What is Electronic Notetaking? This is a service that was originally developed as a method of communication for deaf people whose first language is English, and for Deaf BSL users who require notes to be taken for them while they watch an interpreter. People who have become deaf often find it extremely useful to have this kind of support when they are still coming to terms with their deafness and the problems that brings. The service is also used in settings where an impartial notetaker is required to produce a concise and accurate record of a meeting for the purpose of minutes, reports, etc., even if there is no deaf person present. Qualified electronic notetakers are language service professionals who adhere to a strict code of conduct and ethics. They have undergone deaf awareness training and are used to working in a wide variety of situations in a discreet, confidential and client centred manner.
How does it work?
To support a deaf client, the notetaker uses two laptops linked together with special notetaking software, using either a cable, WiFi or Bluetooth connection.
The notetaker listens to the speaker and types a live, running transcript of what is being said and the text instantly appears on the client's laptop screen. Speakers' names are identified, enabling the client to keep up with the conversation and fully participate in the meeting or event. The transcript is in summary form, but the spirit of the original message is accurately conveyed without losing any of the important information.Where the client is not deaf, or is a Deaf BSL user who will be using the services of an interpreter, only one laptop is used by the notetaker to produce a transcript.
In the case of a conference, the notetaker is able to project the text onto a wall or screen so it can be read by a large group of people. The event organiser would have to ensure a digital projector is available for this.
Whatever the setting, the transcript or 'notes' can be edited and forwarded to the client or organiser after the event, although this is not always included in the notetaker's fee. Students usually provide a USB or 'flash' for the notetaker to transfer the lecture notes immediately.
Freelance notetakers use their own equipment and take it with them to each assignment.
*The Electronic Notetaker Types a Summary, The Transcript is Not Verbatim