Notetaking Services

Notetaking/Lecture Capture Assistance

In class lectures are a very important part of a college education, as such notetaking/lecture capture assistance can be one of the most important accommodations for a student with a disability. We encourage students eligible to apply for and if approved to utilize this service.

If you are interested in utilizing this service, please contact Laura Armour at laura.armour@kbcc.cuny.edu or your assigned counselor to discuss arrangements.

We have various options available to you as a college student.

In the Online Learning Environment

Synchronous Classes

If your class is synchronous (i.e. it occurs at pre-set day and time each week; professor is teaching live via video):

  • You may use your phone to record the lectures
  • You may be able to ask the professor for copies of their PowerPoint slides (most professors are already providing them)
  • You may take photos of posted lectures/slides
  • If professor has lecture notes posted in text form, this could cover the need
  • You can discuss with us some technology-based resources that we can help you use

 

 Asynchronous Classes

If your class is asynchronous (i.e. not occurring at any specified day or time; prerecorded):

  • You can pause the recording so that you can take notes at your own pace
  • You may use your phone to record lectures
  • You may take photos of posted lectures/slides
  • Take photos of the professor’s PowerPoint slides (again most are providing their slides)
  • If the professor has lecture notes posted in text form, this could cover the need
  • You can discuss with us some technology-based resources that we can help you use

Instructor-Provided Notes

Your instructors may provide you with notes and we can help you make the arrangements. The first step as always, would be to make a request that AAS send a Notification of Accommodations to the instructor of the class in which you want to receive notes.  You will need to give us your name and ID number, the course number and section number, and the name of the instructor so that we know where to send your Notification of Accommodation. Then you can ask your instructor to provide you with notes or their comprehensive PowerPoint slides ahead of time.

Technology

Many students find that using technology (e.g., LiveScribe pen, Sonocent software, audio recording) is an effective way to obtain class notes/recordings and some like that it promotes autonomy. Speak with your AAS counselor or the notetaking coordinator, Laura Armour, about the different technologies available and about which one will work best for you. AAS will provide the necessary equipment and will offer training workshops and support as needed. In addition, AAS will ask you to sign an agreement that governs your use of any class recordings.

Live Scribe Pen

The Livescribe or Smartpen consists of a digital pen, digital paper, and software applications. A ballpoint pen with an embedded computer and digital audio recorder are used together with Anoto digital paper. This allows you to record and play back everything you write and hear. This allows users to replay portions of a recording by tapping on the notes they were taking at the time the recording was made. It is also possible to select which portion of a recording to replay by clicking on the relevant portion of a page on-screen once it has been synced to the Livescribe Desktop software. Then, using a USB cable, transfer your notes and audio to your computer.

Sonocent

Sonocent is an amazing organizational tool that can help you improve your performance in classes. It is a note-taking software that allows you to capture, organize and communicate information and thoughts as speech, text, and images. You can gather information from presentations, meetings or even from presentation slides and documents. It also allows you to brainstorm or plan out your written work. You can then share your notes and ideas with others.

Audio Recorders/smart phone

You may be able to use your smart phone to record the professor during lecture or sign out a small recording device through AAS.

Laptop or tablet

Use for lecture capture assistance and/or for in-class writing assignments.

Pictures/Images

Take pictures of board and/or peers notes.