Learning Technology Index

Otter.ai*

videosynchronouslecture recordingtext chatcommunicationinteractivecontent deliveryAI Text Generator

What is it?

Otter.ai is a generative AI tool which when connected to your calendars automatically joins your Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams meetings to record, transcribe and generate meeting summaries/notes in real-time. 

What is its purpose?

It is used to generate meeting or lecture transcriptions, recordings, and summaries.

How do I use it?

Otter.ai can be accessed on the web, or mobile applications like Android's Playstore or Apple's iOs 

Why would I use it?

Accessibility: Otter makes learning accessible and inclusive for all. People who are hard of hearing can access lectures or meeting content by reading live transcripts. "Otter empowers students with the ability to highlight, comment, and insert images within class notes and give them advanced study tools with stored transcripts, search capabilities, and keyword highlights"

Meeting Recording: You do not need to wait for the meeting host to share the recordings.

Slide Capture: Otter provides automated slide capture during virtual lectures/meetings such that notes taken during meetings are linked with the slides, giving context to the notes. These notes also help meeting and lecture participants to fully follow the conversation during meetings. 

Usage considerations

Like other generative AI tools, using Otter can pose a risk of exposing your lecture or meeting content to the public.

Quick Facts
Category
Content Delivery
Rating Level 
Web Search
Website
Otter.ai*
Last Modified
17 May 2024
Created
03 May 2024
License Available 
No
More Info

Security Concerns
Yes
Technical Support 
Vendor
Platform(s) 
Android, iOS, Web, Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet

Ratings Information

CITL Rating

Select any category below for details about the criteria for each rating.

Functionality: ★★☆
Scale:
Not Applicable.
Ease of Use:
Not Applicable.
Tech Support/Help Availability (for Instructors):★★☆
Minor Concerns. Technical support and documentation are available but are limited and largely based on reports, blogs and a chatbot. Campus-based technical support is not available.
Tech Support/Help Availability (for Students):
Not Applicable.Technical support and documentation are available but are limited and largely based on reports, blogs and a chatbot. Campus-based technical support is not available.
Hypermediality :
Not Applicable.
Accessibility: ★★★
Accessibility Standards:★★☆
Minor Concerns. Although there is no information on how Otter meets accessibility guidelines. Otter completed a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) to document compliance with accessibility requirements outlined in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
User-focused participation:★★★
Works Well.
Required Equipment:★★★
Works Well. Otter can be easily used on mobile phones or computers
Technical: ★★★
Integration/Embedding within a Learning Management System (LMS) :
Not Applicable.
Operating Systems:★★★
Works Well.
Web Browser:★★☆
Minor Concerns. Desktop users are advised to download Chrome Extension to enhance the functionality of the tool. This indicates that the tool might work better with Google Chrome.
Additional Technical Requirements:★★★
Works Well. Desktop users are advised to download Chrome Extension to enhance the functionality of the tool.
Mobile Design: ★★★
Access:★★★
Works Well.
Functionality:★★☆
Minor Concerns. Desktop users are advised to download Chrome Extension to enhance the functionality of the tool. This indicates that the tool might work better on Desktops than mobile phones.
Offline Access:
Not Applicable.
Usage and Account Set Up: ★★☆
Sign Up/Sign In:★☆☆
Serious Concerns.
Cost of Use:★★☆
Minor Concerns.
Archiving, Saving, and Exporting Data :★★★
Works Well.
Data Privacy and Ownership:★☆☆
Serious Concerns. Any meeting participant who has Otter installed on their phones or computers is able to record and download meeting content. However, Otter advise their users to be transparent if they are using the tool.
Social Presence:
Collaboration :
Not Applicable.
User Accountability:
Not Applicable.
Diffusion:
Not Applicable.
Teaching Presence:
Facilitation:
Not Applicable.
Customization:
Not Applicable.
Learning Analytics:
Not Applicable.
Cognitive Presence:
Enhancement of Cognitive Task(s):
Not Applicable.
Higher Order Thinking:
Not Applicable.
Feedback on Learning:
Not Applicable.

Security and Privacy

Once connected to your Google or Microsoft Calendar, Otter can automatically attend your Zoom, Google Meet or Microsoft Teams Meetings

Support Information

Although live support is not available at this time, users can get help from the Otter Help Center, which has  a search option to ask any question. This resource page offers answers to questions across many topics on the usage and functionality of the tool.