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Computer Reporting Technologies Web site

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Computer Reporting Technologies — Captioning
Associated in Applied Arts Degree

Realtime captioning is done by specially trained court reporters called stenocaptioners. The stenocaptioner utilizes a steno machine to provide captions of live television programs and other forms of media for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers through realtime technology that instantly produces readable English text. Broadcast captioners work for local stations and for national networks captioning news, emergency broadcasts, sporting events, and other programming.

Another facet of the captioning process is called Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART). This area allows stenocaptioners to provide more personalized services for deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Most deaf people lose their hearing postlingually–after acquiring reading and speaking skills–and many of them do not become as proficient with a sign language as they are at reading text. CART reporters may accompany deaf or hard-of-hearing clients as needed to classes, meetings, conferences, doctor appointments, church services, etc., to provide instant conversion of speech into text using the steno machine linked to a laptop computer.

Postproduction captioning is the process by which the script text is placed onto a video/DVD in order for a deaf or hard-of-hearing individual to view the program and read the audio portion that would otherwise be missed. Postproduction captioning utilizes additional hardware for synchronizing the visible text to the timing of the audio and then recording or "burning" the text to create a captioned version of the original.

Upon completion of the required classes, students qualify for the Associate in Applied Arts degree in Captioning. They must have completed a minimum of 40 hours of internship encompassing both realtime and postproduction captioning.

In addition to the course work, there are recommended state and/or national examinations that a student should pass to become a captioner or CART provider.

Additionally, certificates of completion are offered for scopist, medical stenoscriptionist, and text entry specialist. The Computer Reporting Technologies program is approved by the National Court Reporters Association.

Working as a Captioner/CART provider can take you to:

Prerequisites
All students entering the Computer Reporting
Technologies program must be high school graduates or must have earned a GED certificate.

A good background in English is very important. You should have an above average ability in spelling, grammar, and vocabulary.

Note: If English is not your native language, you must take the ESL Assessment prior to meeting with an advisor.

It is recommended that an applicant know how to type before enrolling in the program. Students who do not type a minimum of 50 words per minute are encouraged to enroll in intermediate Typing Speed and Accuracy 1 prior to graduation.

Special fees
Lab fees per quarter.
Students must provide their own shorthand machines.
These machines are available for rent in the college bookstore for $50–$100 per quarter(max. two–quarter rental). You may choose to purchase a used manual machine ($100 and up). New realtime shorthand machines, for student use, cost approx. $1,400 (includes the machine, a deluxe carrying case and a tripod).

Personal requirements for success

• Ability to concentrate

• Good finger dexterity

• Ability to work well under pressure

• Ability to sit for long periods of time

• Good hearing

• Ability to work well alone

• Enjoyment working with words

Does the program transfer to four-year schools?
The skill classes in the Computer Reporting Technologies program do not transfer. However, some of the required supporting classes do transfer.

Special program notes
Green River’s Computer Reporting Technologies program offers you the following opportunities:

• To learn the latest technology in reporting, called “realtime.” As the shorthand reporter writes on the steno machine, the words are displayed on the computer monitor for instant viewing of the spoken word. This technology is now being used in many courtrooms, depositions, classrooms, seminars, and meetings for the nonhearing community. This is the same technology utilized for closed captioning.

• To benefit from a structured, yet self-paced program.

• To write shorthand and see it translated into English on the computer from the first day of training.

• To learn computer applications in reporting technologies.

• To develop the skills essential for employment as a captioner, CART provider or in a related occupation.

• To participate in realtime writing for nonhearing students.

• To receive a comprehensive education. You will study computer technology, law, anatomy-physiology, written communication, legal and medical terminology, and reporting procedures.

• To receive a hands-on captioning training experience.

• To participate in internships in captioning environments.

Employment outlook
The need for qualified realtime captioners and CART providers continues to increase. There are many opportunities for both men and women. Faculty maintain contact with firms regarding employment opportunities. The staff helps students write resumes and develop interviewing skills.

Salary range
The salary range for court reporters and captioners is $30,000 to $75,000+ per year. The salary range for scopists, transcriptionists, and text entry specialists may be based on an hourly or page production rate.

For specific information about Computer Reporting Technologies and Captioning, contact:

Sidney Weldele-Wallace
Extension 4705
sweldele@greenriver.edu
or
Lori L. Rapozo
Extension 4219
lrapozo@greenriver.edu

Computer Reporting Technologies Web site

Lori L. Rapozo
Extension 4219
lrapozo@greenriver.edu

Sidney Weldele-Wallace
Extension 4705
sweldele@greenriver.edu