Today’s tech snack can be found at the following url: https://www.kapwing.com/subtitles
What is it?
Kapwing is a web based tool that allows people to edit, and create videos, images and GIFS. It is free to use, though it does have some fees associated with removing the Kapwing watermark.There are a number of different things you can do with Kapwing but for this blog entry, I will focus on the captioning feature.
Normally when you create a video, you either have to add your own captions or if you use an online video you have to rely on the captions that come with the video. Sometimes, these video captions from online videos are good and other times they are awful. The problem with online videos is that, unless you were the person who uploaded the video to the online platform ( like youtube), you cannot edit the captions.
With Kapwing's Subtitle feature, you can take any video and add/edit any of the captions.
How does it work?
When you go to the subtitle tool: https://www.kapwing.com/subtitles, you have two options. You can either upload a video that is saved on your device, or you can copy and paste the url of an online video. Once you enter your video information, you will be taken to Kapwing’s interface. On the interface, you can type the captions as you go through the video, or you can click on the auto generate button.
If you click on the auto generate button, the program will ask you what language you want the captions in. Then the program will use artificial intelligence to try to provide captions for the video. Once the captions are generated, you can correct any errors that may exist in the transcription. In addition, you can pick the size, color and font of the captions. Once you have your captions the way you want, you simply click on the create button.
Once you click on the create button, the program will begin adding your captions to the video. Depending on the length of the video, it may take a few minutes to generate. Once the program is done processing the video, you will be given an option to download the video or edit it some more. When you download the video, it will include the captions you added automatically.
Videos provide students with context. A 3 to 4 minute video contains the same amount of content as a 500 word essay. While videos are powerful tools you can use with your students, it is important that all students have access to the content. Providing quality captions is a way to ensure this. Any video you create with the kapwing tool, you can upload to any online platform or learning management system. Since the captioned video gets downloaded to your device, you always have a copy of the video in case the online video disappears or if you are at a location where Internet access is spotty.
Oh what a great snack! Anything that makes it easy to reach all our students is a win in my book!
Until next time at the café….