How To Record and Transcribe Lectures - The Ultimate Revision Aid

Transcribing technology has come a long way in recent years. Known as one of the oldest documentation processes, audio transcription has been used to collect data all throughout history. Not only that, but it's still widely used as an effective way to preserve recordings as readable documents.

But how exactly is it applicable today? Is transcribing audio recordings still relevant?

The answer is yes, especially in organizations, industries, and other disciplines that offer an oral form of teaching. This article will serve as a guide in recording and transcribing a major academic, corporate, and public event - lectures.

Benefits of Using a Device or Software to Transcribe Audio Recording

For students:

Students are very much at ease with the digital world, and what better way to maximize this than to use technology in making student life easier?

When students are provided access to quality transcriptions, they are empowered with more control over their academic life. It allows them to take a closer look at the content they are learning, and it also means they can go back to revisit the content at a later date. This flexibility and empowerment results in increased class participation and decreased class anxiety; the constant need for approval or reassurance from others is less prominent.

Transcribed audio recordings of lectures also assist students in studying previous topics discussed, in a detailed and all-inclusive way. A click on the search button would already give you access to all parts of the lecture (including the professor calling you or your colleague's name and you baffling around for answers!)

For professors:

Although regarded as a one-way, passive form of teaching, institutions couldn't agree more that lectures are vital in presenting a topic for discussion. Transcribing lectures allows content to be presented in a more accessible way to everyone.

For teachers, transcriptions of lectures are a means of giving access to more learners, especially for physically challenged and foreign individuals who want to attend their lectures. Transcriptions can also be integrated with other forms of teaching methods in order to create a new avenue for learning by accessing it over a device or software.

More importantly, transcribing also gives teachers the opportunity to use their presentations to develop and progress. An audio transcription serves as a simplified backup to save time when preparing future presentations on similar topics.

How to BEST record and transcribe lectures

Before you even start recording, there are two important steps to take to ensure that recording and transcribing your lectures will be a hassle-free process.

Ask permission from the lecturer

Asking for consent is not only a sign of respect, but it will also help you to find out if you are violating any institutional regulation by doing so. Some US states are 'two party' consent states, meaning both parties need to approve before recording a discussion like a lecture.

It is also important that the person you are recording knows how you will use the audio or video afterwards, whether for personal use, group use, or even public upload. If you are the lecturer, you can discuss this part before moving on to the main presentation. You don't want to be an overnight internet topic or a viral meme after delivering your lecture.

Choose a recording method

Be familiar with your chosen app recorder, recording device, or software before trying to record your intended piece. Start recording audio with the same source and check the clarity, distance from the microphone, and volume of the recordings after.

Access the video player during lectures conducted on a video conference platform. Various apps are now used to record virtual lectures like Zoom, Google, and other Microsoft integrations that go well with your desktop or laptop. Large educational institutions have their own teleconferencing app or database, which requires permission before entering and recording.

How to get the best quality audio recording

For in-person lectures, be sure to adjust your distance from the speaker.

For virtual lectures, check your microphone recording setting. Make sure your microphone icon is enabled so that the desired voice recording takes place.  For virtual video conferencing apps like Zoom, ensure you have the host's permission to record.

For apps that need network connections, be sure your source of internet is stable before proceeding with any recording.

Lastly, double-check if you have a sufficient power supply for your recorder or other recording devices. An iPhone on low-battery mode will struggle to record a 4-hour lecture.

How to Transcribe Your Audio or Video Recording

Now that you're done recording the audio or video, it's time to transcribe.

Manually transcribing the audio to text takes an average of 4 hours per hour of audio. Individuals with busy schedules or millennials with a short attention span (and need for instant gratification) require a quicker option.

Enter Transcribe!

Why Use Transcribe to Transcribe your Lectures

In finding the perfect tool, you should look for the app or recorder that makes your recording and transcribing easiest. Studying is already difficult enough - why use something that makes your life harder?

You want a device or software that helps you save time, with a user-friendly interface and easy-to-use features. The software or app should produce accurate transcriptions, reasonably-priced services, and personalized options depending on your needs.

Transcribe delivers on all of these points, and more.

If you are looking for a smooth, simple, all-rounder transcription service, look no further! Transcribe is the one for you.

Step-by-Step guide on how to use Transcribe to convert recorded speech to text

Transcribe offers two fast and convenient ways to transcribe your lecture: automatic or self.

Using Automatic Transcription:

1. Select Automatic Transcription mode
2. Upload your file
3. Download transcript in the desired format

Using Self-Transcription:

1. Select self-transcription mode
2. Choose the audio or file to be transcribed
3. Slow down audio and transcribe using dedicated shortcuts
4. Transcribe using Dictation or voice typing
5. Export your transcript

Other features on  Transcribe include:

• Templates: this feature allows you to create shortcuts that are not included in the default setting
• Auto-loop: this feature automatically pauses and resumes to give you ample time to transcribe
• Foot pedal: this hands-free feature lets you use your feet to control specific settings for pausing and playing the audio recording while your hands type away
• Read more our dedicated page on How To Transcribe Audio.

Gone are the days of missing crucial instructions in class. Studying has never been easier using Transcribe!

For more information on how to convert your recorded speech to text, click HERE or visit our website to discover more on recording and transcribing lectures and other types of content!