Most students who struggle with writing have difficulty keeping up with note-taking in class. Also, most struggling writers are not able to hand write or type information fast enough or with high enough quality for their grade level.

There are literally hundreds of applications and programs that allow for typing as well as voice recording and speech recognition. However, there are few applications that allow for synchronization of voice at the same time as typing, writing or drawing. I will be discussing a few of these applications in other blog posts, but for this post I am highlighting the AudioNote app by Luminant Software. (I have no financial or any other relationship with this company... I am discussing this software because I think it is one of the best programs that allows for synchronization of audio at the same time as typing and/or drawing/handwriting)

Here is a brief description of 3 ways your students can use AudioNote to improve their writing output and to help them show what they know: (more information in the links below)

Method 1.

As the teacher is talking, student can type (or write/draw) key words or phrases. Sound is synchronized with typing/writing/drawing.

This way, a child who is slow with writing or typing can write some key information but does not need to worry about getting everything down. They can focus more on listening to what the teacher is saying and just write a few essential words or notes. The teachers voice will be recorded. (Student needs permission before recording). Then when the student goes back to the notes, the teachers voice can be played back at specific points, linked to the notes that were written or typed. Details given in the video.

Method 2.

Your student can write a story with multiple methods of writing production.

The child can start with basic information on the screen:

- typed or handwritten words or phrases

- drawings

- annotations, diagrams, line drawings

Then the child can touch a finger or pen at each word/phrase/drawing and record their voice to give more verbal description. Details given in the video.

3.

Drawing annotation

Students can import (or draw) an image, and then record their own voice as they write on the image, draw and narrate information about the image. Details given in the video.

AudioNote is an excellent tool which allows students to not only use multiple methods of showing what they know but also to have audio recorded at specific times, allowing them to go back to hear more information at each point in the document.

IF YOUR CHILD OR STUDENTS USE THIS TOOL EFFECTIVELY I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU AND WOULD LIKE TO SHOWCASE THEIR WORK IN THE ASSISTIVE TECH. DATABASE SO OTHERS CAN LEARN.

More information here: