How do I create closed captioning for my course videos?
Closed captioning of course videos is essential for students with hearing impairments. Closed captioned videos also support learning in a wide variety of students, including those whose primary language is not the language of the video, as well as students watching in an environment where listening to the video is not feasible (e.g., a noisy bus).
In Ontario, closed captioned videos address requirements within the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Globally, closed captioning addresses elements of the WCAG 2.1 guideline (Level A/AA).
CLOSED CAPTIONING YOUR INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS AT WESTERN
If the ITRC created the videos:
they can assist you with creating closed captioning. If working with a production team other than the ITRC, please request closed-captioning and transcripting as part of your project.
If you created the videos yourself:
you have several options for closed captioning:
1. Use a free automatic captioner, like YouTube, to create captions, then adjust them as needed. You can also use YouTube to create transcripts following a few easy steps. You can use this option if you are comfortable uploading your videos to web-based sites, such as YouTube.
2. Embed your video in OWL and add a transcript from a .vtt file. The ITRC can help you link the .vtt file to the video.
3. You can also use a .vtt file to add captions to a video embedded in PowerPoint.
4. Use a service provider to create captions for you. Options such as Rev (https://www.rev.com) charge approximately $1 USD/min
For further consultation
U of Boulder Tips on Improving YouTube Captioning
The University of Boulder has created a helpful closed captioning guide with tips on using and improving YouTube captioning.
Queen’s University University Video Accessibility Guide
Queen’s University has created a very thorough guide to video accessibility that walks readers through further practical information on everything from uploading videos to YouTube to creating their own transcripts.
Live Captioning
Live captioning enables captions to appear “in real time” during lectures and presentations. Both Powerpoint for Office 365 and Google Slides now offer live captioning. Read an explanation on how to use this Google feature and watch a video on how to use this feature in PowerPoint.
Image Attribution
Closed Captioning Symbol public domain
