Comparison of note-taking options

MethodBest for...BenefitsDisadvantages
Messenger Pigeon

(Formerly Note Taking Express (NTE))
Online or in-person classes
  • Reliable service that returns notes within 48 hours
  • Use with mobile app or computer
  • Provides immediate transcript of recording
  • Notes provided by someone familiar with the subject
  • Can translate into life after college
  • Notes provided by someone who was not present in class
  • Supplemental material must be uploaded to maximize benefit, i.e., class slides or documents
  • Requires a comfort level with technology
GleanOnline or in-person classes; students who prefer to take their own notes
  • Ability to make quick bookmarks and use color-coding while audio is recording
  • Revisiting audio recording to add notes may help with the retention of information
  • Can import slides, images, and PDF documents
  • Provides immediate transcript of recording
  • Can enable closed captioning
  • Has 'study buddy' to quiz you on the content of the transcript/recording
  • Has a scribble feature, great for noting formulas
  • Can be used offline
  • Can translate into life after college

 

  • No assistance from a note-taker
  • Requires a comfort level with technology
Digital RecordersOnline or in-person classes
  • Allows for revisiting of audio to take notes
  • Simple technology
  • No assistance from a note-taker
  • More difficult to revisit specific points in the lecture
Peer Note-takers

In-person classes or online classes with a live or streamed lecture

 

  • Notes from someone who attended the same class and has the correct context for notes
  • Reliant on students who have responsibilities of their own
  • Note-taker may have a different style of note-taking than receiving student
  • Not useful for online classes