3 answers
Mallory
Student
Chelsea, Oklahoma
1
Question
Asked
1346 views
What is the best way to take notes in class?
What tech is best, laptop, chromebook, ipad? App to use to record/convert lecture?
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3 answers
Leela Adhvaryu
5
Answers
Updated
Leela’s Answer
With AI being the future, I would advice that you let AI listen to the conversation and transcribe. You can use that to summarize the notes. I would also capture certain specific notes on your notebook or tablet to supplement the AI notes.
Tania Rodríguez Sánchez
Software Product Manager & Digital Strategy Expert
6
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Tania’s Answer
Hi, Mallory!
I have used the three devices you mentioned, but in my experience, the best option is a tablet that allows you to write or draw with a stylus or your fingers (traditional handwriting) and can also connect to a keyboard for typing. The key is to digitize and organize your notes, annotations, and images from the start to avoid the hassle of scanning them later.
I’m not trying to advertise :), but for you to have the example of my personal setup, it includes an iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, along with an HP Pavilion x360 laptop with a touchscreen.
Let me share some 'free' options apps to record and convert lectures into text:
✅ Google Recorder (Android - Pixel Phones) – Records and transcribes offline with search features.
✅ Microsoft OneNote (Windows, Mac, Web) – Can record audio and transcribe using the "Dictate" feature.
✅ Windows Voice Typing (Windows 10/11) – Press Win + H to convert speech to text in real time.
✅ Apple Notes + Voice Memos (iOS, Mac).
✅ Google Docs Voice Typing (Chrome) – Go to Tools > Voice Typing for live transcription.
✅ Whisper by OpenAI (Mac, Windows, Linux) – Best free option for high-quality transcription (requires setup).
✅ Speechnotes (iOS, Android) – Simple free speech-to-text app for students.
✅ YouTube (Auto-Generated Captions) – Upload a lecture recording, and YouTube will generate captions for free.
Now it's time to explore the apps and devices! See what works best for you! :)
Explore the 'free' apps I shared for recording and converting lectures into text, and choose the one that best fits your devices and needs. There is no magic app that fits everyone and every need!
I have used the three devices you mentioned, but in my experience, the best option is a tablet that allows you to write or draw with a stylus or your fingers (traditional handwriting) and can also connect to a keyboard for typing. The key is to digitize and organize your notes, annotations, and images from the start to avoid the hassle of scanning them later.
I’m not trying to advertise :), but for you to have the example of my personal setup, it includes an iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, along with an HP Pavilion x360 laptop with a touchscreen.
Let me share some 'free' options apps to record and convert lectures into text:
✅ Google Recorder (Android - Pixel Phones) – Records and transcribes offline with search features.
✅ Microsoft OneNote (Windows, Mac, Web) – Can record audio and transcribe using the "Dictate" feature.
✅ Windows Voice Typing (Windows 10/11) – Press Win + H to convert speech to text in real time.
✅ Apple Notes + Voice Memos (iOS, Mac).
✅ Google Docs Voice Typing (Chrome) – Go to Tools > Voice Typing for live transcription.
✅ Whisper by OpenAI (Mac, Windows, Linux) – Best free option for high-quality transcription (requires setup).
✅ Speechnotes (iOS, Android) – Simple free speech-to-text app for students.
✅ YouTube (Auto-Generated Captions) – Upload a lecture recording, and YouTube will generate captions for free.
Now it's time to explore the apps and devices! See what works best for you! :)
Tania recommends the following next steps:
Cathy Le, CRP, GMS-T
Global Mobility Specialist
16
Answers
Rochester, New York
Updated
Cathy’s Answer
Hi Mallory,
For me, I like to handwrite my notes and/or use OneNote.
For lectures that I'm super interested in or important, I like to listen to the professor/speaker first, and then after the lesson ends, I will summarize the key points. I find that if I listen first and allow time for my brain to process the information, I tend to retain and remember it longer and am able to refer back without having to take heavy notes.
See what works best for you. Everyone learns differently.
For me, I like to handwrite my notes and/or use OneNote.
For lectures that I'm super interested in or important, I like to listen to the professor/speaker first, and then after the lesson ends, I will summarize the key points. I find that if I listen first and allow time for my brain to process the information, I tend to retain and remember it longer and am able to refer back without having to take heavy notes.
See what works best for you. Everyone learns differently.