Closed Captioning Video for Education: Why it’s Needed

By- Wella Anonuevo

Closed captioning is the process of displaying text over a video or an audio file to offer more interpretive information. For instance, closed captions display dialogue and audio cues in a video or audio file. In many ways, closed captions function like subtitles. However, unlike subtitles, they go beyond providing the text for the dialogues only. They include non-verbal cues like actions in a dialogue. To display closed captions for video content, you will need a closed caption file containing the text and time codes when the texts are to be displayed over the video content. You can apply various file formats, like SRT and VTT formats, for closed captions. Closed captioning can be applied in various industries, like the law and education sectors. In the education industry, closed captions are vital for educative videos.

Why are closed captions needed for education videos?

Below are some of the top reasons why closed-captioned education videos are necessary;

It is mandated by the law

One of the main reasons why closed captioning for education videos is because the law mandates it. For instance, the Americans with Disability Act requires closed captioning for all educational videos available for the public or students. This law helps ensure effective communication for students and people with hearing disabilities. This law specifically applied to universities and higher learning institutions. However, it is worth mentioning that the laws differ from one place to the next.

They assist students with learning disabilities

Another reason why closed captioning for education videos is necessary is that it helps students with learning disabilities. Learning disabilities affect thousands of students and may hinder them from succeeding in their studies. This is especially the case in higher education. Applying closed captions to educational videos can help students with learning disabilities process information better. For instance, the captions can help students with difficulties processing speech and auditory media components.

Closed captions offer clarity for all students

The aim of educational videos is to provide help students learn something new. It would be impossible for students to learn if they do not have clarity about the information. Clarity can be hindered by audio issues within the educational video. For instance, if the accent of the speaker is too complex, or technical terms are used in the video. Muffled audio or noisy environments can also affect the clarity of the education videos. Closed captions can significantly help keep these elements from influencing the clarity of your videos. They can also allow students to focus on the content of the videos, hence offering better clarity.

Closed captioning is essential for foreign language or ESL students

There are millions of students studying in countries where their native language is not the primary language. For instance, millions of American students do not have English as their first language. Therefore, they may have a hard time understanding the American accent or certain words. Closed captions are a powerful tool for helping the students understand key concepts in educational videos. This is especially the case when dealing with technical subjects.

Closed captions enhance reading comprehension

Research has shown that students' reading comprehension scores increase drastically when captioned videos are used for education purposes. The captions help students visualize the content they are listening to. Additionally, the captioned videos also increase the literacy rate of kids, especially in their early academic years.

Closed-captioned educational videos improve student or learner retention and focus

Closed captions are highly eye-catching. This means that they are impossible to miss. When students read the captions along with the video it helps them retain the information. Closed-captioned educational videos allow students to apply both their auditory and visual skills, hence creating the best learning environment. Studies show combining audio and visual skills to learning helps students recall the information longer. This is better than visual learning and audio used separately. In turn, closed captions help students improve their test scores.

Closed-captioned educational videos are more accessible

Most creators of educational videos aim at helping students from different regions. However, it would be impossible for students from different geographical locations to use the same educational videos if they do not understand the content. Even if they understand the basics of the language used in the videos, understanding the spelling and technical terms can be challenging. This is where closed-captioned videos come in. The closed captions simplify the content hence making it more accessible.

Conclusion

The trick to getting the most from your closed captioned educational videos is to work with the best closed captioning services. Adding closed captions to a video is more work than most people understand. Working with captioning services will simplify the process and take away all the challenges. The company will also ensure that the captions are highly accurate. 100% accuracy is paramount when working on captions for educational videos.

(Disclaimer: This is a sponsored article and includes some commercial links.)