Has anyone here used a voice recorder to record lectures?

[Backwoods Boy]

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Hello again everyone. I tend to write somewhat slow and sometimes I cannot keep up in class when writing notes. I am considering buying a digital voice recorder to record the lectures to review when needed. Has anyone done this? Also, if you a recommendation for one, let me know.

 

[shelterURIgirl]

Have you ever tried typing your notes? I find that I type much faster than I can write. Plus, I can never seem to read my handwriting after a day or so beyond the lecture. 😛 Some of the new mini laptops are super cheap and small (dell mini inspiron is only $199), and I believe they have built in software that will record your lectures as you type.

For math, I was using a digital recorder that I paid about $60 dollars for. It worked ok, but the sound filtering was horrible even if I sat in the front of the class. It was also annoying to constantly have to worry about changing out the batteries. The microsoft word program (notebook layout has a recording function) did a much better job of filtering out the background noise, so I started using it even when I was writing on paper instead of typing.

Hello again everyone. I tend to write somewhat slow and sometimes I cannot keep up in class when writing notes. I am considering buying a digital voice recorder to record the lectures to review when needed. Has anyone done this? Also, if you a recommendation for one, let me know.

 

[Caninerepro]

I used one in grad school, also listened to recordings of lectures rebroadcast on the internet. They helped a lot. I think my recorder was a Panasonic, I lost it in my move. I got it at Office Depot and could hook it up to my laptop to listen to/e-mail files to classmates.

 

[ReadyBeVet]

This summer I was taking Organic II. The pace of the class was really fast and the professor gave us a lot of new info. He talked faster than I could write. I had never even considered a recorder until a classmate and friend of mine had to miss class. She asked me to record the lecture for her. I did, and I also listened to it that night. It really helped. I go to a school where you must get the professor's consent to record or at least tell them that you're doing so. Just a thing to remember! He let me place it on the front table next to his notes. It got good reception. I think it was a Sony, similar to this one, but it was an older version: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...&ref=06&loc=01&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=9218349

 

[Backwoods Boy]

shelterURIgirl: I have considered typing my notes before but unfortunately, I don't type much faster than I write. I already have a laptop although it is currently being repaired so I am using a rental until that one is fixed.

 

[shelterURIgirl]

I would also recommend reading the reviews of digital recorders on amazon.com. I searched for "digital recorder" on the website and there were quite a few recorders under $50 with 4-5 stars. Hope this helps!

 

[lenmaca]

I recently purchased the Olympus WS-400S from Staples.
I haven't had a chance to try it out in a lecture situation yet, but from a few test runs, I like it so far.
Things I especially like about it:
-Moderately price (about $65)
-1GB of storage space
-5 storage folders
-Direct USB connection: just plug it directly into your computer's USB port and transport the audio files!
-Also functions as a mass storage device
-Has "noise" cancelling settings
-Just looks nice!
-Expected battery life longer than Sony recorders and the newer model (WS-500) actually comes with rechargeable batteries

Overall, I'm really happy with it and I can't wait to put it to use! Hope this helps.

 

[twelvetigers]

Uhh, you might find these helpful:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=511250
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=617680

I still feel like I can't find the one I was looking for... but I dunno.

 

[Pandacinny]

I picked up this one at Best Buy years ago: http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_archived_product_details.asp?fl=2&id=1175

I'm sure there's a newer model by now, but mine is still working. I only used it in classes where the professor went through topics really quickly, but it did come in handy. I can pull the recordings off of the device and put them on my computer. It's nice to be able to re-listen to your lectures later while you're cleaning house/driving/at the gym.

 

[Mistoffeles]

also, some schools (can't give you a list) have all lectures on podcast so you can download them for a second listen (and third or fourth) at your leisure.

 

[JustCats]

I have an earlier version of this one and I love it! I record the lectures, upload them to the computer and then move them to my iPod. I listen to lectures over and over in the car while driving. It helps me a great deal. I have found that I miss quite a lot the first time around. It makes all the difference to be able to put the lecturer on pause and think about what she's saying before letting her continue. 🙂

I recently purchased the Olympus WS-400S from Staples.
I haven't had a chance to try it out in a lecture situation yet, but from a few test runs, I like it so far.
Things I especially like about it:
-Moderately price (about $65)
-1GB of storage space
-5 storage folders
-Direct USB connection: just plug it directly into your computer's USB port and transport the audio files!
-Also functions as a mass storage device
-Has "noise" cancelling settings
-Just looks nice!
-Expected battery life longer than Sony recorders and the newer model (WS-500) actually comes with rechargeable batteries

Overall, I'm really happy with it and I can't wait to put it to use! Hope this helps.

 

[ckd816]

I just tried out a recorder for the first time during this summer session in Cell Biology. I picked up an RCA recorder at Wal-Mart for just under $30, which seems to be pretty cheap compared to what everyone else spent. Recording quality wasn't the best but it works for people on a tight budget like me. The batteries did die after about 3 weeks (15 2hour lectures) It has a built in USB so you can put the lectures on your computer/iPod if you wish. http://www.amazon.com/RCA-VR5220-512MB-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001U5VND2

I mostly just referenced mine in pieces by writing down the time of the recording where I needed to go back and re-listen rather than sitting and hearing the entire thing again like some people do. Then I type my notes and organize things after I add to my hand written notes.

 

[sassyfras]

Have you ever tried typing your notes? I find that I type much faster than I can write. Plus, I can never seem to read my handwriting after a day or so beyond the lecture. 😛 Some of the new mini laptops are super cheap and small (dell mini inspiron is only $199), and I believe they have built in software that will record your lectures as you type.

I do that too! I can type much faster than I can write. I love OneNote for taking notes. If you have a mic on your computer, you can easily record the lectures in OneNote as well. Then you've got your lecture notes and recording all in one place! Also, typing your notes means you've got a back-up in case you drop your binder in a puddle and end up with a runny, pulpy mess. Seriously, it can happen