Can a Pen Make You Smarter?
DISABILITY INFORMATION SESSION
OCTOBER 25, 2011
What is a Smartpen?
 Video of pencasts (www.livescribe.com)
 Pen interacts with custom paper
 Computer applications
 Purchase price starts at $100
Functions of Smartpen
 Records lectures and meetings
 Allows users to “select” parts of recordings to access
instead of having to listen to the entire file
 Has capability to transfer written notes into digital
text
Features of Smartpen
 Extensive support library online
 Training opportunities through webinars and videos
 Online communities specific to ESL/Reading/Higher
Education, etc.
 Fairly inexpensive compared to other assistive
technology
Benefits of Smartpen
 Lecture – can record everything that is said during
lecture. Can also capture symbols, diagrams, etc.
 Homework – can playback entire lecture or parts of
lecture. Can transfer notes to computer and create
custom searches for key material
 Exam Prep – can review key material and custom
notebooks
Smartpen Applications
 Musical instruments (guitar/piano)
 Language capability
 Dictionary
 Calculator
 Downloads of educational applications
 Games
 Transfer to portable devices such as Ipad and
Iphone
 Show video
Benefits for Students with Disabilities
 Ideal for students who cannot listen to the
instructor and write notes at the same time as they
can jot down key words and spend more time
listening to the lecture
 Improves self-esteem
 Promotes a sense of independence
 Can assist students with a range of disabilities
 Capability to develop audio-tactile graphics for VI
Livescribe Desktop
 Free download to computer
 Example of archived material
 Show video
Livescribe Connect
 Allows user to send interactive notes and audio as
pencasts to other people as a PDF
 Show video
Implications for Education
 Research with Notetaking
 Still a new product so there is limited research
 Available research does show that the use of the pen
does enhance student learning
 Majority of students report high satisfaction levels
(some find it too distracting)
 Teaching applications (use of Smartpen in lieu of
overhead)
How UCC is Using Smartpens
 Inform students who may benefit from use at
intake
 Some students will purchase their own (or have
them purchased by ORSC or the VA)
 Received a grant to purchase 20 Smartpens which
allow students to try them out and purchase for
themselves for permanent use
 Smartpen is usually indicated on accommodation
form
Demo
 Lecture (use document camera in place of overhead)
 Show video of “featured pencast” on the digestive
system
 Participants can try individual pens
Student Testimonial
FAQ’s
• How does it record? Through a microphone or headset
•
•
•
•
•
•
(adjustable settings).
What is the memory capability? Depends on model. Ours are
2GB (about 200 hours of recording). Once full, info can be
archived to the computer and the pen can be re-set.
How do lectures get played back? Tap pen on notebook or
access archives in Livescribe Desktop. Can also be used by
portable devices.
Can notes be shared? Yes, using Livescribe Connect.
Does it require special paper? Yes, can be purchased or
downloaded for free.
Can notes be organized? Yes, on Livescribe Deskstop.
How do I transcribe notes in digital text? Must purchase
Myscript software.
Resources
 www.livescribe.com