitles
Automatic transcription
Digital accessibility

Over time there has been a surge in the popularity of distance learning which offers flexibility for students who want an alternative way of studying outside conventional brick-and-mortar schools. With technological advances such as high-speed internet access globally available today, more individuals have access than ever! 

Despite this progress, accessibility remains an issue, particularly for those with different needs who may face challenges accessing lectures or course content. Transcription and captioning services provided by experts can solve this problem: by creating transcripts of spoken audio recordings & captions on videos meaning everyone can enjoy easy access no matter their needs.

Agenda

Transcription services

Transcription services entail converting spoken language into written text format. It requires a keen ear and precision in documenting every word uttered during audio or video recordings. Online education platforms rely heavily on transcription services nowadays, with the growing popularity of e-learning amongst learners worldwide. 

Transcripts enable educators to cater their teaching methods to diverse student requirements by accommodating individuals who face hearing impairment or linguistic obstacles.

Benefits of transcription services

In pursuit of maximizing the impact and efficacy of our e-learning resources, integrating transcription services affords numerous advantageous outcomes. A handful of these key benefits include:

Improved accessibility

Assistance is often needed for people to grasp audiovisual content fully. Thankfully transcription services offer written transcripts for such materials. This approach allows all students to fully participate in e-learning activities regardless of their preferred learning modes or cognitive limitations.

Enhanced comprehension

Despite being able to hear audio contents clearly and view videos without any problem, access to written transcripts remains critical for all students- including those who do not experience any impediments in these areas. 

Written materials become even more necessary when handling technical and specialized subjects containing complex terminologies and ideas that require attention to detail during lectures. Creating more opportunities for students to access such resources results in a better understanding of the material and improved retention capacity over extended periods.

Top transcription services

Picking out the most suitable transcription service for online classes can be overwhelming. Nevertheless, we have streamlined this task by listing our top recommendations for the two best services:

Amberscript

Streamline your transcription experience with Amberscript – a versatile tool suitable for private users and large corporations. It is a top performer in this field by boasting custom-made solutions that utilize AI capabilities. Equally impressive are its stringent security measures- GDPR compliance guarantees stringent data protection standards.

They offer a wide range of capabilities, including eLearning subtitles that have gained popularity amongst educators for their dependability. Plus, with flexible and secure captioning/transcription offerings, individuals and businesses can trust Amberscript’s reliable service.

Pricing

Their pricing model begins at $10 for an hour of audio or video content. Additionally, they offer all users who sign up a complimentary 10-minute trial period.

Features

Amberscript has taken note of the challenges faced by audio transcription pros and developed a product that addresses every need. Their advanced features cater to users who require exceptional service delivery and accuracy while optimizing technology. For instance:

  • Their automatic transcription and subtitle capability ensures that text-based formats are delivered quickly and accurately. 
  • The full API and multi-user accounts options facilitate collaboration across platforms while relying on best workflow management practices to maximize productivity. 
  • It has an advanced dashboard, an online text editor, and the ability to capture multiple speakers’ voices, proving why customers keep returning for more!

Sonix

This online platform provides premium text conversion from audio and video files in over 38 languages. As a result, accessing eLearning or other online courses becomes simple with one click.

Pricing

With Sonixs three different pricing options – there’s something for everyone! Starting with the pay-as-you-go option, which starts at an hourly rate of $10/ hour- perfect for those who need short burst transcriptions immediately. 

Alternatively, the Premium User plan starts at $5/hour plus an additional $22 per user/month (potentially saving up to 25% by opting for annual payment). Moreover, we understand that every enterprise team has distinct requirements that need addressing. Contact their enterprise team directly to learn which pricing plan is right for your team.

Features

Sonix caters to individuals searching for a streamlined solution for all their transcription requirements. With their online text editor’s simplicity, auto speaker separation capabilities, and transcriptions’ searchable nature, users are sure to have all their needs met seamlessly.

Captioning services

To ensure all students have equal access to distance learning course material implementing captioning services can be a game changer. Captioning services enable effective communication across various languages and abilities by transcribing the spoken content in online videos or audio recordings into text displayed onscreen via captions of course creators. 

