Online Court Reporting Education

Court Reporting is the process of transcribing the spoken word during the hearing official proceedings and live events. The field itself is quiet stable in its growth, growing with the national average (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics), and the work itself is now underpinned with technology that reduces time and effort and enhance results. This does not mean that the court reporter becomes less important, on the contrary, trained clerks in recent transcription techniques and possess the necessary basic knowledge on a range of issues is needed now more than ever as the judiciary and the media industry (which requires a large amount transcription work as well) grow larger.

Online court reporting schools are either accredited or non-accredited institutions that allows students to receive technical training and education is necessary to pre-qualify them for certification. Education and training traditionally takes from two to two and a half years to complete, but with a self-study pace, especially through online court reporting schools offering the full range of courses online, this education, especially at the associate level, can be completed in just over a year. Self paced study gives prospective students the time they need their jobs and family and social life while studying when it suits their busy schedules best. Most courses are mixed, ie they are offered in a combination of both traditional and online training classrooms and workshops.

Online / blended teaching methodology

Typically, lectures are recorded and delivered in the form of PowerPoint presentations, web casts, videos, etc. while the 'live' transcription exercises are conducted via the Internet and in periodical organized in the traditional classroom environments. The exact method varies from institution to institution and prospective students should look up several good online court reporting schools to find their "best fit".

There are several online courses that offer everything from simple certification of transcription skills to Associates and Bachelors degrees, covering extensive disciplines in paralegal studies. Although a fully generally not required, it is preferred, especially when it prepares reporters for the courtroom by improving their knowledge base and proficiency.

Online Court Reporting Training: General Objectives

The primary goal for online court reporting courses include training students in transcription techniques (use of stenographs, short hand, computer-aided transcription and real-time use of modern tools) and training future journalists in the subject that they are relevant to the courtroom eg terminology, legal issues and language, etc. (described below).

Text-books and equipment are generally required

Many institutions require that students provide their own stenograph machines, however, some institutions make such machines available for blended / classroom courses for internal testing and training.

There is generally an online information resource available to the students to have access to read / store information about courses (including reading and teaching materials and reference materials and practice tests and exercises).

Requirements for equipment for training

Stenograph machine (Stentorian 400SRT, Stentorian 200SRT or 400SRT, or other similar real-time machine can write).

A good computer (desktop or laptop) with accessories and software;

- Windows XP or Vista operating system is usually required to run the CAT software

- MP3 player / converter software, and Office Tools (Word, PowerPoint and Adobe Reader)

- CD-RW drive, USB ports and Head Set

- Fast internet connection (cable / DSL)

Topics typically courses are offered, and where a number of textbooks are recommended;

- Medical terminology

- Legal Terminology

- Court proceedings and legal reporting

- Transcription

- Language and Grammar

- Shorthand

- Short-hand

- Voice writing

- Broadcast subtitles

- Carter and CAT Systems