Podcasting is the process of capturing a digital audio event, song, speech, or mix of sounds and then posting the digital audio object to a web site or "blog" in a data structure called an RSS 2.0 envelope feed. This sound format is beneficial for consumers with various disabilities to access information, other than real time.

On designated web pages and using specialized news readers like iPodder or iPodderX, users can subscribe to web pages containing RSS 2.0 tagged audio files. These audio files can automatically download directly into an audio management program on their personal computer; for example, iTunes, Windows Media Player, or MusicMatch. When users synchronize audio devices with their personal computer, the podcasts are automatically transferred to that device. The user can then listen to the audio files at a convenient time and location.

Tablet PC note-taking takes advantage of advanced computer technology for providing note-taking accommodations. The Tablet PC is able to provide notes in a variety of ways:

• Using a keyboard
• Handwriting
• Voice recognition note-taking
• Audio recording lectures
• Video recording lectures

Consumers with various disabilities can benefit from this Tablet PC note-taking service.

The Tablet PC is a combination of computer and notebook. It is lightweight weighs (approximately 3 pounds) and portable. The tablet has features of a regular computer. We are using Motion Computing tablets for the computer aided access project.

If you will be utilizing the Tablet PC for note taking, you will also want to purchase OneNote 2003 software. This is a Microsoft product created specifically for note taking. This program allows you to write, type, draw, and record notes. Also, your notes are organized just like a notebook. For more information, see http://www.microsoft.com.

We have experimented with the Tablet PC in a variety of courses. For example, the Tablet PC has helped make student notes more complete in math, economics, and accounting classes. When utilizing Tablet PC technology, courses that tend to have graphs, equations, charts, etc.,are the best "fit."

In lecture type courses, we attached a keyboard to the Tablet PC and took notes using Microsoft Word. Several instructors use Power Point slides for their lecture notes. If your instructor allows you to use their notes, with your Tablet PC you can write on the slides. After class, you are able to send the notes to students and note taker via email. This use of Tablet PC technology has been a great benefit for visually impaired students; because the voice program on their computer is able to read the notes for them. In general for the majority of students with disabilities, the Tablet PC is very user friendly.

Standard specifications for the M1400 Tablet PC are contained within the following list:

• Microsoft® Windows® XP Tablet PC Edition 2005
• Intel® Centrino™ Mobile Technology components
• Mobile Intel® Pentium® Processor ULV 733 (1.1GHZ)
• Intel 855GME Chipset
• Intel PRO/Wireless 2200 802.11b/g networking
• 12.1" XGA TFT display with wide viewing angles
• Integrated Fingerprint Reader
• Integrated Bluetooth wireless technology ®
• Integrated modem and network interface
• Full-size digitizer pen
• One-year standard warranty

*Additional hardware upgrades are available.

Video interpreting (VI) is a service that enables consumers to access sign language interpreting services with videoconference equipment and high-speed internet connectivity from their campus or employment site. When an on-site interpreter is unavailable, video interpreting is a viable, cost-effective alternative. Qualified interpreters are available without the added expense of portal to portal travel.

Video interpreting is attracting global attention. Through videoconferencing technology, it is thought to be an effective and efficient method of providing access to people who use sign language to communicate. At Northcentral Technical College, we are ready, willing, and able to provide VI services to the Wisconsin Technical College System and businesses that meet the minimum hardware and network requirements. (The necessary VI requirements are listed below.)

For consumers who use sign language to communicate, VI provides access to lectures in real time. Northcentral Technical College's dedicated staff offers state-of-the-art equipment. Northcentral Technical College's VI staff is comprised of nationally certified and state verified interpreters. In addition, Northcentral Technical College's IT staff is knowledgeable, experienced, and committed to providing quality VI service.

Minimum video interpreting requirements are specified within the following list:

Hardware:

• H.323 compatible CODEC (Polycom or Tandberg)
• H.261 and/or H.263 or H.264
• Video resolution at least 352 x 288 for people content
• Monitor resolution: 1280 x 1024
• Audio: G.722
• Video and audio error concealment
• Echo cancellation and suppression
• 27" TV with video or s-video input
• Speaker phone

Network:

• Polycom or Tandberg 512Kpbs non-congested clear Ethernet IP
• External static address configured for Polycom unit
• Access through firewall with the following ports open:
  • TCP-1720
  • TCP-1731
  • TCP-3230-3235
  • TCP-3603
  • TCP-389
  • UDP-3230-3235
  • All bidirectional

To determine whether your campus or work site conforms to the minimum service requirements, please contact the Center For Students With Disabilities.

Voice recognition note taking (VRN) uses Dragon Naturally Speaking voice recognition software to create a printed text from dictation. This service is most beneficial for students unable to hear the lecture and simultaneously take notes.

This service provides real time access to a lecture or meeting. The VRN specialist receives audio input and dictates text. The dictation can range from near verbatim to paraphrasing a summary of the content. Also, the text can be simultaneously transmitted to a laptop located in front of the consumer, or, the text can be saved and sent to the consumer for use as study/review notes.

Northcentral Technical College offers one-day basic or two-day in-depth training on voice recognition note-taking. During the training session, your staff will see VRN demonstrations, see notes taken, and discuss consumer situations. In addition, attendees will practice doing VRN with tapes and a live speaker. They will also work with a Dragon voice recognition specialist to improve their recognition accuracy and learn helpful tips and shortcuts for the Dragon program.