Recording Lectures

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Hi, This is my first semester in nursing school & I was thinking about recording the class lectures. My friend would like to buy me a recorder but I wasn't sure if I should let her purchase me one.

I would like input on recording lectures. What is the best recorder to buy? What brand interests you the most? Which recorder has the best quality & sound? How often do you listen to your lectures? Do you find that listening to your lectures repeatedly helps? Did your grades improve? Any info will help. I'm just trying to see if I should have one.

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They are nice to have. I have an RCA one that has the USB thing on it so I can plug it in to my computer if I want. Some of our teachers don't let us record though :/

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I think it's a great idea if the professor allows it.

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

Good day:

I use http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004M8SSZK/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 -- Sony Digital Flash Voice Recorder (ICD-PX312) -- which works out rather well. I do have a microSD card that I actually store the recordings on.

What I do is before each class make sure I'm in the right folder (I set up one folder per class), then record. When I get home, I connect the recorder to my PC and download the recordings renaming them to make more sense. I.e. BIO121 Chapter 22 plus the date. Then I transfer the files to my smartphone where (at least for me) it sounds better. I only keep the current module (i.e. what will be on the next exam) on both devices. I re-listen to key lectures every chance I get; and for the sciences, I create a play list of the various lectures in chapter and time order.

I listen to the science lectures extremely often (I hardly watch TV). My wife and I would be driving to church, and I'm listening to a lecture (ear plugs in -- yes, I stop listening once we are there at church); the same goes for being out and about. As I drive to school, I make it a point to listen specifically to the previous lecture so that when the current lecture starts I have the previous lecture fresh in my mind.

I do take notes in class, and when I rewrite my notes (I mainly do this for my science classes -- if you've not guess, I'm still prenursing), I will re-listen to the lecture that goes with the notes and adjust the notes for anything I missed.

Fearless_leader, I strongly recommend that you do ask each professor in advance of the class start if it is ok to record the lecture. I generally do this via email where I include a statement the recordings will be for study purposes only, will never be published or otherwise shared publicly. I have yet to have a professor say no; though one professor did share that I must turn off the recorder whenever a class goes over quiz / exam results.

Thank you.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

i use my iphone and plug my headphones in and listen on the way home. works incredible!!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.
i use my iphone and plug my headphones in and listen on the way home. works incredible!!

What app on your phone do you use to record lectures?

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I use the Livescribe Echo pen, which records as you write notes on special paper. Then you can put both your written notes and the recording on your computer. Here is the link: Livescribe :: Never Miss A Word

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Specializes in Critical Care/Coronary Care Unit,.

If the professor allows it, it's great to listen to lectures. You can also download a recorder app on your phone. The best method is to do as many NCLEX questions as possible. Saunders has a great review.

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Our professors don't allow it, so make sure you check with yours before getting anything.

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

My nursing school prohibited recordings for a variety of reasons. Be sure to check your school & instructor's policy before recording. Always get permission before recording a lecture. Good luck.

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Specializes in Pedi.
My nursing school prohibited recordings for a variety of reasons. Be sure to check your school & instructor's policy before recording. Always get permission before recording a lecture. Good luck.

^ In my state, it is illegal to voice record someone without their knowledge/permission so definitely check with your instructor before doing anything.

I recorded some lectures in college and, honestly, I never listened to them so I stopped doing it.

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My program allows recording during lecture.

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