If you want to stay competitive in court reporting throughout the entire length of your career, you will need to stay current on technology. This has always been the case, but it is true now more than ever.  Technology cannot be ignored in our era and keeping up with the newest technology is a key part of developing your court reporting career.

Since the first American shorthand machine was invented by Miles Bartholomew in 1879, the field of court reporting has been steadily and continuously changing and evolving.  Court reporting and shorthand has always been moving forward and developing.  The changes in technology used by court reporters began to pick up speed as the information age was born.  Today, one of our most valuable assets is our ability to keep up on new technologies.

Thirty years ago, when a new court reporter began working in the field, many court reporters were still writing steno during the day, and reading back all notes into a dictation machine when it was time to transcribe. If that new court reporter had continued to work and never learn new technology as it came along, they would have been out of work years ago.  They would not be able offer the types of services clients now expect, such as e-transcripts, condensed transcripts or streaming video. Court reporters who  began their careers 30 years ago found it necessary to learn how to use a computer. Then they needed to change their theory of writing so that it was compatible with a computer. For many, their writing and use of technology continued to evolve until they could write with realtime translation during a deposition or court proceeding.

This trend in technology growth will continue long into the future. This means to continue to be a top-notch reporter, you will need to stay current on what is new and what is up and coming in the field of technology.  You will continually need to motivate yourself to learn new software and theories.  You will also need to continually purchase new equipment as hardware continues to evolve. 

Because the speed of technology has sped up to such a fast pace, it is difficult to keep up. You are spending your time working, producing transcripts. So much new technology comes out, that you don’t always hear about what’s new.  As part of your career development, you need to implement a plan for staying informed as new technology emerges.

When new technology is introduced, there will be reporters who jump in right away and try it out.  There are others who wait until everyone is using the technology before they will look at it.  If you want to stay competitive, you should push yourself to become an early adopter.  This will keep you in the mindset to watch for new developments. As an early adopter, you will be learning and using technology long before the late adopters.  This can give you a competitive edge. You will become known for your technological savvy by other court reporters, but most especially by your clients.

So how can you stay informed?  Here are a few ways you can stay on top of the newest technology. These strategies are easy to fit into your schedule a few minutes at a time.

Court Reporting Technology Articles

In this information age, there are good articles being written all the time about emerging court reporting technology.   The Journal of Court Reporting, published by the National Court Reporters Association, frequently offers articles on new technologies and how people are using them. Even if you are not a member of NCRA, you can access recent articles on the JCR website.

By searching Google, you will also find many websites and blogs that are continually producing new articles on new hardware and software. Find articles on new technology as it is introduced.  Keep track of new technologies you have heard about and read all you can online about how they are used and how successful they are for other court reporters. 

Online Training Materials

Many software and hardware companies offer free training materials on their websites demonstrating how to use their products.  By accessing this training, which is often free, this allows you to learn about products more quickly. You will more likely use all of the features the product has to offer if you have taken advantage of the online training materials.  These online training materials can be pdf documents, videos and website pages. 

Some examples of companies with online training materials are Stenograph, Cheetah International and Aristocat:

• Stenograph offers online training manuals, training in their software and training from certified training agents around the nation.  In partnership with Prince Institute, a court reporting school owned by Stenograph, more training is offered as professional development training accredited for CEUs through the NCRA. To view more upcoming live and recorded CEU training, go to CEU training for court reporters.
• Cheetah International offers online training on its products at http://www.caption.com/English/training/Online_Education.php
• Aristocat offers training webinars to its users. Some are pre-recorded and can be viewed at any time.  http://www.aristocat.com/Webinars.htm

YouTube

You can find all kinds of good information on YouTube that is fast and easy to consume.  Most vendors have videos that introduce their products.  This gives you the ability to quickly see what is out there and available.  Many vendors also offer video training tutorials that are free for anyone to view.  It is not uncommon to now see videos put out by various organizations that offer interviews of vendors from the latest conventions or trade shows.  These will often give you a quick glimpse of the latest offerings.  If you are not able to attend conventions and trade shows, these videos allow you to still see what is being offered that is new from vendors. 

