Positive results for students using realtime captions in classrooms are noted in a case study by PhillipsKPA that uses research findings from the Victorian Deaf Education Institute (VDEI) and the Victorian Government Department of Education and Training (DET).
NOTE: Mainstream schools can use this learning for use with students with access issues.
Read: Using Real-Time Captioning With Students Who Have Hearing Issues
Documented benefits for students using the realtime captions in classrooms included:
- Greater independence and self-directed learning within classroom environments
- A full transcript of dialogue from the class was emailed to their attention afterward
- The live sets of notes were invaluable in consolidating learning and at revision time
- Captions also benefit students with autism, ADD, dyspraxia, DS and writing difficulty
Conclusion: Everybody benefits when captions are used (namely, students and teachers). Remaining challenges beyond access to reliable broadband networks for education include:
- Capacity for schools to resource the costs
- Issues around storage of transcripts and access
- Minimal time required to train teachers to use the equipment
- Maintaining the technology and equipment for realtime service
