EasyScript Note Taking

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Contents 1 Methods 2 Note-Taking Speed 3 Note-Taking and Word Abbreviation 4 Individuals with Disabilities 5 EasyScript Instruction 6 Computer-Aided Note Taking and Transcription 7 Results 8 Notes

[edit] Methods

Note taking can help to record and organize information. Lecture learning is prominent in classrooms and note-taking influences the academic success of all high school and college students ^[1] and students usually spend about 80% of class time listening to lectures ^[2] The problem is that students typically record incomplete notes--usually 20-40% of the important lecture ideas. In addition, approximately 80% of what is not noted is forgotten after two weeks and it is of vital importance that note-taking skills are taught ^[3]. Literature indicates ^[4]) that a significant gap between lecture speed delivery and writing speed makes a negative impact on number of units of information recorded and comprehension of the class material.

[edit] Note-Taking Speed

An important aspect of effective note taking is the writing speed [11]. Humans cannot record spoken information at the speed it is generated. By writing words in an abbreviated form one can potentially attain a higher writing speed. There are several note-taking approaches such as the Cornell Method, Outlining and Mapping methods. For example, the Cornell method provides a systematic format for condensing and organizing notes without laborious recopying. However, these systems do not provide methodology to process spoken word efficiently. EasyScript Speed Writing can be learned quickly to increase writing speed and to take fast notes at meetings, on the phone and in school more effectively.

[edit] Note-Taking and Word Abbreviation

Research ^[5] indicates that note-taking efficiency can be enhanced when information is encoded using abbreviations and suggests that abbreviating of spoken information can improve attention span, number of units of information recorded and improvement of subject retention.

Students perform note-taking more efficiently when they are allowed "to encode information" using abbreviations and abbreviating of spoken information increases the number of words in working memory and improvement of subject retention ^[6] Use of abbreviations decreases hands and eyes engagement and enable to record spoken information more efficiently. ^[7]

Moreover, abbreviating the spoken word reduces the gap between speaking and writing speed, enhances comprehension of the class material and can lead to improvement in overall organization of their notes. In addition, a higher writing speed allows more time to pay attention to handwriting legibility and style to make notes legible and readable.

[edit] Individuals with Disabilities

Persons with disabilities will derive an additional benefit from speed note-taking because they record fewer units of lecture information than their non-disabled peers.

As evidenced by various research studies, students with disabilities are not effective note takers. They do not possess a sufficient writing speed to take down spoken information and, even when they do take notes, are frequently unable to read them after the lecture, mostly because their notes are illegible ^[8]. As a result, students with disabilities either avoid taking notes, rely on note takers or teachers to assist them with guided lecture notes after class ^[9]

Although these accommodations are helpful, and even necessary, it is important for students with disabilities to learn how to effectively take notes from lectures. A study ^[10] has found that students with learning disabilities are passive learners, and note-taking is one way to actively engage them in the learning process.

[edit] EasyScript Instruction

Some experts believe ^[11] that all students would benefit if teachers deliberately trained their students in speedwriting techniques, especially the lower-achieving students and speedwriting techniques should be taught to students in the same manner that they are taught writing or computer skills ^[12]

[edit] Computer-Aided Note Taking and Transcription

ComputerScript [12] software from Legend Publishing allows entering notes directly into a computer amd eliminate manual writing. It provides automatic transcription from an abbreviated text to readable form. Both ComputerScript and EasyScript Speed Writing use identical abbreviating rules.

[edit] Results

The list of organizations offering EasyScript training to their employees includes:

U.S. General Accounting Office

New York Dept. Of Labor United Way [13]

Affinity Health Plan Harvard University

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

U.S. Postal Service

Jack Henry & Associates

CNN/Turner Broadcasting

Mt. Sinai Medical Center

Verizon Communications

Prudential Insurance

Bank of America

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Texaco

Brigham and Women’s Hospital

California State Polytechnic University

John Hancock Insurance

[edit] Notes