Computerized Note taking

The role of the computerized note taker is to facilitate communication for Deaf/d and hard of hearing student/s in the classroom. Everything that is heard is captured in real time using a laptop computer to ensure equal access for students. An edited copy of the notes will be provided. The computerized note taker will provide note taking services in classroom lectures, tutorials, shop/labs, meetings, presentations, graduation, conferences, student conversations, small/large group interactions and RRC Polytech/Student Association functions.

Role of the Computerized Note Taker

The purpose of the note taker is to provide facilitation for deaf and hard of hearing student/s in the classroom and at RRC Polytech.

• The computerized note taker types all spoken communication in the classroom onto a laptop computer.
• Everything that is heard will be captured in real time including: lectures, videotapes, student questions/comments, presentations, group activities and any other information relating to course content or participant interaction.
• Environmental sounds, such as a knock on the door or a fire alarm, will also be transcribed.
• Staff will wait 15 minutes outside the classroom for the student and then they will notify the coordinator of Interpreting Services. If the student is late, the note taker will use the in/out white board to indicate where they can be found. The in/out board is located in D102W and it is the student’s responsibility to check where the note taker is located. Please see Jill Patterson if the note taker cannot be found as he/she may have been reassigned to work elsewhere.
• Note takers work for RRC Polytech and are present to provide service for everyone in the classroom including the students and instructors.
• Computerized note takers will also provide:
  • Editing: An edited copy of the lecture notes will be provided to the deaf or hard of hearing students for study notes.
  • Clarification of written material / information on computers: A note taker can interpret/clarify written information from a text book, hand-outs, computers, CD’s, etc.
• The computerized note taker will sit beside the student at the front of the class to clearly hear the instructor and see all visual aids utilized by the instructor.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services staff follow the Association of Visual Language Interpreters of Canada’s Code of Ethics (AVLIC). Some of the guidelines are:

• To keep all information confidential. Information regarding Deaf or hard of hearing student’s and their related courses will be kept in strict confidence.
• When there are two interpreters teaming a class they will share information about the course to provide consistent quality of service.
• Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services staff will not counsel, advise or interject their personal opinions and must remain neutral.
• The interpretation or translation shall be faithful to the message of the source language.

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