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Self-help Transcription tool

Self-help Transcription tool

Owned by Chee Ann Yong
Last updated: 19 Feb 2025 by Wai Hung Kwan
3 min read

an AI-powered tool that provides real-time speech-to-text conversion, making meetings, lectures, and interviews more accessible and efficient. It automatically transcribes spoken content, highlights key points, and allows users to collaborate with shared notes. User may sign up for free version (Basic Plan), based on the plan entitlement, he/she can have 300 monthly transcription minutes with 30 minutes per conversation. If you intent to use it for more than 30 minutes per conversation, you may consider the next higher plans.

Here is the pricing, below is a quick start guide and some practical information.

Quick Start Guide

Step 1: Check System Requirements

Before setting up http://Otter.ai , ensure your device meets the following requirements:

For Web Access:

  • Use a supported web browser:

    • Google Chrome (Version 67 or later)

    • Mozilla Firefox (Version 59 or later)

    • Safari (Version 15 or later)

    • Microsoft Edge (Version 88 or later)

  • Ensure you have a stable internet connection.

For Mobile Access:

  • iOS: Requires iOS 15 or later.

  • Android: Requires Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later.

Step 2: Create an http://Otter.ai Account

  1. Go to http://Otter.ai .

  2. Click Sign Up (if you don’t have an account) or Log In (if you already have one).

  3. Use your email, Google, or Microsoft account to register.

  4. Verify your email address (if required).

Step 3: Set Up http://Otter.ai for Transcription

On Web Browser:

  1. Log in to your http://Otter.ai account.

  2. Click “Record” to start a live transcription.

  3. To upload a pre-recorded lecture, click “Import” and select an audio or video file.

  4. Adjust Settings (e.g., speaker identification, summary options) as needed.

  5. You will be prompted with the below, please allow.

    image-20250218-024922.png

 On Mobile App:

  1. Download the http://Otter.ai app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).

  2. Open the app and log in.

  3. Tap the “Record” button to start a live transcription.

  4. To upload files, tap “Import” and choose your audio/video file.

Step 4: Improve Audio Quality

  • Use an external microphone for better sound clarity.

  • Minimize background noise while recording.

  • Ensure http://Otter.ai has microphone permissions on your device.

Step 5: Share Transcriptions with Students

  1. Open a completed transcript.

  2. Click “Share” (top-right corner).

  3. Choose whether to share with specific individuals or generate a shareable link.

  4. Adjust permissions (view-only or edit access).

Step 6: Explore Additional Features

  • Speaker Identification: Helps differentiate speakers in conversations.

  • Folders & Organization: Keep transcripts organized by course or topic.

  • Highlight & Comment: Annotate key parts of the transcript.

 

On a side note

To enable students to access live transcriptions during a class session using http://Otter.ai , follow these steps:

  1. Instructor's Setup:

  • Start the Live Transcription:

    • Begin your class session and ensure that http://Otter.ai is actively transcribing the lecture.

  • Share the Live Transcript Link:

    • Click on the "Share" button within the http://Otter.ai interface.

    • Generate a shareable link to the live transcription.

    • Distribute this link to your students, either by pasting it into the chat feature of your virtual classroom platform or through another communication method.

  1. Students' Access:

  • View the Live Transcript:

    • Students can click on the provided link to view the live transcription in real-time via their web browser.

  • Engage with the Transcript:

    • Depending on the permissions set by the instructor, students may have the ability to highlight text, add comments, or ask questions directly within the transcript.

  1. Post-Session Access:

  • Review the Transcript:

    • After the class session concludes, the instructor can choose to share the complete transcript with students.

    • This can be done by sharing the same link used during the live session or by exporting the transcript as a document (e.g., PDF or DOCX) and distributing it accordingly.

 

Microphone permissions in browsers

Every browser has a microphone permission setting that allows you to control which websites can access your microphone. Here’s how you can manage it:

Microsoft Edge: How to Enable Microphone on Microsoft Edge (Tutorial)

Google Chrome - How To Enable Microphone In Google chrome

Firefox - How to Enable Microphone on Mozilla Firefox Browser

Shortcut to access microphone setting:

Type edge://settings/content/microphone into the address bar of Edge.

Type chrome://settings/content/microphone into the address bar of Chrome

Type about:preferences#privacy into the address bar of Firefox, scroll down to Permissions → Click Settings next to Microphone to manage site access.

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