If you are using an iPad that is compatible with the Logitech Crayon or the Apple Pencil, you can leverage Scribble to convert your handwriting to typed text in most applications. The following apps have been tested and reviewed by members of Fairfield University's community for note-taking.Please note that these apps are not officially supported by Fairfield University ITS and troubleshooting and support may be limited.
| Tip |
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For clear recordings and accurate transcriptions, minimize background noise and sit close to the speaker. If you're using a phone or tablet, point the built-in microphone towards the speaker. If you are still having trouble picking up the audio well, consider using an external microphone. |
If you have questions or concerns about any of these apps, you may contact academiccomputing@fairfield.edu or the App Support.product's support team.
| Product | Cost | OS Compatibility | Features | Limitations |
|---|
| Glean | $129/year* | - Windows
- Mac OS
- Android
- iPadOS and iOS
Device Compatibility Details for Glean | - Audio Recording
- Simultaneously note-taking
- Highlights notes during audio playback
- AI Transcription
- Transcript Annotation
- Embed Images, Tables, and Drawings
- Import Slides and PDFs
- Online and Offline functionality
- Export notes to PDF
| - Handwriting recognition is dependent on your device
- AI Transcription accuracy varies
|
| Otter.ai | $20/month | - Windows
- Mac OS
- Android
- iPadOS and iOS
| - Audio Recording
- AI Transcription
- Transcript Annotation
| - Text-Only (no handwriting recognition)
- AI Transcription accuracy varies
- Annotation must be done after the transcript generates
|
| Notability | $11.99/year* | | - Audio Recording
- Simultaneously note-taking
- Highlights notes during audio playback
- AI Transcription
- Embed Images, Tables, and Drawings
- Handwriting Recognition
- Math and LaTeX Recognition
- Easily Organize and Share Notes
- Back Up notes to Google, OneDrive, Dropbox, and more (Note: iCloud is NOT recommended for storing Notability files)
| - iPad OS is the only currently support OS
|
| Microsoft OneNote | Free** | - Windows
- Mac OS
- Android
- iPadOS and iOS
| - Audio Recording
- Embed Images, Tables, and Drawings
- Handwriting Recognition
- Insert Math and LaTeX
- Easily Organize and Share Notes
- Class Notebooks available for instructors and collaborative note-taking
| - No Transcription
- Note-taking and audio recording cannot be done simultaneously
- Math and LaTeX recognition is not currently supported
|
| Apple Notes | Free | | - Embed Images, Tables, and Drawings
- Handwriting Recognition
- Organize and Share Notes
| - No Audio Recording
- Math and LaTeX recognition is not currently supported
- Compatible only with Apple Devices
|
*Free for students registered through the Office of Accessibility with a note-taking assistant accommodation.
*free *Free on University Managed iPads
***Included in Fairfield University's Microsoft Subscription