Category: Geeks r Us
Today, while reading one of the Raised Dot computing issues, I came across an extremely interesting article that's even more relevant today than it was in 1990. It involves the use of braille translation software both for certified braille transcriptionists and for those seeking certification.
http://personalpages.tds.net/~ti51/new85.htm
I'm inclined to agree with the author on this one. I myself will be starting the braille transcription course (now handled by the NFB) and find the idea of working strictly on a Perkins to be frustrating, time-consuming and a tad counter-productive. For one thing, if I make a mistake using a manual brailer and then erase it, points will be deducted. The fact is, and please correct me if I'm wrong, that most professional transcribers use braille translation software, wherein they could easily erase mistakes before the document is sent to an embosser. And I think it's safe to say we've come a long way from BEX, so there's a lot more that can be done with translation software now. I also find the idea of having to manually braille 35 pages for the final manuscript to be ridiculous. Even if using a Perkins should be required, wouldn't they know by that point whether someone's actually learned the lessons or not? To be safe, though, I'd agree with there being some kind of test if translation software was used, to insure that the student really does understand the lessons. I think it would make a lot more sense, in those cases, to either provide material to be transcribed for the final manuscript that would make the software use an improper format, forcing the student to proof read and correct errors before embossing or the student should be given something that has been brailed with errors that he/she would need to correct and/or explain.
So what does everyone think? Is it time for the NFB to step into the 21st century with their literary braille transcription certification course or is there still room for doing things with a Perkins? Btw, the article I linked to has some very interesting points, so feel free to check it out and bring those up.