What did you use to record lectures?

Nursing Students LPN/LVN Students

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I hope to start a 10 month LPN program in August. I have seen multiple posts about tips for new students. In almost all of these posts I see "Record your lectures." I was just wondering if anyone had a specific device or way of recording/listening that really worked well for them? Thanks in advance!

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

1 make certain your school permits recording. Not all do, mine expressly prohibited unless a 504 accommodation.

2 I use my phone. Voice record pro (VRP7) app and can upload to google drive, iCloud, Dropbox & others. Put phone in airplane mode to save battery and not have calls or texts come in.

3. Sony digital recorder with a micro USB port to transfer to your computer as back up. I don't know current model as mine is old.

@JustBeachyNurse

I remember students recording in A&P so I think it's allowed. I'll double check! I figured I could just use my phone, but had no idea which app to use or if I would have to keep it stored on my phone which I'm sure would take up lots of space. The airplane mode idea is a nice tidbit I didn't think about. Thanks for the advice!

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Google drive is free so is Dropbox. You can upload from the app I mentioned.

Specializes in ER.

I never recorded lectures. It would have been time prohibitive to listen all over again.

I took excellent notes. I was a top student, so it worked.

@Emergent, that's great! I hope I can take good enough notes to not have to listen/record but I have an hour long drive to the school I hope to attend. Thought I might play the recording on the ride to school to try to make the time useful. What note taking style did you use?

Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

some instructors prohibit recording too, so make sure it's ok with each instructor. I truly don't understand why they's say no to it....

Specializes in ER.
@Emergent, that's great! I hope I can take good enough notes to not have to listen/record but I have an hour long drive to the school I hope to attend. Thought I might play the recording on the ride to school to try to make the time useful. What note taking style did you use?

I did a lot of doodles in my notes. Artistic borders around different concepts, bolding important words or ideas with fancy lettering, etc.

I'm an artistic type, so that worked for me. It helped embed it in my mind.

@JustBeachyNurse

I remember students recording in A&P so I think it's allowed. I'll double check! I figured I could just use my phone, but had no idea which app to use or if I would have to keep it stored on my phone which I'm sure would take up lots of space. The airplane mode idea is a nice tidbit I didn't think about. Thanks for the advice!

I've learned that each instuctor has different opinion on being recorded.

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I've learned that each instuctor has different opinion on being recorded.

My school it was school policy.

Specializes in CVICU CCRN.

I had several individual teachers who did not allow recording unless there was a specific accommodation in place. Then I had others who recorded everything via Tegrity so if you missed class or needed to review a lecture, it was all right there.

I took notes like Emergent. Sometimes I typed notes but oftentimes I hand wrote them and used colors/illustrations - depended on the class and concepts.

Sometimes I used Evernote or other apps and dragged in images, graphics, web links, etc to my notes, particularly if the teacher wasn't the best. I also found that for my learning style, looking up concepts online during the lecture or before hand helped fill in the gaps for me, especially if the teacher was the type to just drone on and read power point slides. It helped shape my preparation for class or keep me engaged when I wanted to fall asleep. I know not everyone can split their focus like that, but it worked very well for me.

Thanks, @kalycat.

It's looking like I may need to invest in some different colored pens to take notes with. I study and retain info better when I write each piece of info a little visibly differently.

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