[NABS-L] taking notes at college

[Danielle Sykora]

In both high school and college, I used a laptop with a focus 40 Braille display. I place the Braille display on top of the front part of the laptop covering the mouse pad, and that way the combination takes up no more room than just using a laptop. I bring ear buds as well for when I want to listen to the speech. Personally though, I have found using a Braille display critical. I just don’t find it nearly as efficient to use speech exclusively, particularly for courses such as math and chemistry.
Danielle 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jun 16, 2018, at 8:49 AM, Ellana Crew via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi Theodore,
> 
> That’s a great question to be asking. There are many different systems people use, but personally, I have found it relatively easy to use only my laptop. I type very fast and accurately, so in actuality, I keep the volume on my computer very low and don’t much listen to it while typing, and just make sure to proofread my notes afterwards, so that most of what I am hearing is the lecture. You might also try keeping your braille display in your lap and your laptop on the desk so that you can still use both.
> 
> Looking forward to hearing others’ suggestions here.
> 
> Ellana Crew, President
> Maryland Association of Blind Students
> 443-758-7211
> nfbmd.org/students
> facebook.com/mdabs.federation
> @MDABS_NFB
> 
> The Maryland Association of Blind Students knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind students because low expectations create obstacles between blind students and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.
> 
>> On Jun 16, 2018, at 3:19 AM, Theodore Tsolakis via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hello,
>> 
>> I have a question regarding note-taking during college lectures and
>> tutorials. I live in Australia, so apologize if there are differences
>> between Australian and United States colleges, but I hope you will
>> still be able to provide me with useful information.
>> 
>> Currently I am in high school, and to make notes during class, I use a
>> braille notetaker connected to a laptop computer as a braille display.
>> When taking notes in class, I do not receive any speech feedback from
>> my screen reader. I will be unable to use this system at college
>> because the desks are not large enough to accommodate both devices.
>> 
>> I know that I could take notes by just using my braille notetaker, but
>> I worry that, although I am able to type braille relatively quickly, I
>> am unable to reach the typing speed that I would have when using a
>> QWERTY keyboard. I know that I could also take notes just using a
>> laptop computer with an ear bud in only one ear so that I will be able
>> to hear what the lecturer is saying, but I worry that I will struggle
>> to listen to both my screen reader echoing the text that I have typed
>> as well as the new information the lecturer is providing.
>> 
>> I am wondering what systems college students such as yourselves employ
>> for notetaking. What have you tried? What has worked well? What has
>> not worked so well for you? I am open to all opinions and advice as I
>> have other assistive technology products as well.
>> 
>> Theodore
>> 
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