Tools and templates for digital note making
For me personally, I found making text notes using a stylus on my tablet device works best in most settings.
I talked to my friends who are in the same classes as me. A few have said that the best way for them to make notes is by using audio recordings. They use their phones to record themselves after lectures or throughout tutorials.
Note making tools
There are many tools available out there to make digital notes. Some are great for sketch noting, some are better for audio, and others are great for all types of digital note making. Most importantly, a lot of them are free for Deakin students.
Take the time to figure out your best approach and tool combo by exploring some of the options below.
OneNote – multimodal and grouped or themed note creation
A digital note making tool provided in the Microsoft Office 365 suite. OneNote is available for either Windows or Apple, and free to Deakin students! The Microsoft Office 365 suite or just the OneNote program can be downloaded from Deakin’s Software Library.
What it's best for?
- Creating notes from a variety of elements, such as text, screenshots, audio commentaries, videos, etc.
- Uploading materials such as images, diagrams, equations, a reading PDF, lecture slides and lecture recordings
- Keeping your notes well organised in notebooks, sections and pages
- Grouping your readings or notes according to themes, topics, units, etc.
- Use the search function to locate key words, concepts or observations within notebooks
- Able to use a variety of colours for organising and highlighting notes
- Access notes on multiple devices and web browsers through cloud so they can be accessed on any device at any time
How to do it:
- Open OneNote.
- Create a new notebook.
- Add sections within your notebook.
- Add pages in the sections (this is where you can add your notes and readings).
- Need more help? Look at this Learning OneNote tutorial or this blog with 11 tips.
Example:
Watch this Deakin Library video (4:18) to discover the features and functions that OneNote has to offer:
Microsoft Word – simple to structure, use and re-write notes
As a Deakin student, you get free access to Microsoft Word via your Microsoft Office 365 suite. You can download the whole 365 suite or just Microsoft Word from Deakin’s Software Library. It works for Windows and Apple devices.
What it’s best for?
- Refining handwritten notes into digital text notes
- Converting speech to digital text notes using the Dictation function
- Transcribing audio files to digital text notes
- Creating numbered or dot point lists
- Using note taking templates to guide your note making process
- Editor functionality to strengthen clarity and conciseness
How to do it:
- Open Microsoft Word
- Title your document and save it to your computer or cloud folder. Learn more about managing your information
- Give your notes headings so you can easily scan through them
Making audio notes
- Use the Dictate function to convert speech to text
- Use the Transcribe function to upload an existing audio file
Listening to your notes for revision
- Use the Read Aloud function to listen, reflect and review your notes
- Use the Immersive Reader to listen to your notes
Refining notes
- Use MS Word’s inbuilt editor functionality to strengthen clarity and conciseness of your notes
Grouping or theming notes
- Use the highlight option to colour code your notes
Adobe Acrobat Reader – focused note taking on a PDF
Adobe Acrobat Reader is a free tool anyone can download. It has basic features like highlighting text and adding sticky notes. Adobe Acrobat Reader enables you to focus and directly add notes to an individual reading.
What it’s best for?
- Capturing thoughts, questions and key concepts as you read research for an assessment
- Adding notes directly into the source as you read
- Highlighting relevant sections and words within the PDF
- Making connections quickly between the reading and your notes
- Focusing in on one reading for in-depth analysis
How to do it:
- Install Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Open a PDF and select the Comment tool.
- Add PDF annotations to your file. You can add text boxes, sticky notes, underline text, strikethrough content, highlight text and more.
- Need more help? Checkout the video on annotating PDFs.
Audio notes apps - capturing thoughts quickly
Phones, computers and tablets have built in ways to record audio. There are also applications, programs and software designed especially for making audio notes. These can be purchased or downloaded for free on electronic devices.
What it’s best for?
- Recording the key concepts and information on a topic in your own words
- Instantly capturing a thought or question about a topic that comes to mind
- Listening back to records for review and revision
- Focusing on a single task (listening or reading) instead of needing to multitask (listening/reading and writing)
- Converting audio notes into text notes.
How to do it:
Taking audio notes
- Use the record function of your phone/tablet
- Use the record function of your computer
- Use a program or app record function
Turning audio notes into text
- Use the Dictate function on your phone/tablet
- Use a program or app dictate or transcribe function
Turning text into audio
Screen Grabber - visual snapshots of relevant information
Whether you're using a phone, tablet or computer to capture notes, your device should have an in-built screen shot function. You can also download or use through a browser extension free screenshot tools with extra features.
Taking screenshots can be helpful when you want to align your notes with a lecture presentation slide or a diagram or image, rather than wasting time copying the content down. Many screenshot tools also allow you to add boxes and other shapes, draw, highlight and crop.
Tool options
What it's best for?
