Technology that supports note taking

Note taking is one of the most complicated tasks that a student must perform and it is even more challenging for students with learning and physical disabilities. Taking notes is a specialized form of writing. Dell, Rosenberg and Petroff (2008) stated, “it requires students to listen and write at the same time, and it must be done quickly” (p. 46). This can be a difficult task for many individuals especially with learning disabilities. Effective note taking is a process that requires the ability to organize the ideas presented and the skill to distinguish what is important from what is not, all carried out simultaneously and speedily (Dell et al., 2008, p. 27). Good note taking requires lots of time and organization. Note taking is a strategy for making information meaningful.

There are several issues a student with learning disabilities has with these necessary note taking skills. According to Dell et al. (2008), “Some students with disabilities are not able to take their own notes in class. In the past they had to rely on photocopies of notes taken by fellow students or a personal notetaker” (p. 48). This is problematic if the notetaker is not a member of the child’s class or has limited knowledge of the subject matter. Also, students with disabilities may be forced to use these notes, as it may be their only option to obtain the material. Another issue is that students with learning disabilities may not be able to comprehend or recall the information presented. Children may also have a difficult time organizing the material. The process of listening in class and taking well-written notes can be frustrating and overwhelming for all students, especially for whom have learning disabilities.

Many accommodations/strategies would n...

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...-sized keyboard” (Dell et al., 2008, p. 47). Both the Neo and the Dana will help students to improve their writing skills and feel more confident in the classroom. However, these individuals must learn how to use the devices proficiently so they can focus on the writing process and not be distracted by the technology.

References:

Boyle, Joseph R. (2001). Enhancing the Note-Taking Skills of Students with Mild Disabilities. Retrieved from

http://www.ldonline.org/article/Enhancing_the_Note-Taking_Skills_of_Students

Dell, A. G., Newton, D. A., & Petroff, J. G. (2008). Assistive Technology in the Classroom. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education.

Hall, T., & Strangman, N. (2002). Graphic organizers. Wakefield, MA: National Center on Accessing the General Curriculum.

Retrieved from http://aim.cast.org/learn/historyarchive/backgroundpapers/graphic_organizers