Classroom English Text Project

Report Prepared by ATLAS Learning Resources
February 2008

Gallaudet University has offered classroom English text services (also known as captioning) on a by-request basis since 2002, when the University began experimenting with one of the first available online remote captioning services. Requests grew dramatically in FY2006 and FY2007, with requests for captioning services for New Student Orientation, Graduate Student Orientation, doctoral-level courses, the faculty senate meetings, and a variety of special meetings and webinars. The University also provides real-time captioning for virtually all major campus-wide meetings. Services are provided via on-site and remote captionists and include both free services from http://www.fedrcc.us and paid services from various providers.

The Gallaudet Classroom English Text Project was initiated in Spring 2008, following meetings of the Gallaudet President, Provost, and selected campus leaders, as a more intentional method of emphasizing the importance of English literacy. A pilot study approach was selected, with real-time captioning support added to two sections of GSR 150. Classroom recording was initiated at the same time via the Echo360 system, wherein video of the instructor, students, and any computer display is recorded and available immediately after class through the myGallaudet Blackboard learning system. A focus group was conducted after the first week of classes, to obtain feedback about the services. Recommendations such as ensuring interpreter consistency for these courses were made and acted upon. At the end of the course, students and faculty will complete a survey about their experiences.

Plans are already in place for captioning of selected summer programs and Fall 2008 courses. Gallaudet anticipates requesting federal funds to expand the Classroom English Text project.