Although subtitles also display dialogue transcription, they cannot compare to the inclusive solutions captions provide.

Benefits of captioning services

The following benefits are for example acquired by including captioning services in your online courses:

Inclusive to all

You may provide a supportive atmosphere for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals by using captioning and subtitling services. People that are learning a new language or are unfamiliar with the dialect in the recording can also benefit from these services. Learn more about how subtitles help the deaf and hard of hearing here.

Improve audience engagement

By using captioning services, you make your information accessible to a larger audience and make it simpler for students to comprehend the subject matter. Captions and subtitles can also help your SEO ranking, making it simpler for prospective students to find your courses.

How to Add Subtitles to a Video: Fast & Easy Ways

Learn more

Top captioning services

The top two captioning services include:

Otter

Through its innovative use of machine learning and AI technologies, Otter delivers unparalleled automated captioning and subtitling services with exceptional precision. To ensure optimal quality control with minimal effort required on your part, Otter allows easy editing of final transcripts.

Pricing

When starting with them, opt for the Basic plan, which caters perfectly to your needs at no charge. If necessary features and minutes exceed the basic package, upgrading to their Pro option for just $8.33 monthly (billed annually with a 51% discount) may be in order.

Their Business plan starts at only $20 per user/month, and you save 33% if billed annually, and for large organizations that need extra security, control, and support, their Enterprise plan is the way to go.

Features

Regarding efficient note-taking or accurate transcription work, the features offered by Otter are second to none. With the ability to identify speakers by name, access recordings on both mobile and web platforms, and quickly locate key information through word highlighting – Otter truly sets itself apart from the competition.

Veed

Looking for a quick and easy way to enhance accessibility for your video content? Veed offers a solution that’s both efficient and effective. Their advanced speech recognition technology can automatically generate precise closed captions in over 100 languages and accents.

Pricing

The monthly cost plan is free, and a credit card is unnecessary. Pro and Business Plans are priced at $24 and $59 per month, respectively; for individuals and small enterprises. The $100/month Enterprise Plan is a special plan created to fulfill enterprises’ demands.

Features

By integrating Veeds eLearning feature into their material, users can significantly boost their educational content’s efficacy. This function permits educators to add interactive quizzes and questions that facilitate better topic comprehension. Moreover, it empowers them with the ability to share supplement resources alongside the video in formats such as links and PDF files.

Comparison of transcription and captioning services

There are some variations between these two services, so it’s important to analyze and compare transcription and captioning offerings to understand them better.

Type of Media

While captioning is better suited to enhancing video content and giving viewers a fuller experience, transcription is ideal for making spoken content more accessible and searchable.

Formatting

Captions are meticulously timed out and separated into designated segments, whereas transcripts lack such specific formatting details.

Amberscript is the ultimate all-in-one option

Amberscript’s innovative platform excels in more than transcribing or subtitling – they also offer exceptional dubbing, translation, and audio description options.

In seconds following registration, uploading audio or video content onto their streamlined platform couldn’t be simpler. Once complete, sharing or exporting the now-transcribed/captioned file will be a breeze thanks to their top-notch tech solutions.

Say goodbye to frustratingly complex transcriptions/captions- Amberscript has got you covered with their “Try for free” option.

We must make sure everyone has equal access to these resources

As we move further into the digital age of education with distance learning, online courses, and eLearning at the forefront, we must make sure everyone has equal access to these resources- including learners with hearing difficulties or language barriers. Transcription and captioning services are essential for ensuring inclusivity in our educational systems.

The Importance of Transcription and Captioning Services

Creating inclusive learning environments that cater to the requirements of all students requires transcription and captioning services. These programs make learning a fluid and fun process by allowing students to interact with the material in real-time and comprehend difficult language.

Why Amberscript?

Amberscript’s transcription and captioning services team is dedicated to improving education by making it inclusive, regardless of ability level or hearing loss. When you partner with them, you can rest assured that their accurate transcriptions will meet or exceed industry standards.

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