Challenges of notetaking in higher education: Tools to provide effective accommodations to promote student independence

Speaker(s)

• Megan Barrett, Disability Officer, University of Nevada, Reno

Session Details

• Length of Session: 1-hr
• Format:
• Expertise Level: Not provided
• Type of session: General Conference

Summary

In this session, University of Nevada, Reno, will discuss their note-taking accommodations, solutions implemented, benefits to students in terms of independence and improved GPA, and best practices for smoothly implementing next-generation note-taking software.

Abstract

Do your note taking accommodations promote independent study and improve learning outcomes? For all the benefits they offer, this is where traditional note-taking accommodations can fall short. But in recent years, assistive technology has emerged which disability support professionals can turn to to enhance the accommodations they offer. In this session, Darrin McCarthy, Lead Assistive Technology Specialist at University of Nevada, Reno, will explain how his team digitized note taking with next-generation assistive technology, resulting in a significant rise in GPA. You will hear how Darrin integrated training in the technology into the disability support office’s broader training in study skills. And you will discover how students at the University used the technology to create detailed notes from classroom instruction, with minimal ongoing support from disability support staff.

Keypoints

1. Understanding the assistive technology now available for note taking
2. Steps you can take to integrate note-taking technology into broader training in independent study skills
3. How to implement note-taking technology smoothly and create a buzz around campus

Disability Areas

Cognitive/Learning, Mobility

Topic Areas

Administrative/Campus Policy, Assistive Technology

Speaker Bio(s)

Megan Barrett

Darrin McCarthy is an Assistive Technology/Electronic Information Technology Specialist with the University of Nevada Disability Resource Center (DRC) and is a Reno native. After 20 years of helping companies like Microsoft, Wal-Mart, and Comcast secure and manage their information technology platforms, he returned to his hometown and decided to pursue an undergraduate degree in Chemistry. At the DRC, he finds a rewarding challenge in providing accommodations to students which allow them to be successful at the University. While he looks forward to coming in to work every day, Darrin looks forward to the day when there is no longer a need for accommodations and every student has ready availability to resources they need to succeed. Darrin lives in south Reno with his wife, Robin, and three dogs who believe they are underfed and overworked.