Audio transcriptions of lectures can help students to better understand a class. They can use them as notes, during exam preparation, or as a study aid. Some students even highlight important parts of a lecture or write additional notes, as needed. Using a transcript can also help students identify gaps in their knowledge, allowing them to seek assistance from their professors during office hours or through research.

Audio transcription of lectures is best done using a high-quality audio recorder, which can be used to create an audio transcript. Several methods exist for recording lectures, but a stationary recorder is easiest to use for those who can stay still during the lecture. A portable recorder can be held by a student if he or she needs to move around during class.

Before beginning recording a lecture, make sure to test your equipment. Make sure that it's equipped with a microphone. Most laptops and smartphones have microphones built in. However, you might need an external microphone to get a good quality recording. Another option is to use a digital recorder. The best recordings will have crystal clear audio that will be easy to understand and transcribe.

Audio transcription of lectures will save time in the classroom. By eliminating the need to stop and take notes or type up materials, students will have more time for other things. For international students, this type of service can be particularly useful, since they don't always have access to audio recordings in their native language.