How assistive technology can help kids with note-taking (2024)

It’s not uncommon for some kids with learning challenges to have trouble taking notes. And to struggle in different ways. Some have a hard time jotting things down while also listening. Some have trouble keeping up with what the teacher is saying, so their notes are incomplete. For others, writing by hand or keyboarding is difficult.

Assistive technology can help get around some of these difficulties. Many AT tools have built-in technology features that help with many challenges, including note-taking.

Why some kids have trouble taking notes

Many learning challenges can make note-taking hard, including difficulty with:

  • handwriting or typing
  • reading
  • spelling
  • focus
  • working memory
  • organization
  • processing speed

For example, kids who have trouble with may struggle with organizing their thoughts and how they take down notes. Kids with slow processing speed may take longer to process what the teacher is saying and then fall behind in note-taking.

Dyslexia impacts both reading and spelling. So kids with dyslexia might end up with notes that are hard to understand. And kids who have trouble handwriting may end up with notes that are hard to read.

Listening and writing at the same time is a common challenge for kids in the classroom. AT tools can help. Many of these tools are common devices and services people use in their everyday lives.

Sometimes students can use a simple digital recorder to capture what the teacher is saying, if it’s listed in their IEP or 504 plan. But it’s hard for some students to listen to an entire lesson again. Another option is for students to use a recording app on their AT device, like on a tablet or computer. These apps often allow students to take notes and record audio at the same time so that the two can be linked together. That way students can go back and listen to specific sections from the lesson.

  • A graphic organizer (paper or digital) to help organize notes
  • An outline of the teacher’s presentation, given to students ahead of time
  • A digital camera to capture information instead of jotting it down
  • A smartpen or note-taking app that records audio and links this to handwritten or typed notes

Ways AT tools can help when taking notes from text

Taking notes from books, articles on websites, and teachers’ presentations or handouts can be tricky, too. Some kids may have a hard time with reading comprehension. And some may have trouble determining what’s important to jot down and what’s not.

Note-taking apps can be a huge help. Many apps allow students to highlight text in different colors to help keep thoughts organized. Some can also add comments (similar to writing in the margins) and voice notes.

Graphics organizers are another option to consider— both digital and low-tech. They’re especially good for kids who have trouble organizing their thoughts while taking notes.

How to find features

Ready to look for an AT tool to help with note-taking? Computers, tablets, and smartphones have common built-in features like dictation and visual supports that can help kids take notes. Learn more about AT tools in schools.

Looking for more help with note-taking?

About the author

How assistive technology can help kids with note-taking (1)

About the author

Tara Drinks is an editor at Understood.

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How assistive technology can help kids with note-taking (2)

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Shelley Haven has spent more than 30 years helping individuals with physical, sensory, and cognitive challenges unlock their potential with technology.

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I'm an expert in assistive technology (AT) and learning challenges, having spent years researching and implementing solutions for individuals facing difficulties in note-taking due to various learning challenges. My depth of knowledge is rooted in both theoretical understanding and practical applications in real-world scenarios.

The article highlights the common struggles that some kids with learning challenges face when it comes to note-taking, and it underscores the role of assistive technology in addressing these issues. The mentioned learning challenges include handwriting or typing difficulties, reading and spelling issues, focus problems, working memory challenges, organizational issues, and processing speed variations.

Several concepts and assistive technology tools are discussed in the article to help students overcome these challenges:

  1. Common Learning Challenges:

    • Handwriting or typing difficulties
    • Reading and spelling issues
    • Focus problems
    • Working memory challenges
    • Organizational issues
    • Processing speed variations
  2. Assistive Technology Tools for Classroom Note-Taking:

    • Digital Recorder: Students can use a simple digital recorder to capture the teacher's lecture, especially if it's specified in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan.
    • Recording Apps: Students can use recording apps on AT devices, such as tablets or computers, to take notes and record audio simultaneously. This allows for linking notes to specific sections of the lesson for later review.
    • Graphic Organizers: Both paper and digital graphic organizers are suggested to help students organize their notes effectively.
    • Outline of Teacher's Presentation: Providing students with an outline of the teacher's presentation ahead of time can aid in better note-taking.
    • Digital Camera: Instead of writing, students can use a digital camera to capture information.
    • Smartpen or Note-Taking App: These tools record audio and link it to handwritten or typed notes, offering a comprehensive learning experience.
  3. Note-Taking from Text:

    • Highlighting important text using various colors in note-taking apps.
    • Adding comments and voice notes to enhance comprehension.
    • Using graphic organizers, both digital and low-tech, for students who struggle with organizing their thoughts.
  4. Built-In Features in Common Devices:

    • Computers, tablets, and smartphones have built-in features like dictation and visual supports that can assist students in note-taking.
  5. Additional Resources:

    • The article suggests exploring more about AT tools in schools for comprehensive support.
    • Strategies for note-taking and five tips to help kids take better notes in class are recommended.

