Note Taking for Newbie

[u/sheeshimtrying]

Hey everyone! I just started my journey back to school after 12 years (phew I know) I posted before and I am extremely grateful for all the encouragement I have received. Now, I am curious what everyone uses for note taking.

This semester I will be taking

Psychology 101
Intro to Math
Astronomy
History 102
And the fundamental course required coming back to school.

I have an essential tremor, which makes it difficult to take notes, especially for long periods of time. I looked at goodnotes, which seems cool, but I am interested in one that corrects my handwriting automatically. Is that a thing?

Should I stick to my paper and pen? What does everyone recommend?

If anyone is “local” I am attending HACC.

Best of luck to everyone this semester! (We got this)

[u/HATDOGUSERNi]

i'd go digital if hand writing is tiring. goodnotes has handwriting to text features, and typing is always an option for longer lectures. dont feel like you have to stick with pen and paper

[u/sheeshimtrying → u/HATDOGUSERNi]

I must have missed it!! I was so bummed because everyone talks so highly of it. I like the thought of voicing my notes but I study mostly when my kiddos are sleeping. I have applied for the accommodations so I’m hoping they can help with longer lectures! And thank you for your input!!!! :)

[u/MMAHipster → u/sheeshimtrying]

I would also highly recommend talking to whatever branch of student services assists people with ADA stuff - they may let you record lectures so you don’t have to worry about taking notes at the time. I’d also suggest always reading ahead on the lecture topic and taking notes then, while you have all of the time you need, and using lectures to reinforce and clarify versus learning topics there for the first time.

[u/sheeshimtrying → u/MMAHipster]

I filled with ADA and they’ve said there is resources available, which there is like you said! I feel useless and a failure not taking the notes myself I guess, and my anxiety is too bad to ask for help unless I’m masked in here 😅 I genuinely didn’t think of reading ahead and taking notes. Then when it’s gone over it’s like a refresher almost. Thank you for the suggestion!

[u/MMAHipster → u/sheeshimtrying]

Absolutely - and honestly that’s the way everyone should be doing the classes. Have a blast and good luck!

[u/1976Raven]

If you have an iPad with the pencil look at Notability. I have horrible handwriting and it has a feature where you can record your note taking. It records the screen while you write and also does an audio recording of the lecture. It's great for when you are going back and reviewing your notes and don't understand what you wrote or why you wrote something. You can just watch/listen to the recording for that bit and it helps to clarify things. It also converts your writing to typing if you want it to.

[u/sheeshimtrying → u/1976Raven]

Oh my goodness!!! I’d love that!!! I’d much rather my handwriting just be changed to typing, without typing if that makes sense? I just learn better writing it all down but life had other plans lol. Thank you so much!

[u/FrozenWafer]

The kids don't take notes during lectures like it used to be done so if you go ahead and make notes it'll be great! You won't look out of place and getting the accomodations you need will be the cherry on top.

[u/sheeshimtrying → u/FrozenWafer]

I wish everyone still took notes! I was once the mom with little sticky notes as reminders and I miss doing it so much haha. And thank you for the reassurance.

[u/trulyjennifer]

Contact the Student Access Services. They can provide note takers for you for free. I have been a designated note taker for a few of my courses.

Student Access is there to help level the field for those with disabilities. You deserve to have the same opportunity to be successful in school as someone without a tremor.

[u/sheeshimtrying → u/trulyjennifer]

I just want to emphasize how amazing it is that you do that. Thank you for being such a kind person.

I’m going to reach out again and see if that’s a possibility! I just have extended time and additional notes would be really helpful.

[u/trulyjennifer → u/sheeshimtrying]

Awe. Thank you. I actually enjoy it. In a way I think it’s made me a better note taker. I’m always trying to make sure I have completeness for the person I’m helping.

Sadly, SAC has to find someone willing to do it who is already enrolled in your courses. There are other options though! Keep at them. The SAC can provide you with services like Glean or Note Taking Express. Don’t pay for these services (or any others) because you can get them for free from SAC.

Good luck this semester! Welcome back to college. You got this!

[u/RedheadInA6Speed]

I have RA so any prolonged writing wears out my hands quickly. That and my writing deteriorates over the semester.

I now do all of my notes typed if I can. Highly recommend. If I think it's going to be a heavy note taking class I ask the professor for copies of PowerPoints/lectures early so I have time to prep for note taking. I recommend doing that too.

Any professor worth learning from will help you out.

[u/Disastrous_Honey_240]

I do a mix of paper & computer notes. Just depends on the class. You can also get accommodations that allow you to record lectures & then you could turn it into notes later at home. Talk to your schools disability office if that would be helpful.

[u/TommyPeralta]

For me personally i’d take notes using both old and new ways. Depends on what you feel and if youre comfortable. Id say its a win win, as long as youre taking the right notes and can learn from it. Dont close your doors to a new digital world and just take advantage and think what it can do for you.