A couple of examples of organizations using YouTube for information and training are RealLegal and NCRA:

RealLegal offers several litigation support softwares, including transcript management such as e-transcripts, batched and condensed printing.  The following video is of a sales representative who gives a brief explanation of some of those softwares:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRb2WoMGFxw

NCRA offers a series of training how-to videos highlighting several different hardware and software setups from different vendors. These are useful for those who already own these products as well as for those who are thinking of purchasing:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0500127980FB6C67

Newsletters

Look for court reporting technology websites and subscribe to their newsletter.  Find organizations that are devoted to bringing you news on a regular basis. By subscribing to their newsletter from their website, you will receive the latest information directly into your email inbox without having to go looking for it.

Some examples are the Society for the Technological Advancement of Reporting (STAR) and NCRA’s Tech Wire Blog.

STAR offers thoughtful articles and discussion on issues that are emerging with the latest technologies.  You can download any of the STAR newsletters on their website at http://www.staronline.org/.

The NCRA Tech Wire Blog offers articles that include tips on using various hardware and software, reviews and tutorials of specific softwares.  You will need to be a member of NCRA to sign up for this newsletter at http://www.ncra.org/applications/blog/The-Tech-Wire?navItemNumber=12840

Making a commitment to learning new technologies is an investment into your own career.  If you are unwilling to learn new technology, you will become extinct like the dinosaurs.  But if you’re willing to make the effort to stay informed and learn new things, you will have a long and successful career in court reporting for years to come.

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in “Is it Time to Hire a Scopist?”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jane Jones is a court reporter, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Brown & Jones Reporting, Inc. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Google+.

Are you using an iPad as part of your court reporting business?  If you aren’t, you should be.  An iPad can help you be more productive with your time away from the office. If you’re looking for ways to use your iPad more efficiently, we’ve put together a list of apps that will help you get things done on the go.

1. CalenMob (free)

CalenMob is a Google Calendar app.  It inherits the simple and clean look of Google web calendar and makes it more accessible, responsive and reliable on your iPhone and iPad. This app gives you access to your calendar no matter where you are.  You can make and change appointments from either iPhone, iPad or your computer.  It can also be used with no internet connection. Changes will be synced back to your Google account the next time you are connected. 

2. DropBox for iPad (free)

A simple and convenient way to store your files, documents, pictures, etc. You can access your DropBox from anywhere as long as you have your username and password and internet access (to initially sign on). The best thing is that it can synchronize your computer, phone, and iPad all in one storage system. The great thing about this program is even if your computer crashes, you can still retrieve your DropBox files through logging back onto your iPad.

3. Scanner Pro (free)

Scanner Pro transforms your iPhone and iPad into portable scanners. It allows you to scan receipts, whiteboards, paper notes, or any multipage document. You can scan notices or even exhibits when the attorney wants to retain ownership.  Once you scan the document, you can turn it into a good-looking pdf file.

4. Pocket (free)

Pocket, formerly called ReadItLater is a free app that makes it easier for the user to store articles and read them later. It’ll come in handy for down time between deps or breaks in action.  You can use the time wisely by catching up on articles during those times or even with a cup of morning coffee.

5. iWork ($30)

iWork is essentially three applications bundled into one: Pages, Numbers, and Keynote. Pages is a word processor. Numbers is similar to Excel, where you can access spreadsheets, etc. And Keynote is a presentation software comparable to PowerPoint. This bundle will give you the convenience of opening and editing documents while on the go.

6. AudioNote ($4.99)

Audionote lets you link audio recordings to written notes. Later on, you can click on a specific portion of your notes and listen to the audio recording associated with that moment. You can use this application with a stylus, which makes things a lot easier for note takers and for people who want to draw while using it. This can be helpful for recording ideas or memos to yourself quickly when you’re mobile.

7. White Noise Pro ($2.99)

The perfect companion when you’re looking to either relax or get proofreading done, but you can’t drown out the neighbors or that barking dog! White Noise Pro offers a variety of ambient noise, nature recordings, and, of course, white noise.

8. Clear ($1.99)

An incredibly easy to use productivity app that helps manage your day-to-day responsibilities. When you’ve accomplished a task, simply swipe it away. You can even break down your to-do lists into grocery, personal goals, shopping, and more. This application is perfect for busy people.

