Why assistive technology? We believe that each of these three tools helps increase student engagement with course material, which fosters learning and retention of information. These technologies allow students to review audio from class sessions, providing the opportunity to hear information they may have missed when it was initially presented, or review new concepts that are hard to grasp. Students can also organize the information in systems that best works for them (e.g., color coded). DRS believes in introducing tools that can be used in employment settings or other contexts beyond the classroom to support the individual’s access for years to come.
LiveScribe Pen: This assistive technology is a physical pen that records audio while the student takes written notes. The student can later upload both the audio and their notes to their computer for organization and review.
Noteability: This app can be used on Apple devices (iPad, iPhone or MacBook). Noteability records audio while a student writes on their device. Students can also take pictures to include in their notes. As with Sonocent and the LiveScribe Pen, Notetability allows for students to organize and review the audio and their notes following class sessions.
Sonocent Notetaker: Sonocent is a computer software that students can use on their laptops and/or smartphones. Sonocent uses a CARE approach to note-taking: Capture, Annotate, Review, Engage. Sonocent records audio information for students to review following the class session. Students using Sonocent on their computers can type notes directly into the program.
In order for a student to receive this accommodation, they must:
- Be registered with the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS).
- Be registered for this accommodation based on their needs, and have it documented in their accommodation letter.
- Communicate with the professor that they intend to use their accommodations in the course.
Professors will first be alerted via the student's accommodation letter sent by OARS each semester. If the student is registered for any it will be stated in the student's accommodation letter as follows:
Accommodation letter text:
LiveScribe: "The student will be using a LiveScribe Pen, a technology that allows the student to take notes while recording lectures simultaneously. This will give the student the opportunity to review orally presented information and better prepare for course assessments and exams. If at any point during the lecture that you believe the information is sensitive (such as a sharing of a personal story) or in any way may jeopardize the integrity of the course, you may discreetly ask the student not record those portions. The student also signed an agreement indicating the recorded material will not be shared with other students.
Please note recording lectures is designed to support classroom learning and should solely be used for the student's personal academic use. The recording may not be shared with any other student or used for any other purpose without the expressed written consent of the faculty and the Office of Accessibility Resources & Services. The student also signed an agreement that the recorded material will not be shared with other students."
Noteability: "The student will be using Notability software, a technology that allows the student to take notes while recording lectures simultaneously. Please all the student to have a laptop or iPad in class. This will give the student the opportunity to review orally presented information and better prepare for course assessments and exams. If at any point during the lecture that you believe the information is sensitive (such as a sharing of a personal story) or in any way may jeopardize the integrity of the course, you may discreetly ask the student not record those portions.
Please note recording lectures is designed to support classroom learning and should solely be used for the student's personal academic use. The recording may not be shared with any other student or used for any other purpose without the expressed written consent of the faculty and the Office of Accessibility Resources & Services. The student also signed an agreement that the recorded material will not be shared with other students."
Sonocent: "The student will be using Sonocent Notetaker software, a technology that allows the student to take notes while recording lectures simultaneously. Please allow the student to have a laptop in class. This will give the student the opportunity to review orally presented information and better prepare for course assessments and exams. If at any point during the lecture that you believe the information is sensitive (such as a sharing of a personal story) or in any way may jeopardize the integrity of the course, you may discreetly ask the student not record those portions.
Please note recording lectures is designed to support classroom learning and should solely be used for the student's personal academic use. The recording may not be shared with any other student or used for any other purpose without the expressed written consent of the faculty and the Office of Accessibility Resources & Services. The student also signed an agreement that the recorded material will not be shared with other students."
OARS Responsibility | Student Responsibility | Faculty Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
Determine eligibility for Assistive Technology accommodation. Send out an accommodation letter in a timely manner. Provide access to the assistive technology of choice. The Accommodations Coordinator will email the student further information.
Consult with faculty (when necessary) to discuss this accommodation. Be available to students and faculty to answer questions. | Communicate with the professor the intention to use this accommodation. Alert | Communicate with OARS about any concerns with this accommodation. |
Application in an online setting: If the course has a synchronous meeting obligation, then the student may require the use of this accommodation. If the course is offered asynchronous, then this accommodation will not apply.
Qualification of accommodation: The accommodation breaks as needed is for students who require a short period of time to tend to themselves during class. For example to take medication, test blood sugar, or manage anxiety. A student may not be able to alert the professor at the moment the break is needed.