Realtime Captioning FAQs for Instructors
Does Realtime Captioning require the use of technology, such as mobile phones or laptops, in my classroom?
Yes, Realtime Captioning provides an instant translation of spoken English into written English text that is displayed on a laptop, tablet, or cell phone.
If a student has a DSP accommodation for the use of a laptop, tablet, or cell phone for disability-related reasons, please allow the student to use their device. It is also important to allow the student to sit where they choose, as the student may need to sit near the front as an accommodation for their disability as well.
In your syllabus, please state that students who need to use an electronic device should contact the instructor to request an exception. In this way, you can avoid specifically singling out students with disabilities.
Realtime Captioning FAQs for Instructors-Remote Instruction
Can a student with a Realtime Captioning accommodation participate in Zoom group work/breakout rooms?
Yes, the student is able to participate in group work. When a class is held in-person, a captioner is present and often sits with the group in order to hear the speakers clearly. Remote classes are handled similarly in that the captioner will be present in the same breakout room/group component as the student.
A student may also speak with the DSP Captioning Coordinator if they wish to omit captioning from any portion of their course. In the event a student elects to omit captioning from a component of their course, the instructor will be notified by the DSP Captioning Coordinator that the student does not need captioning for that specific portion.
We encourage students to discuss their accommodations with their professors, and they may reach out to you with what works best for them in your particular class.
How will I know if a Realtime Captioner is present in my Zoom meeting?
The captioner will be named “Captioner” in your Zoom participant list.
How do I assign the captioner to a Zoom breakout room?
When assigning a captioner to the student during breakout sessions, please look for the captioner as a participant (Captioner). Please ensure the captioner is in the same breakout room as the student receiving the accommodation.
Breakout Room Instructions
How do I communicate with the captioner during a Zoom lecture?
You can communicate with the captioner in the Zoom chat. The captioner will be listed in the participant list as “Captioner.”
The captioners are captioning and monitoring multiple screens, so they will respond as they are able.