Overview of Tech for Note Taking
Welcome to Tech for Note Taking!
In this module, we will be looking at technologies that are useful for taking notes during lectures. Let's start with an overview of the technologies that I profile on my Tech Tools for Academic Success website Links to an external site., just so you have an idea of what's out there--and what's good.
In general, note taking technologies can be divided into three categories: hands-on, computer and online software, and mobile apps.
Hands-on Note-Taking Tech
Smartpens and Notebooks
Smartpens look like pens, but they include technology that makes taking notes easier. For example, Livescribe's smartpens record lectures while you write on special note paper. When we are back on campus, students who are registered with the DRC can borrow an Echo Smartpen for the semester.
RocketBook notebooks let you quickly upload whatever you write or draw into an online storage system, so that you never lose your notes.
Computer & Online Software
Many note taking options are available online, such as the Glean audio note taker from Sonocent. I'll tell you all about that later in this module--and I'd be happy to set an account up for you.
Mind mapping software is another good option for taking notes during class. There are many free online mind mapping tools out there, such as MindMeister, Popplet, and so on, but we will be focusing on Mindomo--which you can download as well as use online.
Finally, there are some great tools online for organizing your notes once you take them. Two good options are Evernote and Google Keep.
Mobile Apps
Finally, there are many apps for that... For example, Notability (an iPhone/iPad app only) and AudioNote both record audio while letting you take pictures or write or type notes.
Otter Voice Notes transcribes everything that is said around you as it records the audio--so you can read what the instructor is saying, then send yourself the transcription (which you will need to edit later). You'll learn more about Otter later on--and I can set you up with a free account, if you want to try it yourself.
Want to Learn More? Sign Up for EDAC 832, Tech for Note Taking
EDAC 832 - Tech Tools for Note Taking
Do you have a hard time taking notes in class? Do you need some help creating study notes while reading? In this class you will learn about technologies and techniques to improve your note taking in class--in person and online--and to help you take better notes while you read. Technologies include Otter.ai, Mindomo, and other tech tools.