In cases where a student experiences barriers or limitations related to note-taking, accommodations or assistance may be available. Students who need to request note-taking assistance should communicate with their Accommodations Specialist. Some helpful accommodations, strategies, and technologies are listed below.
Note-taking Accommodations
For various disability-related reasons, students may struggle to record all of the necessary lecture information in their notes. The primary accommodation utilized is “use of technology” which enables students to utilize an audio recorder, laptop or tablet for note-taking purposes. By audio recording, students are able to review parts of the lecture after class in order to help with processing new concepts and supplementing their notes. Through use of a laptop or tablet, students may be able to take notes more quickly by typing or using a stylus, while also recording the audio, importing PowerPoint slides, or drawing diagrams or concept maps. Additionally, some students need access to note-taking materials, such as PowerPoint slides, in an alternate format.
Note-taking Strategies
Many students struggle with note-taking skills such as how to structure their notes, how to abbreviate or use short-hand, knowing what information is important, etc. Many instructors will provide PowerPoint slides or other materials that students can use to help guide their notes.
The Capstone Center for Student Success can assist students in refining their note-taking skills. Their Learning Specialists offer workshops focused on skills related to listening, processing information during class, note-taking strategies, and using notes to actively study.
Note-taking Technologies
There are many apps and productivity tools that can be helpful for note-taking. Because of the variety of options available, students are encouraged to identify the technology that best meets their needs and learning style. Accommodations Specialists can provide consultation regarding available products, including some options provided to UA students free of charge. For more information, please review our curated list of note-taking apps.