- Integrating into a note taking tool (e.g. OneNote or MS Word)
- Saving time to quickly capture a concept
- Accuracy of what was written or shown
- Visual snapshot of multimedia you can add to your notes
How to do it:
If you are on a computer, you can use the PrtSc key (Windows) or Command Shift 4 (Mac) to take a screenshot.
If you are using another device, press the power and volume down buttons at the same time. If this doesn't work, you may need to visit the manufacturers website.
Tip
Look through Deakin’s Software Library for digital tools you can use in making notes. Or when looking at apps to use, keep an eye out for what their free basic option is.
Focus on your notes not distractions
Tools that increase your ability to focus can be really helpful when you’re studying and making notes. Click on the plus icons to explore some free digital tools and strategies to minimise distractions and help you focus on note making.
Activity overview
This interactive image hotspot provides information and tools for students to help with focusing when making notes. Each hotspot explores a particular concept, located near an image reflecting the concept. Hotspots are displayed as plus (+) icons that can be clicked, to present information for ways to focus when making notes.
Hotspot 1
Music, sounds and study vibes
Some students study with background music or sounds. As it helps them to focus or put them in the mood to study. It can even help your creative vibes and problem solving for tricky assessments!
Try some tools:
- Study with me videos which livestream or record study sessions (e.g. #studywithme or #studybuddy)
- Music for studying (e.g. #deepfocus, #studyingmusic or #lofistudy)
- Generators where you can mix your own soundscape (e.g. MyNoise)
Hotspot 2
Dealing with distractions
The devices that we use for study can also create distractions and procrastination. Turning off notifications, putting your phone in a drawer, sticking with a to-do list or using distraction blockers can all be helpful.
Try some tools:
- Block distracting sites when you need to study (e.g. Pawblock or FocusMe)
- Self-monitoring apps (e.g. Leechblock)
- Tools that limit your tabs and getting overwhelmed (e.g. Xtab)
Hotspot 3
Stretching and posture
Sitting down for long time periods can impact your health and well-being. Stand up and move at least once an hour. Take a five-minute break, and do some stretches, such as neck rotations, side bends and heel-raises.
Try some tools:
- Simple stretches you can do anywhere (Stretch at your desk)
- Stretch reminders web browser extensions (Firefox via PostureMinder or Chrome via Stretch Clock)
- A one-minute meditation you can do anywhere (Headspace)
Hotspot 4
Managing time
Use digital tools to build strong study habits, prioritise your tasks and balance your activities. A good approach is to study in sprints rather than marathons, taking breaks along the way. The Pomodoro technique is simple and uses a timer to:
- work for 25 minutes
- break for 5 minutes
- repeat four times
- then take a longer break, say 20 minutes.
Try some tools:
- Chrome extensions (e.g. Marinara Pomodoro, Focus To Do and Forest)
- Firefox extension (e.g. Tomato Clock)
Other time management tips:
- 6 tips for students to improve time management
- Organising your studies – Time management
- Deakin Study Planner
Hotspot 5
Organising your notes or information
Make sure you don’t waste time trying to find the right notes for different assessments. Keeping track of where your notes are being stored is a game changer. What you name notes, where you file them and how you get to them are important digital study skills.
Try some tools:
- Save to Onedrive, rather than your computer (free via Office 365)
- Managing information tips and structures
- Tab grouping (e.g. OneTab)
Hotspot 6
Screen breaks
Staring at a screen for long periods can lead to a range of problems like headaches, tired eyes, eyestrain and dry eyes. This can make it harder to focus on assessments or studying for an exam. There are a range of tools and strategies you can use to reduce screen time.
Try some tools:
- For your eyes (e.g. Eyeblink and Eye exercises)
- For your computer (e.g. Adjust screen brightness and Changing browser colour contrast)
Hotspot 7
Managing tasks
We often manage and schedule time for work and social events in our daily lives. A similar approach can be applied to studying. Using to-do lists, blocking out your calendar with specific task goals, or setting up reminders are all ways to manage study tasks.
Try some tools:
- Deakin Study Planner
- Microsoft To-Do list (free via Office 365)
- Planner (free via Office 365)
- Deakin student Outlook calendar (free via Office 365)
Hotspot 8
Brain breaks - switch off and refresh
As a student it’s easy to become over-worked trying to fit studies around other commitments. Rather than study for long stretches of time or until late into the night, taking breaks allows your mind and body to recharge.
Try some tools:
- Establish end-of-day rituals. Try meditation, journaling, listening to music, starting a hobby, or exercise. Use digital reminders to end study sessions.
- DeakinWELLBEING is an interactive app that builds positive habits, coping skills and resilience through daily, fun activities.
Key considerations
All students have free access to LinkedIn Learning – an online library of more than 4000 courses. It covers digital and study skills, so you can level up your OneNote or even learn how to study more effectively.