The 4Ss of Note Taking With Technology

Assignment Title: Week 3 Blog 1

edutopia - What Works in Education

Beth Holland – Instructor and Communications Coordinator at EdTechTeacher

November 4, 2014 
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/the-4ss-of-note-taking-beth-holland

Students use laptops, iPhones and other technology devices to take notes in their classroom or lecture room.  However, the question remains about which note taking system is better for the student.  According to Holland (2014), “…does the system…Adequately support the student’ learning needs? Allow students to save their notes to multiple locations? Let students search for salient points? Or Permit students to share with peers and teachers?” (p. 2)

Under support, students have the capability of texting and then playing back text using text-to-speech.  This feature is especially unique for ELL/ESL students because they can listen to their notes. Students can use the record feature or have their note synchronized to whatever notes they may have taken by tapping or keying in word.   Students can then save these notes for further studying.  According to Holland, “Digital notes offer multiple dimensions – test, images, drawing, handwriting, and audio – that paper notes do not” (p. 2).

Using note taking technology, students have the capability to search for notes they transcribed.  Also, students have the capability to share notes with their friends.  Holland (2014) states that the 4Ss, “…providing them with the skills that they will need to succeed in a world that requires constant access to information that can be applied to new problems and settings” (Holland, 2014, p. 5).

Note taking is something that I enjoy doing.  In church, any type meeting or class, I am always taking notes.  Now that I have an iPhone, I use it to take notes because it is easier to use than pad and pencil that I always carried with me.  My iPod is great also for taking notes but the iPhone is smaller and easier to carry in my purse. 

In some college classrooms, cell phones are not allowed; therefore, students are unable to record the session or even video the session.  Another note taking device would be ideal in this case.