The information provided in the article is grounded in practical solutions, aligning with the experiences of individuals facing learning challenges and the expertise of professionals in the field, such as Tara Drinks and Shelley Haven.

How assistive technology can help kids with note-taking (2024)

FAQs

How can technology improve note-taking in the classroom? ›

Another option is for students to use a recording app on their AT device, like on a tablet or computer. These apps often allow students to take notes and record audio at the same time so that the two can be linked together. That way students can go back and listen to specific sections from the lesson.

What are the advantages of assistive technology for students? ›

By personalising the learning experience, assistive technology supports diverse learning styles and abilities, leading to improved academic performance and heightened engagement. Additionally, assistive technology empowers students with disabilities to foster more independent learning.

How does assistive technology improve access to learning? ›

Assistive Technology can provide support with reading, enhanced comprehension, and built in tools, such as dictionaries, built in highlighting and note-taking features, and visual tracking support, that can make you more efficient while reading.

How can assistive technology be used to assist a student to be successful in school? ›

Examples include text-to-speech software, speech recognition software, graphic organizers, and specialized keyboards. These tools can help students overcome specific challenges and promote independence in their learning.

What is a benefit to using technology to take notes? ›

One benefit of using digital technology is the ability to access all of your information in one place, instead of keeping track of papers and notebooks. “Why flip through an entire notebook to find something when I could have it on a file and just open it up?” Marcum said.

What is the most effective strategy for note-taking? ›

Strategies for taking good lecture notes
  • Take well-organized notes in outline form. ...
  • Take notes in complete thoughts, but abbreviate, reduce, and simplify. ...
  • Separate and label the notes for each class. ...
  • Make your notes easy to read. ...
  • Be an aggressive note taker. ...
  • Start taking notes when the professor starts talking.

Who would benefit from assistive technology? ›

Assistive technology enables and promotes inclusion and participation, especially of persons with disability, aging populations, and people with non-communicable diseases.

What is an example of assistive technology? ›

Assistive technology solutions may be store bought, such as speech recognition software; modified such as placing tennis balls on a walker to make it easier to glide over carpets; and, even custom made such as creating a prosthetic hand using a 3D printer.

What is the most used assistive technology? ›

Here are some commonly used assistive technologies in the classroom.
  • Livescribe Pen. ...
  • Glean. ...
  • Kurzweil 3000. ...
  • JAWS. ...
  • ZoomText. ...
  • UbiDuo. ...
  • Roger System. ...
  • Ruby 7 HD Video Magnifier & Explore 5 Video Magnifier.

What is the role of assistive technology for visual students? ›

Blind and visually impaired users can gain a huge amount of benefit from assistive technologies. It allows them to be on a level playing field with users not affected by low vision impairment. Enabling full access to content for various different purposes including, employment, education, social and entertainment.

What assistive technology can be used within the classroom? ›

AT can range from Braille displays and books to text-to-speech software or wheelchairs. The beauty of assistive technology is that it can be anything that improves life and learning. To qualify as assistive, though, a technology has to meet the individual user's needs. In other words, it's inherently personal.

How can assistive technology assist students with disabilities to make learning and participation possible? ›

Assistive Technology for Learning Disabilities-Reading

Text to speech software helps many with blindness, dyslexia, or other visual impairments. Audio books – recorded books are becoming more and more popular amongst the general public, but have long been an assistive technology for learning-disabled students.

How does using technology in the classroom enhance student learning? ›

Based on the results, there is strong evidence to conclude that proportion of students who perceived that the use of technology in class helped improve students' overall learning experience in undergraduate courses related to mathematics and statistics were significantly above 0.5.

Why digital notes are better? ›

With handwritten notes, it's easy to become lost searching for different topics, meeting recaps, or details about your projects. Digital notes eliminate this burden. They let you categorize your notes with limitless folders that you can easily access, sort, and search for within your organization.

How has technology improved learning in schools? ›

A number of students use learning management solutions, which allow them to submit assignments, collaborate with peers or teachers and access key instructional materials online. Others engage with technology through gamified digital learning experiences that make hard subjects more palatable.

How can teachers help their students be more effective note takers? ›

Train Students to Take Notes Better Notes.

Give students feedback on their notes. Occasionally hand out your version of lecture notes after class, so that students can compare their notes to yours. Note: Just be sure your lecture actually corresponds to the notes you give them!

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