Yuree Choi, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, Lamar Dodd School of Art, Graphic design, 2nd year undergraduate
If the University of Georgia (UGA) were to implement high-quality, centralized AI-driven text-to-speech and translation features, it would significantly elevate accessibility for students with hearing impairments, learning disabilities, and language barriers. While some students currently rely on individual transcription programs, these often lack accuracy and reliability, especially in academic settings with specialized terminology. A robust, centralized transcription system, enhanced by high-quality microphones, would improve transcription accuracy and consistency, making real-time accessibility available for everyone. Using high-quality microphones in lecture halls and classrooms would capture audio more clearly, reducing background noise and ensuring that the AI transcription software accurately captures every word. This would result in highly precise transcriptions, making it easier for students with hearing impairments or learning disabilities to follow along in real-time on their devices or on classroom screens. With centralized, professional-grade equipment, transcription accuracy could reach a level that individual programs cannot match, reducing misunderstandings and allowing students to focus on content without distractions.
Additionally, these high-quality transcriptions could be automatically saved and organized in the university’s learning management system (LMS) for later review. Students could access detailed lecture transcriptions and translations at any time, enabling those with different learning styles to study at their own pace. Visual learners would benefit from the ability to review complex information line-by-line, while auditory learners could reinforce their understanding with the added visual component of the text. For international students, translation functionality would provide side-by-side access to lectures in both English and their preferred language, enriching their understanding of the material in real time and for future study.
With these enhancements, UGA would foster a more inclusive and supportive campus culture, providing every student with equitable access to academic content. Centralized, high-quality transcription and translation services would empower students to engage fully in lectures, discussions, and campus activities, reflecting UGA’s commitment to accessibility, diversity, and academic success. Faculty would also benefit, as the technology would allow them to reach a wider range of learning needs effectively, reducing the need for individualized accommodations. Ultimately, UGA would set a new standard in accessibility, with AI-driven transcription and translation becoming a vital part of an inclusive educational environment, supporting students of all abilities and backgrounds.