ACCESSING CLASSROOM INFORMATION: LOW TECH SOLUTION IN THE WORLD OF HIGH TECH EDUCATION

Theresa White
Note taker Coordinator
Dept. of Science / Engineering Support
National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Rochester Institute of Technology
52 Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, N. Y. 14623-5604
(716)-475-4962V/TDD
(716)475-5766 Fax
E Mail: TMWNSC@RIT.EDU

Web Posted on: December 12, 1997

In the high tech world of education, note taking is a low tech solution for accessing classroom information to help students achieve their educational goals. The discussion will focus on: the legal aspects relating to note taking services; what note taking is; what a note taker does and how; when to start utilizing and / or providing note taking services; who benefits from note taking services; general guidelines in setting up a note taking service. The legal aspects of note taking as an "auxiliary service" will be discussed from the perspective of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 section 504, and the Americans with Disabilities Act(A.D.A.). This will provide some legal framework for supporting requests for note taking services within educational settings (elementary through post secondary levels). The discussion will provide a general understanding of what note taking is and what the note taker actually does when taking notes. Also included are considerations of: qualifications of a note taker, paid versus volunteer note takers, to who and what is the responsibilities of the note taker. Additional topics include: when to start utilizing and / or providing note taking services; who benefits from note taking services; and considerations when setting up a note taking service. The following provides an overview of the topics to be covered emphasizing key points under each topic included.

LEGAL

The following laws are presented in the order that they were enacted. A very brief description of what the laws covered is also included. In depth information relating to all of these laws can be found in the book listed in the references.

BROWN V. BOARD OF EDUCATION 1954

This case established the foundation for all of the following laws.

REHABILITATION ACT 1973, TITLE V

Title V with its four major components " prohibit discrimination and require accessibility in employment, education, and health, welfare, and social services." PUBLIC LAW 94-142 (PL 94-142) EDUCATION FOR ALL HANDICAPPED CHILDREN ACT This law was passed in 1975. The PL 94-142 applies specifically to the education of handicapped children.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (A.D.A.)

The Americans with Disabilities Act ( A.D.A.) is landmark civil rights legislation for all citizens with disabilities. The A.D.A. prohibits discrimination in almost every aspect of society.

WHAT IS NOTE TAKING

Note taking is the act of writing down concise, complete, and accurate information as presented by the instructor. This includes information from video tapes, guest lectures slide presentations computer presentations, etc.

WHAT A NOTE TAKER DOES & HOW

The note taker records the sequence of events as they occur during class in a clear, concise, and organized format. The note taker utilizes the Principles of Note taking to produce understandable, useable, quality notes.

QUALIFICATIONS / CHARACTERISTICS OF NOTE TAKERS

The following is a list of the primary characteristics and qualification a note taker should have.

GOOD HANDWRITING AND SPELLING SKILLS

The note taker must have the ability to write quickly and clearly at the same time in order to keep up with what is being said in class.

VALUE OF LEARNING AND EDUCATION

The note taker can be a role model to students, and exhibit enthusiasm about learning in the way the notes are written, and in interactions in the classroom.

KNOWLEDGE OF THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE CLASS

The best way to have attained this is by previous attendance in the class. Or, note takers work in classes within their major. Above average academic achievement is recommended. Tutors and note takers need to have at least a 3.0 GPA. Note takers who are outstanding students can deal with the complicated process of hearing, understanding, synthesizing and writing notes quickly, "B" or "C" students take "B" or "C" notes! Trained and supervised note takers provide the best possible notes for the students.

SENSITIVITY TO THE EFFECTS OF DISABILITIES

Empathy, not sympathy, is the key.

SELF-CONFIDENCE IN DEALING WITH CLASSROOM TEACHERS

The note taker is the "front line" representative of support. Expecting a professional attitude on the part of a paraprofessional is only realistic when the note taker is given adequate, in-depth training and careful consistent supervision.

WILLINGNESS TO ACCEPT CRITICISM OR APPARENT ILL WILL

It is also normal and natural for anyone working in an access service function to be criticized - sometimes fairly, sometimes unfairly - and a note taker must be prepared to know the difference and react appropriately. An attitude of helpfulness and openness is crucial is resolving situations that may arise.

WILLINGNESS TO ACCEPT DIRECTION OR MANAGEMENT>

A note taker must be able both the work independently in the classroom, dealing with the students and teachers, and at the same time accept guidance from their supervisor.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES OF A NOTE TAKER

The following is a list of the general roles and responsibilities a note taker should adhere to.

• Attend all training sessions provided.
• Attend all class.
• Be on time to class.
• Introduce your self to the instructor / student.
• Comply with the instructors wishes.
• Be a contact person or referral person for the instructor.
• Request feedback as to the quality of the notes from the instructor / student / manager / and do self evaluations.
• Be ethical, preserving respect and confidentiality for all concerned.
• Respond to special request.
• Follow established guidelines.

WHO BENEFITS FROM NOTE TAKING SERVICES

The following is a list of the consumers of note taking.

• Students.
• Instructor.
• Tutor.
• Note taker.
• Parents.
• Note taker manager.
• Interpreters.
• Other support providers.

WHEN TO START UTILIZING / OR PROVIDING NOTE TAKING SERVICES

In some situations note taking services have been set up for students in the second grade level. Starting a student this early in their academic life allows the student to develop necessary skills for a successful academic career.

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR SETTING UP A NOTE TAKING SERVICE

The following is a list of some general considerations when setting up a note taking service. The list is not comprehensive, each situation needs to be evaluated for short and long term requirements.

• Provision of training.
• Who will supervise.
• Pay vs. Volunteer.
• Who will receive the notes.
• When will they receive the notes.
• How will the notes be duplicated.
• How will the service be paid for.