What is a Smartpen?
Smartpens allow you to take notes while simultaneously recording classroom lectures or discussion. Simply tap anywhere in your notes and the pen will play back what was said at that moment in time. The pen also saves digital copies of your notes, which may be transferred to a computer via USB. From your computer, you may review, search, and listen to your notes as you wish. A sample copy of these notes may be found on the righthand side of this page.
Smartpens reduce the general stress of processing multiple modes of information concurrently in the classroom. In particular, students with dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, and other learning disabilities have reported significant improvement in study habits and academic performance with the use of this tool.
Smartpen Lending Program
The Assistive Technologists have recently started Carleton's Smartpen Lending Program. We have four Livescribe Echo Smartpens and one Livescribe Sky Wifi Smartpen which may be checked out by students for a period of five weeks. More pens will be purchased as necessary based on student interest.
If you are interested in checking out a smartpen, please email us at aztechs@carleton.edu.
Helpful hints for starting out with and making the most of Carleton's Smartpens.