9. Mailbox (free)

This app helps you sort out e-mails with your existing accounts. For example, you can sync your Gmail account and categorize and create labels for certain e-mails. Over time, it’ll help you minimize the overflowing amount of unread e-mails you have, hopefully, to zero. The app allows you to swipe messages to either archive or trash it. E-mail maintenance has never been easier.

Efficiency is a huge part of any court reporter’s life. The more efficient you are, the more you can get done.  These apps are all designed to help you be more productive with your time when you are away from your office. You will find yourself relying on your iPad more and more to get things done.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jane Jones is a court reporter, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Brown & Jones Reporting, Inc. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Google+.

Realtime Reporter – Conquering Your Fears

Rachel Gwidt, RPR

To my pleasant surprise, I didn’t freeze up and write badly.  I wrote exactly the same as I would have written with nobody being able to see it.  Actually, I feel like I focused harder than if no one was watching.  Everyone was able to read it just fine.  Did I have some things in my favor?  Absolutely.  It wasn’t super fast and technical (just a nice, short, easy car accident-type case).  I thought to myself, what a stroke of luck to be able to have my first real time experience be so easy and stress free.  Do I feel this automatically qualifies me to take a real time patent case with 12 attorneys hooked up to me tomorrow?  Absolutely not, but what I got from the experience was huge to me.  It was validation of my writing skills and confirmation that I CAN do it.  Most of all, I came away with a new confidence in myself that I didn’t have yesterday (or all the days before that for that matter).  Those of you that know me fairly well know what I’m talking about! 

Smile

Shorthand and stenography have gone high tech, and today’s court reporters are digitally savvy professionals that take advantage of the latest innovations in court reporting technology. From realtime court reporting that delivers speech-to-text directly to the laptops of attorneys to video conferencing, Wisconsin court reporters from Brown & Jones have the latest tools and the know-how to put them to good use.

 Realtime Court Reporting

One of the most important revolutions in the court reporting industry is realtime court reporting. This technology takes the court reporter’s output from the steno machine and translates it into text as the court reporter keys it in – in real time. The steno machine is connected to a computer equipped with realtime court reporting software. Depending on the software and the needs of the client, the realtime feed can be transmitted to courtroom monitors, to individual computers or laptops, or securely over the Internet to remote attorneys. With realtime court reporting, Wisconsin court reporters’ transcripts can be transmitted to partners located virtually anywhere in the world as the words are spoken.

 In addition to being able to see the testimony in a text-based format, attorneys can immediately begin working with the court reporter’s feed. For example, they can add notes, search for keywords, copy and paste testimony, and more without having to wait for the court reporter to issue a final transcript.

 Video Conferencing

Wisconsin court reporters often participate in video conferencing as well. Video conferencing makes it possible to interview out-of-area witnesses remotely, participate in remote depositions, and hold meetings without the expense or hassles of travel. Whether you need a court reporter present or simply want a convenient way to meet with partners, video conferencing is a convenient, cost-effective choice that delivers the benefits of face-to-face meetings without the hassles.

 For example, imagine a Wisconsin attorney who needs to interview an expert witness located in Florida. Instead of the attorney flying to Florida or paying for the witness to fly to and stay overnight in Wisconsin, video conferencing suites in each location can be booked. The video conferencing facilities handle the technical details, and all the two parties need to do is show up and interact with one another.   

 Realtime court reporting and video conferencing technologies are changing the industry – for the better. Experience the difference with Brown & Jones in Wisconsin.

                    STAR MID-YEAR CONFERENCE

 Submitted by Mary Ring
Registered Professional Reporter                             

I attended the Society for the Technological Advancement of Reporting conference at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, which was held from March 15 through 17.  I was accompanied by my firm’s co-owner, Jane Jones, who is a member of the STAR Board of Directors, and Louann Hammes, our client services representative.  

STAR  is the driving force in the development of state-of-the-art court reporting technology.  They provide a forum for interaction with key technology vendors in addition to sponsoring education through publications and seminars.  Continuing education credits, CEUs, are earned when attending the various seminars that are offered.  This week there were many sessions on Case Catalyst software for court reporters and Catalyst 13 enhancements, taught by Vicki Main, Stenograph’s Product Manager. 

