In today’s world, you may find yourself in a virtual meeting, webinar, or online class. These digital get-togethers are fantastic for sharing information, but it can be tricky to remember everything.
That’s where screenshots come in. A screenshot is a picture of your computer screen. Imagine you’re in an online class, and the instructor shows an important slide with useful infomation. Instead of frantically scribbling notes, you can simply take a screenshot and capture the whole thing.
If you’re a student trying to do your best in school, a working professional keeping up with important information, or someone who loves absorbing new knowledge, screenshots can be your superpower for remembering important things from online meetings and classes. Now, discover how to take a screenshot using the tools in your computer’s operating system.
Windows: Snipping Tool
- First open a blank Word Online document using your free Microsoft account. Name the document with the title of the meeting or lecture. You will be pasting the screen shots in the document.
- On your keyboard, simultaneously press Windows logo key+Shift+S to open the Snipping Tool.
- To capture a slide or page of information, select the Rectangle icon.
- Use your mouse to place the crosshairs at a corner of the slide or document. Then, drag and release to draw a rectangle around the slide or document on the screen.
- A picture of the screen will automatically be taken upon the release of the mouse button. The image will be saved to the clipboard.
- Go to your Word document and paste the image into your document.
Microsoft Article: Use Snipping Tool to capture screenshots
MacOS: Screenshot Command
- On your keyboard, simultaneously press Shift+Command+4.
- To capture the slide or page of information on your screen, use your mouse to place the crosshairs at one corner. Then, drag and release to draw a rectangle around the slide or document on the screen.
- A picture of the screen will automatically be taken upon the release of the mouse button.
- Next, you will see a thumbnail of the picture. Either allow the thumbnail to disappear and save to your desktop or click the thumbnail and give the file a name to make the retrieval of the information easier.
- After the online event, create a folder with a meaningful title and move the screenshots into the folder.
Apple Support Article: Take a screenshot on your Mac
ChromeOS: Screenshot Command
- First open a blank Google Doc. Name the document with the title of the meeting or lecture. You will be pasting the screen shots in the document.
- On a Chromebook, screenshots are automatically copied to the clipboard. So, start by creating a Google Doc with the title of the meeting or lecture.
- On you keyboard, simultaneously press Ctrl + Shift + F5.
- In the menu at the bottom of the screen, select Screenshot.
- Choose Take a Window Screenshot.
- To capture the slide or page of information on your screen, use your mouse to place the crosshairs at one corner. Then, drag and release to draw a rectangle around the slide or document on the screen.
- Then, go to your Google Doc and paste the image into your document.
Chromebook Help Article: Take a screenshot
Additional note taking strategies and tools
- Rather than handwrite, type information using standard keyboard or alternative keyboard or mouse alternative
- Request permission to audio record information
- Ask for permission to video record information
- Top 4 Essential Tips: Mastering Note Taking with Recording Tools
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 Toolkit page.
Start your journey to greater efficiency
Are you ready to transform the way you learn, work, or manage tasks at home? My mission is to help you implement mainstream assistive technology to enhance your daily life. I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Let’s work together to identify your unique needs and preferences, and create a plan that helps you reach your goals with confidence.
Contact me today to explore how digital support tools can make a real difference in your life. Your journey to greater efficiency and empowerment can begin now.
< To the Writing Toolkit page