Note-taking

Accessing and effectively using notes is an important part of success in most USU courses. There are many ways to improve your ability to take notes independently and effectively including:

• Review note-taking resources at the Academic Success Center's Website.
• Print any instructor provided guided notes or PowerPoints slides prior to class and take your notes on the same paper
• Study and compare notes with a classmate

Lecture Recording & Note-taking Technology

A student may be approved to record lecture material. This typically will be accomplished with the student using their personal phone or tablet to record lectures. Students with this accommodation are required to sign the Recorded Lecture Policy in addition to the general accommodation policies.

Smart Pen

The DRC has Livescribe Echo Smartpens available for check out to students who are eligible for Lecture Recording and Note-taking Technology. A smart pen records everything a student hears, says, and writes, while linking audio recordings to their handwritten notes. Audio can be replayed by tapping on the notes and the pen cast and linked audio can also upload notes to Echo Desktop to store and access the notes electronically. The following links show information about the Echo Smartpen:

• Livescribe Echo Smartpen Introduction
• c|net How To
• Livescribe Tutorial

To reserve a Smart Pen, after the student has logged onto Aggie Access and requested their accommodations, they will come to the DRC to check out their Smart Pen. Students who are not located in Logan or Price may email their mailing address with their request to drcnotes@usu.edu. Notebooks with the required special dot paper and ink refills will also be provided. The student is responsible to notify the DRC of any problems they have with the Smart Pen. 

Otter.ai Educational License

Glean Note-taking License

The DRC has Educational Licenses for Glean. Glean is note-taking software that allows students to audio record their lectures, import PowerPoint slides or handouts, mark points as important, and add minimal notes during lecture. After a student has finished recording the lecture, the audio can be transcribed, providing a complete transcription of the lecture to import into the student’s notes. View this short video to learn about Glean.

Personal Recording Device or your Own App

You are also permitted to use a recording device or note-taking app of your choice.  For a robust note-taking app, check out OneNote by Microsoft. OneNote is included in the Technology Resources available to USU students. 

Recorded Lecture Agreement

Students eligible for a Lecture Recording and Note-taking Technology accommodation must sign the Recorded Lecture Policy Agreement in Aggie Access prior to requesting accommodations. The Recorded Lecture Policy Agreement includes the following:

As a student receiving approval to record lectures and/or use a smart pen or note-taking technology which records audio in class, I agree to the following:

• Recordings will only be used for my personal study.
• I will not share recorded lectures with other people without the consent of the lecturer.
• I will not post, email, or in any other way share any part of a recording on any social media site or any online platform.
• I will not use recorded lectures in any way against the faculty member, other lecturers, or students whose classroom comments are recorded as part of the class activity.
• I understand that information contained in recorded lectures is protected under federal copyright laws and may not be published or quoted without the express consent of the lecturer and without giving proper identity and credit to the lecturer.
• I understand that permission to record lectures only applies when I am in class.
• If I have checked out a DRC Smart Pen, I agree to safeguard the Smart Pen from damage and to return the Smart Pen and all parts included at the end of the semester.
• If I have checked out a DRC Smart Pen, I understand that I am responsible for replacing or repairing this equipment if lost, stolen, or damaged while in my possession.
• If I have checked out a DRC Smart Pen, I understand that if I want to access my electronic notes after I have returned the Smart Pen, I must store the notes in a location other than Echo Desktop (Smart Pens will be reset and contents erased).

Note-taking Accommodation

If a student's disability prevents them from taking notes using the Lecture Recording and Note Taking Technology Accommodation, they may be approved for a Note-taking accommodation. Students who have been approved for Note-taking should first consider what resources are provided in each of their classes when determining if the Note-taking accommodation is necessary in a particular class. Many instructors provide PowerPoint slides, outlines, and/or recordings that may fulfill the need for lecture notes.

After determining the classes for which notes are needed, the student should log onto Aggie Access and follow the process to request accommodations. Once a note-taking request submitted to Aggie Access is fulfilled, an email is sent to the student advising them that a peer notetaker has been set up and that notes will be available for download on Aggie Access.

Students are responsible for contacting the Note-taking Coordinator as soon as possible if they drop a class or no longer need notes for a class. If a student is having problems with the notes they are receiving, or if there are missing notes, the student should, as soon as possible, contact the Note-taking Coordinator or email drcnotes@usu.edu.. Every effort will be made to correct the problem.

Be aware that note-taking is not generally provided in online classes, entry level English classes, P.E. classes, and most Labs. If a student finds that they need notes in a class of this type, they should contact their DRC Accessibility Consultant.

Note-taking Agreement

Students eligible for a Note-taking Accommodation must sign the Note-taking Agreement in Aggie Access prior to requesting accommodations. The Note-taking Agreement includes the following:

As a student receiving a Note-taking Accommodation, I am aware of the following:

• Receiving peer notes does not excuse me from attending class.
• After I have attended class and have determined that peer notes are needed, I must CONFIRM my request on Aggie Access. I understand that if I do not confirm my request for notes, my request will be canceled. In the case where I decide peer notes are not needed, I will cancel my request.
• I may request a specific notetaker by emailing details to drcnotes@usu.edu.
• I know it is my responsibility to email drcnotes@usu.eduwhen I have problems with notes or if notes have not been uploaded to the Portal within 24 hours of class.
• Although attempts will be made to get notes for lectures prior to my request, I understand that accommodations are not retroactive.

Accessing Peer Notes

Notetakers assigned to provide notes for a class are required to log onto Aggie Access and upload their notes within 24 hours of each lecture.

To access uploaded notes, follow these steps:

1. Log in to Aggie Access
2. Expand “My Accommodations” on the left sidebar
3. Select “>Note-taking Services” under “My Accommodations”
4. If you haven’t confirmed your need for Note-taking Services for the course, select “Confirm Now”
5. Select “Available Note(s) for Download (Click to Expand)” box under the class
6. Available notes will be listed with a “Download Note” link