TypeWell

  • TypeWell is a speech to text program that allows the student to view or receive a typed transcription of class on/from a laptop. There will be a transcriber in your course who will introduce themselves at the beginning of the semester. You will still need to find a notetaker for your course.
  • The TypeWell Transcriber is a professional who has been hired by Student Accessibility Services (SAS). TheTranscriber is not to participate in class, answer questions during class or participate in any other way during class time. If you have questions or issues you would like to discuss with the Transcriber, please wait until after class.
      • In the event that a Typewell Transcriber is not available, the student may be using Remote Typewell services.  Remote Typewell Transcribers serve the same functions listed above; the only difference is they work off-site and listen to the class session via microphone. The student or another designated person (i.e. notetaker) may bring a high quality microphone and screen (i.e. iPad, laptop) in order to access this service. As UVM outfits more classrooms with sound systems, we ask that professors use the microphone and sound systems in classrooms wherever they are available. SAS can help arrange for a microphone and sound system installation in classrooms where it is not currently available prior to the start of the semester. Remote services pose unique challenges and remote transcribers are able to provide better services if the speaker is near the microphone and can identify themselves before talking. It is important for professors to use a microphone at all times during a lecture, and engage in best practices like repeating questions or comments from the students in the classroom that may not be using microphones. This will help ensure greater accuracy in spite of connection and acoustic issues that can sometimes arise with a remote setup.  Having information in advance (i.e. copies of Power Point slides/handouts) is extremely helpful. If remote services are used, SAS will contact you to assist with logistics.
  • If you have a policy prohibiting laptops/tablets for students in your course, please make an exception for students requiring Typewell, as students will often need an electronic device with WiFi to access the transcription of the course in real time.
  • Typewell Transcribers will introduce themselves to you at the beginning of the semester in order to notify you of their role and request the following:
    1. Please add the Typewell Transcriber to the class list so they can be notified of any changes in class times or locations.
    1. Please add the TypeWell Transcriber to Blackboard as a TA/guest so that they can familiarize themselves with the course materials and be prepared for class. If you would like assistance with doing this, contact the Center for Teaching and Learning or visit: Blackboard at UVM
    1. If you use handouts, please make extra copies for the transcribers. It is especially helpful to make a copy of anything that will be read aloud in class (ie: quotes from a book, student papers) for both the student and transcriber to follow.

 

  • TypeWell is not to be used instead of captioning. The student is not able to watch the video and the transcript at the same time.  Please keep this in mind if one of the above requested accommodations is Captioning
  • Please note that there will be one Transcriber in your class who will require a seat. SAS will inform the Registrar’s Office of additional seats needed. If your classroom is at capacity or over, please contact your Dean’s Office as soon as possible.