Do I need a recorder....

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Aug 20, 2006

Some people do benefit if they can take a tape home and review it, making sure they didn't miss any important points from a lecture. However, it's one of those things that varies from student to student.

hospitalstaph · Aug 20, 2006

I really think that it depends on the way that you learn. To listen to an audio tape of a lecture that I had heard once before would put me to sleep! But, as Eric said, I do think that some people would benefit from it.

You may want to have a few classes with your instructor first before you decide if you should tape or not. Some instructors move around the room so much that taping would be difficult. Also some instructors have a lecture style that uses powerpoint so heavily that an audio recording is useless without the powerpoint to go along with it.

Best of luck to you:)

T

todell80 · Aug 20, 2006

I am planning to record my lectures, and listen to them in the car. It takes 10 minutes to get to my mom's where my kids are, then 20 minutes to get to class. I will have to do that twice a day, so I will have some "free" time to listen. If only I can shut off my Sirius!!!

Dabuggy · Aug 20, 2006

Hello,

I also benefited from taping lectures. I use a digital Olympus I bought at the school bookstore. Keep extra batteries in your book bag. Those cassette tape recorders were a big problem.

I also listen to them on my way to and from school. I put notes on the Olympus and can take a walk. I had to make use of every spare minute. I listen a second time to see if there is anything I missed. Since most of the questions on the test were 50% text and 50% lecture it helped me. Also I would say about 70% of the class tapes lectures.

Yes I admit it is boring, but for me hearing it the second time is what made it click.

Dabuggy

sdmommie · Aug 20, 2006

I used a tape recorder for my Physiology class. My professor stood at the front of the class the whole time, so it was easy to record her. Personally, I found it to helpful because even though she wrote everything on the board, I was able to go home and review my notes knowing I could refer to the recording. I didn't listen to every tape over again, but I had it in case there was a concept I wasn't sure on. I'm not the best note taker, so this was really helpful. I don't think you REALLY need a digital one unless of course you have money burning in your pocket. If you decide to get one, don't forget to bring extra batteries to class.

browneyedgirl71 · Aug 20, 2006

Here is a helpful tip our nursing instructors gave us: Record the meter number next to the section in your notes that you didn't understand. When you go back to study, you can go specifically to that number on the tape and get what you need without listening to the whole tape.

I thought that was a great tip, because most of the time I don't need to relisten to the whole thing, only what I didn't get. I know the tape recorders have this meter, but I'm not familiar with digital, so I don't know if this tip would work on a digital recorder.

Nurse-To-Be-Joy · Aug 20, 2006

I really have benefited from taping lectures. There always seems to be one little point I missed during lecture, that would always end up on the exam. So, taping it is a great way to go back and see anything I missed or clarify anything that maybe wasn't too clear to me the first time around.

stpauligirl · Aug 20, 2006

I really have benefited from taping lectures. There always seems to be one little point I missed during lecture, that would always end up on the exam. So, taping it is a great way to go back and see anything I missed or clarify anything that maybe wasn't too clear to me the first time around.

:yeahthat:

My taperecorder wore out after a while...I just purchased Olympus Digital Voice recorder and will use it in my upcoming A&P2 class.

Christinmomof3nrs2be · Aug 20, 2006

The reason I was thinking digital over tape, was b/c those tapes add up quickly $$. The digital ones, I believe I can downlaod them onto my laptop (Is that correct). I thought I'd keep all those tapes, to review for the finals. When I started looking at the prices of those tapes, the price would be the same in no time. What do you think? I start Tues. Should I run and get one tom. or wait a week or 2 to see if I need it, before spending the money?

Thanks in advance!

stpauligirl · Aug 20, 2006

The reason I was thinking digital over tape, was b/c those tapes add up quickly $$. The digital ones, I believe I can downlaod them onto my laptop (Is that correct). I thought I'd keep all those tapes, to review for the finals. When I started looking at the prices of those tapes, the price would be the same in no time. What do you think? I start Tues. Should I run and get one tom. or wait a week or 2 to see if I need it, before spending the money?
Thanks in advance!

Digital is easier...you won't need as many batteries as with taperecorder,either.

If money is an issue try a couple of lectures without and see how is goes with the note taking. Some instructors are easier to follow than others.

Dabuggy · Aug 20, 2006

The Olympus I have was only about $35. I do not think it can be downloaded onto a computer. The more expensive ones can. Mine has a time display so you can write down the time and then search for that part of the lecture.

Should you run and get one? How much school do you have left? You can always take it to class and if you don't think you will use it, return it. OH, don't be shy, if you have it don't be afraid to have it ready. You will be suprised at the people who will wish they had one. This depends on the class and teacher. My A+P I was 100% of lecture. Glad I had it.

Dabuggy