Checking Captions for Kaltura Videos
Why Checking Captions Matters
Accurate captions are essential for making video content accessible to everyone, especially those who are deaf or hard of hearing. While Kaltura automatically generates captions for uploaded videos, these auto-captions may contain errors, particularly with names, jargon, and punctuation. Ensuring captions are correct enhances comprehension and provides a better experience.
How to Check Captions in Kaltura
Locate the Captions Editor
- After uploading your video to Kaltura, navigate to the video in your media library. Click on the Edit button (often represented by a pencil icon) and select Captions or Captions & Enrich from the menu.
Review for Common Errors
- Names: Proper names are often misinterpreted by auto-captioning tools. Carefully review any names in your content and correct them to ensure accuracy.
- Jargon and Technical Terms: Industry-specific terminology and course jargon are frequently miscaptioned. Verify that these terms are transcribed correctly to prevent confusion.
- Punctuation: Missing or incorrect punctuation can change the meaning of a sentence. Ensure that punctuation accurately reflects pauses, questions, or statements in your video.
Edit Captions for Accuracy
- Use the Kaltura captions editor to make corrections. Simply click on the caption text that needs adjustment, and type in the correct version. Don’t forget to save as you work.
- Tip: Play the video as you edit to ensure the timing of captions matches the spoken content, making it easier for people to follow.
Tips for Faculty
- Prioritize Key Content: Focus on key lectures, tutorials, and instructional videos. Make sure captions for these are accurate, as they are critical for student understanding.
- Shorten Long Captions: If a caption block contains too much text, split it into shorter sections. This improves readability and comprehension.
- Use Punctuation Thoughtfully: Ensure periods, commas, and question marks are used correctly, as they help convey tone and meaning.
Providing Accessible Video Links in Canvas
- Add a Download Link: If a video transcript is available, provide a download link in Canvas. This allows students to read along or reference the content at their own pace. Label the link clearly, e.g., “Download Video Transcript.”
- Review Before Publishing: Always double-check the captions for accuracy before making the video available to students. This helps ensure a smooth, accessible learning experience from the start.
What Actions Can I Take Now?
To ensure your video content is accessible, it’s important to take proactive steps immediately after uploading. Begin by reviewing the automatically generated captions. While these auto-captions provide a helpful starting point, they often require human intervention to correct specific errors, such as names, specialized terms, and punctuation. Start by carefully watching the video while reading the captions, paying close attention to proper names, technical jargon, and any places where incorrect punctuation might alter the meaning of the content. Making these corrections as soon as possible will prevent issues for viewers who rely on captions to understand your material.
Next, use the Kaltura captions editor to make any necessary changes to ensure accuracy and clarity. The editor allows you to directly click on the text that needs updating, so you can immediately adjust it to reflect the correct spoken content. For best results, play the video as you edit—this will help you match the timing of the captions to the speech, making sure everything is synchronized perfectly. Taking these actions helps ensure your video is not only accessible but also an effective learning tool for all students, particularly those who depend on captions for comprehension.