Using notes as a substitute for closed captioning
Mar 31, 2020
I am updating a series of courses on semiconductor technologies. I have a potential customer base in government orgs. I am concerned that they may required close captioning (section 508). A brute force, time consuming approach would be to go into PowerPoint and add text boxes that would appear and disappear during each slide and that would be synched to the narration and animation effects. As an alternative, I am wondering about putting a text copy of the narration into the notes. I would use an "*" to indicate when I build up a new feature on a slide. One of the challenges is that the notes box is small and for many of the slides the user would need to scroll down. Is there any way to increase the size of the notes area? Or any other suggestions on how to caption? I am using Presenter 13 to prepare the courses. When they are done I will purchase Presenter 360 and republish the courses.
5 Replies
Hi Theodore!
Great question! I see that you've found the workaround for using the Notes section in Presenter 13.
You can format the Notes in the Player but the size of the Notes section isn't customizable.
Since you're going to be purchasing Articulate 360, would it be possible to import the PowerPoint to Storyline 360? This way you can use the built-in closed caption feature in Storyline 360.
I've created a sample course in PowerPoint, imported it into Storyline 360, added captions, and lastly published the course for Review 360. Here's the link! Don't forget to turn on the closed caption button!
Here's more information on the Closed Caption features in Storyline 360.
Thanks for the reply.
If I import my PowerPoint into Storyline will it support PowerPoint animation? I make extensive use of animation to build up my slides one point at a time. What is the need for Presenter 360 if you can do everything in Storyline?
Thanks is advance for your time and cooperation.
Storyline doesn't support all Powerpoint animations.
I am not sure a Government agency would accept the notes as an alternative to closed captioning.
Hello Theodore,
I can help you with those additional questions :)
Will Storyline 360 support my imported PowerPoint animations?
Yes and no. Phil touched on the fact that not all of the animations are supported and that is correct.
The document below lists all of the details you need:
Tips for Importing Microsoft PowerPoint and Articulate Presenter Content
What is the need for Presenter 360 if you can do everything in Storyline?
Options/Preference. We still have many users who use PowerPoint and keep it simple.
Thank you for the information.
When some time frees up I will get the trial version of Articulate 360 and see how this works out.
Getting closed captioning and 508 compliance would be a big plus for me.
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