Note-taking Apps
Note-taking apps are aimed primarily at students who struggle with the traditional listen-and-write note-taking method. They offer alternative means to record and highlight topics, from images, audio recording and dictation, categorizing and document annotation.
Sonocent
Sonocent Audio Notetaker is note-taking software for Windows and Mac, with a free companion app for mobile. Sonocent is aimed toward college students and the software also promotes a more accessible way to take notes for students with disabilities. A key difference between Sonocent and other note-taking solutions is that Sonocent records all the audio to your device, splitting the recordings automatically when a pause is detected. The student is able to highlight key points during the recording for later reference. Students can add slides, diagrams, and written notes to the dashboard in their own time. Individual and institutional licenses are available.
Notability
The Notability iOS mobile app combines handwriting, photos, audio recordings, and typing into a single note-taking platform, and provides a range of sketching and note-taking tools. Once notes are finalized, they are easy to share via email, Google Drive, Dropbox, or AirDrop. The app also allows students to make notes on and annotate PDF files. The paid app is only available on Apple devices.
Evernote
Evernote is a note-taking platform for the collection of notes, files, photos, screengrabs, checklists, and voice memos on one platform. Evernote is available on desktop and mobile, so students can access their notes from any device and organize them by tags and/or categories.
Evernote Basic, which includes these standard functions, is free. Evernote Premium is a paid subscription which allows the user to forward emails to their Evernote account, digitizes business cards and PDFs, allows PDF annotation and integrates with the student’s email. Evernote Business is a paid subscription aimed at collaborating with business teams, and offers more advanced sharing and cross-editing functions. Evernote is aimed at working adults and students.
OneNote
Microsoft OneNote acts as a digital notebook allowing the student to categorize notes into different sections and topics. Microsoft OneNote syncs across mobile and desktop devices, in addition to allowing easy sharing between users. Students can add mixed media (audio, video, images, etc.) to their notes, in addition to highlighting and annotations. OneNote is aimed toward educators and professionals. It is sold with the Microsoft software bundle Office 365 Business and Office 365 Business Premium.
Otter.ai
Otter.ai is a transcription service offered on its mobile app and web application. It seamlessly integrates with video conferencing tools and has easy to use sharing options. Transcriptions are organized in “conversations” and can be added to group folders where all members have access, or simply shared via a link. Otter.ai can identify different speakers automatically and could be a lightweight solution to the high cost of remote captioning. It is an automated service but is highly accurate. Otter.ai adds in suggested punctuation. Users are able to highlight notes, create custom search queries, add photos, edit text, and share in a matter of seconds.