Office of Student Life

Disability Services

Notetaking Technology Options Guide

Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft OneNote is a robust notetaking program that enables you to take notes, draw, keep lists, insert slides, and collaborate with other users. Create a digital notebook and sync it across your computer and mobile devices.

  • Import PowerPoint or PDF slides into your notebook and annotate them right alongside your personal notes
  • Take your notes by typing, or use a stylus or finger to draw on compatible devices
  • Audio record your lectures as you type your notes, or insert videos and external files
  • Convert handwritten notes to typed text, and read aloud with text-to-speech
  • Save your multi-media notes to the cloud and share with classmates through Office 365

Microsoft OneNote Instructions

Available on: Windows, Mac, iPad, Android, iPhone, Web

Glean

Glean’s note taking solution records audio notes so you can capture and learn from information more effectively.

  • Audio record your lecture, either in the classroom or online through your computer
  • Compile audio, PDF slides, and typed notes in one place
  • Quickly insert notes, headings, or tasks during lecture or review
  • Stay focused using the clean, minimalistic design
  • Save your notes and audio to a cloud

Glean Instructions

Consult with your Access Specialist to receive a license.

Available on: Android, iPhone, Web

Livescribe

What starts on paper, doesn't have to stay there. Livescribe smartpens bring your words and ideas into your digital world.

  • Smartpens record everything you hear and write, creating a digital copy
  • Capture words, diagrams, scribbles, symbols, and sync these to captured audio
  • The Smartpen will continue to capture audio, even if you pause notetaking, so you won’t lose key information
  • As you review, tap your notes on the Livescribe notebook page and the pen will playback the instructor’s audio, spoken at the time of writing.
  • Transfer your notes to a computer or phone to create and organize virtual notebooks

Consult with your Access Specialist to receive a pen and notebook.

Available on: Windows, Mac, iPad, Amazon, Android, iPhone, Web

Features

OneNote

Glean

Livescribe Pen

Method for taking notes

Keyboard or stylus

Keyboard

Handwriting

Audio Recordings

Yes

Yes

Yes

Recordings sync to notes

No

Yes

Yes

Convert handwritten notes to typed text

Yes

 No

Yes

Import slides or PDFs

Yes

Yes

No

Storage

Local and Cloud

Cloud

Local and Cloud

 

If you have any tech questions or concerns about any assistive technology, please feel free to schedule a tech appointment with a member of our SLDS Assistive Technology staff.