quick transcript review – step 1 (continued): arrange to record class or meeting

Plan ahead!!

Having a record of what was actually said is very helpful when reviewing transcripts.  Arrange to make an audio recording and take notes. 

• Record the class/meeting:
  • To get a good-quality audio recording of the class/meeting, ask the instructor to wear a lapel microphone and small MP3 recorder.  Or, if you have only a larger, non-wearable recorder, arrange to put it very close to the person who will be speaking the most.
  • Be sure to listen to a test recording to be sure there is no noise from clothing brushing the mic, papers rustling nearby, or noise from the instructor pounding the lectern to emphasize his/her points!
• Make notes about the class context:
  • Sit in during the class/meeting and take notes on what the instructor writes on the board, demonstrations, etc.  The class context information will supplement the recorded audio information, and thus add necessary information for interpreting the meaning-for-meaning transcript (in Steps 2 and 3). 
  • If you can't sit in during the class yourself, arrange for someone to do that for you.

   --Judy