Enhancing global and synchronous distance learning and teaching by using instant transcript and translation

The dramatic increases in computing power and bandwidth over the past decade and more have enabled significant improvements in the global learning environment via distance education. Yet, while distance education has dramatically reduced the barriers between different geographic regions, it has not yet had a similar impact on reducing the barriers between different languages. This paper discusses a system that helps non-native English students to better understand lectures that are delivered in English via the Internet in distance learning environments. The system integrates speech recognition, a language parser, and machine translation to instantly generate transcripts of lectures and display them simultaneously with audio and video streams. We present the method, design, functionality, and implementation issues, which provide a synchronous and interactive distance learning environment in which non-native English students can learn materials in English more easily