Questions
- How do I request caption editing for videos in my course?
- Who can edit the captions on my class videos?
- How do I get accurate captions on a Panopto or Zoom recording?
- The automatic captions on my video have mistakes. How do I get them fixed?
- How long does caption editing take?
- Why should I add captions to the videos I use in class?
Environment
This article applies to faculty who use video in their courses and want the captions edited for accuracy. Bowdoin provides a group of caption editors who edit captions for videos used in classes and class materials.
- Where videos live: Most class videos are uploaded to Panopto. Recordings of synchronous Zoom sessions saved to the cloud flow automatically into the individual's Panopto video library and bring Zoom's caption file with them.
- How captions start: Both Zoom and Panopto use Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) to generate speech-to-text captions. ASR captions often need editing for accuracy and punctuation.
Note: Captions help all students, not only those who need them for access. They support students who learn better through reading and anyone watching in a noisy environment or a space where sound must be off.
Resolution
To have the captions on a course video edited, submit a caption editing request. Bowdoin's caption editors then locate the video and correct its captions directly in Panopto.
Submit a caption editing request
Submit a Caption Editing Request
What the caption editors do
After you submit a request, a caption editor will:
- Locate the video in your Panopto video library.
- Edit the caption file directly in Panopto.
- Correct words that Automatic Speech Recognition did not process correctly and add punctuation.
- Complete the captions within 48 hours. When editing is complete, the updated captions automatically appear in your video.
Important: Caption editing takes time. Plan to submit your request at least 48 hours before students need the captioned video.
For questions about having video captions edited, contact Juli Haugen in Academic Technology and Consulting (ATC).
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.