The evening before the conference began, Jane, Louann, and I had a great dinner and enjoyed a show full of classic Motown hits performed by the popular Australian vocal quartet Human Nature.  They were awesome.  The floor was literally shaking with the audience not able to contain themselves in their seats. 

Thursday’s seminars were very interesting.  I learned a lot about Case Catalyst Version 13 and the enhancements. Vicki Main is a very thorough, articulate and patient instructor, never moving on to a new subject until every question is answered. 

That evening I attended the Newcomer/First-Timers Reception and the Welcome Dinner, where I met so many wonderful people.  I spoke with many firm owners, court reporters and vendors, and I learned about them on both a personal and professional level.  They were all so kind and sincere, and I felt like I had known them for a long time.  They made me feel so welcome, as if I was part of a “family,” exactly the same feeling I think we foster at our company, Brown & Jones Reporting.  It was evident that we all have the love of our profession in common.  

On Friday morning I ate a “Breakfast Worth Getting Up For.”  Then I attended a Stenograph Forum featuring speakers from Stenograph covering a whole host of topics, from software/writer development, to student/mentor issues, to marketing concerns and the future of court reporting.  Afterwards, there was a business meeting, where the highlight was the “surprise” special recognition presentation bestowed upon Irving L. Starkman, owner of Starkman Reporting and Videoconferencing in Philadelphia.  Irv was honored for his tireless efforts in raising funds for STAR. 

In his acceptance speech, Irv talked about his great disappointment at not being able to attain his personal goal of raising $20,000 for this conference, indicating that he had “only” raised a little over $18,000.  There weren’t many dry eyes in the room after a member stood up and suggested we help Irv reach his goal.  One by one, throughout the room, shouts were heard of $100, $200, $500, $250, $100……Needless to say, Irv exceeded his goal.  What a great bunch of people!

I am so happy that I joined STAR.  I met a group of remarkable people – vendors, owners and reporters alike — all of whom really care about the great profession of court reporting and who make me proud to be a part of that group.   I also learned about many of the enhancements to our latest Case Catalyst software from the person who actually manages the product development team, which was invaluable to me.  I encourage everyone to join STAR.  It was such a rewarding experience for me, not only for the knowledge and CEUs I attained, but also for the sense of comradery I experienced.

Wait!   My blog does not end here.  After the afternoon sessions were finished, my husband and his sister and brother-in-law joined me for dinner.  We had planned to walk around afterwards a bit and enjoy the beautiful weather, but it was so busy on “The Strip” because of March Madness.  It was wall-to-wall, shoulder-to-shoulder people.  It’s hard to believe this many people would travel to Vegas just to gamble on basketball.  

Ah, gambling……that leads me to the end of my story.  Because we really couldn’t walk around comfortably outside due to the crowds, we decided to go inside the casino and play the “one-armed bandits.”  I had played a few penny slots with no luck, so I decided to up my bet to a nickel, playing five lines times five, or $1.25 total.  I was much more successful.  I moved from machine to machine, each time changing the denomination from pennies to nickels, cashing out after every win.  I had started out with $40, and after 45 minutes my winnings totaled $250.  At that point I told myself to cash in, but a little voice urged me to play just a few dollars more.  After all, I was inLas Vegas! 

I again moved on and found a type of video machine that I had not played before.  I again changed the denomination from pennies to nickels.  I again chose five lines times five, $1.25.  I hit the spin button, and the reels spun……and spun and spun and spun!  The lights went off, and the music came on.  My credits kept going higher and higher and stopped at 450.  Wow, I had won $200…or so I thought. 

Unbeknownst to me, I had chosen a $5 machine, not a nickel machine.  I had changed the denomination from $1 to $5, not from 1 cent to 5 cents……and I had bet $125!!!! The center of the screen flashed, “Call Attendant, Hand Pay $2,250.”  This is what you would call “DUMB LUCK.”  

Yes, I was a big winner in Las Vegas.  I hit the jackpot twice…..once at the STAR conference and once in the casino!