This article provides important tips for using recording tools for note taking.
1. Always request permission to record
Always request permission to record a lecture or presentation. Research the state recording laws (Laws on Recording Conversations in All 50 States – check the date for current information). For example, some states require the consent of everybody involved in a conversation; whereas other states require that all parties are informed that recording is taking place, but don’t need consent.
It is helpful to create a written statement that clearly outlines the guidelines in which you will abide. Students should register with disability services and use documentation provided by the educational institution.
In the statement, you could begin by explaining that you are a neurodiverse learner or worker or have physical condition that affects your ability to read or write notes. Then, state the type of recording that you are requesting permission to use – audio or video. Next, detail the guidelines of the recording agreement.
In the recording agreement, state that:
- The recording is for personal use only
- It will not be shared with other people, including posting online or on social media
- You will stop recording during participant discussions and personal interactions
- The lecturer will announce to the participants that recording is taking place
- Information contained in the recording is protected under federal copyright laws and may not be published or quoted without expressed written consent of the lecturer and without giving proper identity and credit of the lecturer
Conclude with a sentence saying you agree to abide by these guidelines and add your signature.
Here are a few examples of recording agreements used by higher education institutions:
- Audio Recording Agreement (PDF) – Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Class Lecture Recording Agreement (PDF) – Wellesley College
- Recording Lecture Note and Transcription Agreement (PDF) – California State University, Fullerton
2. Position yourself for clearer audio
For optimal audio recording, think about the environment. Sit at the front of the classroom during in-person learning or sit in a quiet environment to record a remote learning lecture.
3. Write/type only the main points or keywords
To stay engaged and actively listening, focus on writing/typing only the main points, keywords, names, or historical dates. Add details from the recording later. This works best with technology that either (1) transcribes the recording into text or (2) links the written or typed notes with the recording (see the resources at the end of the article).
4. Consider recording only portions of the lecture
Since re-listening to an entire lecture is time consuming, think about only recording portions of the lecture. For example:
- Record the introductory remarks, if the lecturer provides an overview of the main points at the beginning of class.
- Also record the closing remarks, if the lecturer summarizes the main points at the end of class.
- If your greatest source of anxiety is remembering specific instructions for an assignment, consider only recording the teacher’s instructions.
Related articles
To try free recording tools for note taking, view the following articles for step-by-step instructions.
Audio Recording Tools in Online Note Taking Apps
A New Era of Notes: Maximizing Learning with Video Recording
Resources
Effective Note-Taking in Class – Article from The Learning Center, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Low-tech/No-tech strategies – Always remember the low-tech/no-tech strategies in instances when technology is not working. Reference the note taking chart on the Writing Strategies: Online and Offline Solutions page or on the free Writing Strategies and Tools guide (see the sidebar).
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