Notetaking is an important aspect of learning. Recording new information, reviewing previously learned information, and drafting new ideas can all be retained in a notebook. But what if you can’t find your notebook or forget it at school or work? What can a student or teacher do?
Today’s technology provides lots of options for using digital notebooks. These options can be assistive technology (AT) or educational technology based on whether it is included in the student’s IEP. Remember, items are considered assistive technology if the IEP team determines it is needed for the student’s learning. So, lots of items can be helpful to a student but are only AT if the IEP team considers it as necessary. IEP teams can consider items and strategies as AT by using the VATTS Consideration Guide during IEP meetings.
Examples of digital notebooks:
- If a student likes the feel of using a physical notebook, consider using a Wipebook, Rocketbook, or a SCRIBZEE compatible notebook. Using these notebooks a student can write their notes and scan each page with a phone. Once scanned the notes become digital by electronically saving your notes or sketches to the cloud. Using a free app the scanned pages can be uploaded to a favorite cloud storage service, such as DropBox, Google Drive, Evernote, OneNote, Email, and more. Smart notebooks can be used hundreds of times because each page can be cleaned and used again.
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- The Livescribe Smartpens allow a student to record lectures as they take notes in a notebook. Then they can replay the audio recording to study. This system can work well for students who have difficulty with writing. They can make a mark or write a word or two and tap the notebook at that position to hear the audio that has been recorded in sync with the notes. Please note that permission needs to be secured before recording classroom lectures.
- Note-taking apps can help students document and organize their notes. Consider these
To learn more about Assistive Technology and options for note-taking, consider these resources in the T-TAC ODU Lending Library:
- Assistive Technology in Special Education: Resources to Support Literacy, Communication, and Learning Differences by J. Green
- Inclusive Learning 365, Edtech Strategies for Evey Day of the Year by C, Bugaj, K. Janowski, M. Marotta, and B. Poss
- LiveScribe Pens
- Smart Notebook Bundle
Resources:
Bugaj, C. R., Janowski, K., Marotta, M., & Poss, B. (2021). Inclusive learning 365: Edtech strategies for every day of the Year. International Society for Technology in Education.
Green, J. L. (2018). Technology and strategies to support learning new information. In Assistive technology in special education: resources to support literacy, communication, and learning differences (3rd ed., pp. 185–191). essay, Prufrock Press.