CRC 100 - Machine Shorthand Theory I

Credits: 6
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 6
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: Voc/Tech

Machine Shorthand Theory I: Students study the fundamentals of real-time writing including steno machine setup, keyboard configuration, and beginning machine shorthand steno theory. Instruction includes emphasis on the importance of developing automatic response (writing fluency), a key component of successful speed development. Students read back from steno notes daily, and weekly testing from unfamiliar material is done at increasing speeds ranging from 30 to 80 words per minute. Concurrent enrollment in CRC102, Machine Shorthand Skills and Techniques I, is required.
Corequisite: CRC 102
Competencies

Set up a realtime steno machine
1. Identify steno machine parts
2. Assemble steno machine
3. Connect realtime cables
Maintain the realtime steno writer
1. Understand basic machine care/maintenance
2. Review available care/maintenance resources
3. Demonstrate basic machine care/maintenance skills
Demonstrate basic steno keyboard mastery
1. Identify single-key letters and their sounds
2. Identify combination-key letters and their sounds
3. Produce correct strokes given single-key sounds and combination-key sounds
Write beginning realtime shorthand principles
1. Attend to the speaker
2. Distinguish among sounds heard
3. Understand theory principles
4. Practice each principle until automatic
Evaluate steno notes
1. Locate requested portion of notes
2. Recognize correct theory strokes
3. Recite correctly stroked theory
4. Identify incorrect steno strokes
5. Predict intended strokes
Write 2.5 minutes of unfamiliar material dictated at 60 words per minute
1. Connect the writer to CAT software
2. Name the realtime file following the convention StudentName_Test Number
3. Navigate to the correct test in Realtime Coach
4. Maintain focused attention
5. Reproduce in steno the sounds heard
6. Use fluid stroking
7. Include realtime punctuation strokes
8. Locate and upload required note file, transcript file, and Theory Academic Honesty Statement
Transcribe beginning realtime shorthand principles
1. Locate requested portion of shorthand notes
2. Recall theory patterns
3. Identify misstrokes
4. Demonstrate accuracy in transcribing beginning theory principles
Transcribe 2.5 minutes of unfamiliar material dictated at 60 words per minute
1. Edit the CAT file
2. Recall theory patterns
3. Use allowed print and/or online reference sources materials for spelling and punctuation
4. Demonstrate 95% accuracy in transcription
Comprehend the role of the realtime stenographic reporter
1. Discuss the official or freelance reporter’s role as guardian of the record
2. Relate the importance of realtime captioning and CART
3. Identify additional career opportunities for realtime reporters
Write required one-stroke high-frequency words and phrases
1. Attend to the speaker
2. Recognize high-frequency words and phrases when heard
3. Recall correct strokes
4. Demonstrate accurate fingering
Delete testing files from the writer and computer with prompts
1. Locate testing files on the steno writer with verbal prompts
2. Delete files from the steno writer with verbal prompts
3. Locate transcription files in CAT software file manager with verbal prompts
4. Delete transcription files from CAT software file manager with verbal prompts
5. Empty recycle bin with verbal prompts
Connect for realtime lab practice
1. Follow prompts to complete guided setup of CAT software, driver connections, and two users (finger drills/steno-only user and realtime user)
2. Open realtime software
3. Select the correct user for practice type
4. Name a practice file
5. Complete required guided practice hours, using checking several times per hour to monitor accuracy development

Competencies Revised Date: AY2026