What is C-Print?
C-Print is a computer-aided speech-to-print
transcription system. A typist called a C-Print Captionist types a teacher’s
lecture (and student comments) into a laptop computer. The typed information
is displayed simultaneously on the second laptop computer or a television
monitor for students to read during class. Afterward, the printed text
is available to students for review purposes.
The captionist receives training in an
abbreviation system to reduce keystrokes, and in text condensing strategies.
Although C-Print is not a word-for-word transcription like real-time transcription,
the captionist types as much information as possible, providing a more
complete representation of what was said than summary notes. Depending
on the speed of the speaker, captionist experience and skill, and course
content, C-Print is capable of providing real-time communication access,
not simply notetaking, for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
Equipment Required for Training
Laptop computer: An IBM compatible computer
is the basic piece of equipment for C-Print. These are the suggested
minimum requirements:
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Processor: 200 MHz
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Hard Drive: 2.0 GB
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Ram: 64 MB
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Display: Active Matrix (TFTN)
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Operating System: Win 95, 98 (NT not recommended)
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Ports: Parallel, serial, PCMCIA card slots
Other considerations:
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Weight: lighter laptops are preferred for
portability
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Sturdy: It will be moved frequently
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Battery life: Li-ion batteries tend to last
longer.
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3.5" floppy disk drive: internal or external
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Mouse: trackpoint or touchpad (A touchpad
has a tendency to move the cursor during captioning.)
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Keyboard: comfortable and fullsize (Full size
indicates the space between the keys, not a keyboard with a numeric keypad.)
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Warranty: inquire about the length of the
warranty period and what type of service is available.
Application Steps
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Pass pretest (deadline September 29):
an evaluation of typing speed, ability to hear phonetic sounds, spelling,
and grammar
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Purchase C-Print program and workbook materials
from NETAC
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Complete weekly training materials (the homework
requires about 10 hrs/week for 4 weeks)
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Assignments due 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, and 11/6
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Complete the PEPNet On-line Orientation program
prior to 11/6 (requires about 1 hour)
The training will be held at Western Oregon
University in Monmouth (about 1 hour south of Portland) November 13-17.
Class size will be limited to 20 people. Only those who complete all
of the preclass materials will be approved for the training. The C-Print
programs and materials cost $150. Students must also cover their own room,
board, equipment and travel. There is no additional training fee. A
limited number of travel stipends will be available.
For more information on C-Print training
at WOU...
and to receive the pretest packets, contact
Cheryl Davis 503-838-8642 (V/TTY) or davisc@wou.edu
(e-mail). Watch this site for more info on the training process, equipment
for service delivery, the C-Print Code of Ethics and more!
