Electronic notetaking

Electronic notetaking (ENT), also known as computer-assisted notetaking (CAN), is a system that provides virtually simultaneous access to spoken information to people who are deaf and hard of hearing, facilitating equal participation with their |hearing colleagues, coworkers, and classmates. ENT is most often used in educational or training sessions, but can also be used at health care appointments, meetings, or interviews.

Using dedicated software, a trained operator types a summary of the spoken information into a computer at a minimum typing speed of 60 words per minute. The text is then projected on a screen or transmitted to a second computer.

The text also provides a written record of sessions, which is particularly useful for deaf and hard of hearing attendees because taking notes whilst lip reading or watching a sign language interpreter is difficult.

Adoption of ENT began in the 1990s, when changes in disability legislation, such as the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) in the UK, made support more available.

ENT operators may work freelance, for an agency, or as part of a professional team providing communication support.

See also

• Assistive technology
• Comparison of notetaking software
• Notetaking
• Notetaking software

References

• Working with an Electronic Notetaker from The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID)
• Computer-Assisted Notetaking from Gallaudet University's Technology Access Program (TAP)
• Stereotype Electronic Notetaking Software
• NoteED Electronic Notetaking Software from the University of Central Lancashire
• The Association of Notetaking Professionals