Note Taking Technology – Procedures and New Trends for Access

Handouts Media

Scheduled at 1:45 pm in Penrose 1 on Wednesday, November 13.

Speaker(s)

• Cody Sorlie Theis, Accessible Learning Technology Coordinator, University of Wisconsin - Madison
• Kevin Price, Assistant Director of Accessible Technology, University of Central Florida

Session Details

• Length of Session: 1-hr
• Format: Lecture
• Expertise Level: All Levels
• Type of session: General Conference

Summary

This presentation explores two universities' successful transition from traditional peer notetaking to technology-based solutions for improved accessibility. It covers implementing and evaluating these tools, demonstrating key features, and discussing AI integration. We share insights into the challenges and benefits, providing resources and tips for successful adoption at other institutions.

Abstract

This session explores how the evolution of notetaking technology, is transforming how institutions provide accessible notetaking accommodations for students with disabilities. Attendees will gain an understanding of this evolving landscape through the shared perspectives of two institutions' distinct approaches to personalized accommodations, an exploration of the technologies they employ, and a discussion on the impact of AI, including its benefits and ethical considerations.

The session will first examine the decision-making frameworks and processes used in determining appropriate notetaking accommodations. It will then delve into the diverse range of notetaking tools utilized by these institutions, including Livescribe Smartpens, Digital Recorders, OneNote, Glean for Education, iPad apps (Notability and Goodnotes), Jamworks, and Otter.ai. The presentation will highlight the key features and benefits of each tool, emphasizing their specific applications for supporting students with disabilities.

A focus of the session will be the discussion of the current and potential impact of AI on notetaking tools. This exploration will cover AI-powered features like automated transcription, summarization, keyword extraction, and study tool generation, emphasizing the transformative potential of AI while acknowledging the ethical concerns surrounding privacy, data security, bias, and ensuring accommodations remain reasonable and appropriate.

Additionally, the session will address the practical challenges and benefits that institutions face in implementing and scaling technology-based notetaking solutions. To foster dialogue on best practices and innovative approaches, the session will include time for participants to share their own institutional experiences, successful strategies, and lessons learned regarding the use of notetaking technology for students with disabilities.

Keypoints

1. Transitioning from peer notetakers to technology based solutions presents both challenges and benefits.
2. Implementing notetaking technology involves different campus procedures, dependant upon the institution.
3. Offering a variety of notetaking technologies enables institutions to remove disability related barriers.

Disability Areas

All Areas

Topic Areas

Artificial Intelligence, Assistive Technology, Captioning/Transcription, Other, Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Cody Sorlie Theis

Cody (she/they) is an Accessible Learning Technology Coordinator at McBurney Disability Resource Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison. They bring over 15 years of experience working directly with students with disabilities as an educator, parent, and advocate. In their current role, Cody specializes in notetaking accommodations and the integration of notetaking technology to support students with disabilities. They work directly with students to determine the most appropriate notetaking accommodation based on individual student needs. They earned their master’s degree in special education with a focus on Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities., reflecting their personal and professional interest in supporting those with mental illness. Outside of work, Cody enjoys various creative pursuits, getting outside, and being away from digital screens.

Kevin Price

Kevin Price MSW, is the Assistant Director of Accessible Technology for the University of Central Florida's Student Accessibility Services. He has been working in the field of assistive technology and accessible information technology for people with disabilities for thirty-three years with experience working at the Disability Resource Center and Chair of the Web Accessibility Committee at the University of Illinois in Chicago, at the University of Missouri-Columbia, University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA), California State University, San Bernardino, and the Georgia Institute of Technology. He has his Masters in Social Work from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He researches and provides technology accommodations for students with disabilities at the University of Central Florida.

Handout(s)

• Notetaking Technology - Procedures and New Trends for Access