raw vs. polished transcript

What’s the difference between a polished transcript and a raw transcript? Polished transcripts are shiny and raw transcripts aren’t cooked!!  Wait . . . that’s not right, is it??

I better read what Joanna has to say!!

Some sites do not require transcribers to makes changes to a transcript before giving it to the consumer.  So it’s important to note the differences between a polished and raw transcript, to ensure you are formatting the transcript correctly.

A raw transcript is a nearly exact copy of the text provided during communication access, which is basically given to the student as-is.

Polished transcripts are considered useful educational tools and take some time to edit.  For example, a polished transcript includes the following: class header that identifies the class and date; potentially derogatory statements removed; corrections to any unintelligible words; and assignments highlighted in boldface.

Transcribers: Talk with your Service Coordinator to be sure you understand which form of transcript you’re expected to provide, and how soon after a class or meeting the transcript should be sent to the consumer. 

Joanna

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dress professionally for work

Attention, transcribers!! Joanna has some good reminders about work attire.

I bet she’s going to veto felt jackets and pointy slippers . . .

Many of us work among casually-dressed students. While it’s tempting to throw on a pair of blue jeans and a sweater and run out of the door, it’s important to remember that how you present yourself at work – including what you wear – makes just as big of a statement as your excellent transcribing.

Your service coordinator may or may not enforce a specific dress code, but to play it safe, err on the side of formality and adhere to a business casual policy. Maintaining a professional image includes what you wear to work. So if you want to be taken seriously, dress seriously, and save your jeans and sneakers for the weekend.

Of course, in the event of inclement weather, use common sense and wear appropriate clothing. It’s perfectly okay to trade in dress shoes for snow or rain boots on those icy, rainy days.

And, Kyp: Remote transcribers who work from home have the luxury of wearing whatever they want . . . so felt jackets and pointy slippers would be A-OK in that situation. However, I know some people who work from home and like to change into professional clothing as though they’re going onto campus or in the office, as it helps get them into the right mindset!

Joanna

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update TypeWell (for free!)

Software updates are an elf’s best friend!! 

Did you know that TypeWell constantly makes minor revisions to the TypeWell software that are available for free?  These revisions add small new features and fix "bugs".  Although there is an upgrade charge to get a new major version of TypeWell (such as to upgrade from version 5 to version 6), the minor revisions are free.

As of this posting, the newest revision for V6 users is 6.27.  The last several revisions include lots of dictionary improvements for both Turbo and Classic abbreviations; PAL speedups for large PALs; an improved PAL list display; and new teaming capabilities with web browser linking.

Here's how to check whether you have the latest revision.

• First, see what version you currently have by going to the Help menu in your TypeWell program and choosing About TypeWell.  That window will display your revision number, such as 6.27 (a V6 revision) or 5.37 (a V5 revision).
• Then see the latest available revision of your version of TypeWell.  To do this, sign into your TypeWell web account and go to the Licenses page.
• Locate the license from the list that goes with the computer you're updating, and click the "Use License" button next to it.



• In the Manage License page that displays, click on the link in step 2 to see the latest revision.  NOTE: revision numbers are included in the file name; for example, “tw627transcriber.exe” means TypeWell Transcriber, version 6, revision 27, otherwise known as 6.27.
• Compare to your current revision (in TypeWell's Help menu, About TypeWell) to see if you have the latest.  One confusion to watch for is that V4 and early V5 revisions had three-digit revision numbers like 414 or 5.414.  Generally speaking, if your revision differs from the one on the web site, the one on the web site is newer and you should download and install it!

Steve 

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TRANSCRIBER POLL RESULTS: what do you do to stay healthy in the winter?

Only 14 responses to this poll . . . maybe everyone is still hibernating??

Be sure to vote in the current poll!!

-- Kyp

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use a privacy filter

Here’s a helpful tip from Joanna!!

-- Kyp

Consider purchasing a privacy filter for your laptop screen. There may be instances where you are sitting in close quarters with other students (i.e., lecture halls, small classrooms) who can’t help but “eavesdrop” while you’re transcribing. We can’t blame them, though. Being a TypeWell transcriber is pretty impressive so it’s no surprise curious eyes are drawn to your screen!

A privacy filter is a relatively inexpensive way to maintain a professional working environment for your client. Privacy screens come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit almost any laptop. 3M makes a good quality screen that costs anywhere between $30-40. The nice thing about the 3M screen is that you can slide it on and off so it’s not permanently affixed to your computer.

You will most likely have to order these screens online from places like Amazon.com, OfficeDepot.com, Staples.com.

Important: Make sure to use the dimensions listed by the manufacturer of your specific laptop when ordering a privacy screen.

Like always, please check with your Service Coordinator before using a privacy filter in the classroom.

Joanna

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