Notetaking Technologies

Genio (formerly Glean) is a web-based notetaking program that allows qualifying students to record and sync audio with the notes they take and/or uploaded lecture slides. Notes and reactions appear in an easy-to-follow timeline style. Genio works on- or offline, and syncs continually. It may require a student to use their laptop, tablet, and/or phone. SAS monitors usage of and access to this program by assigning an eligible student a license each term that it is needed.

Genio offers additional functionality that SAS does not have enabled, such as transcription and AI features that generate quizzes and summarize notes. We intentionally declined these features because reasonable accommodations are intended to provide access, not success. Moreover, Genio as implemented supports independent thought and the development of students' own notetaking skills, rather than reliance on AI. Finally, SAS respects faculty intellectual property and has verified with the vendor that "Genio does not use any captured data, including class content, notes, or personal data to train [its] AI models."

We offer various smartpens made by Livescribe to students approved for recording audio during lecture as an accommodation. These pens require special ink and notebooks, and allow for students to sync audio to their handwritten notes. After class, students can pinpoint where they would like to review or expand their notes by tapping on the handwritten notes for corresponding audio playback. 

For more information, please view these brief videos by Genio (formerly Glean) and Livescribe. Our Assistive Technology staff is also happy to briefly demonstrate these tools to instructors or students via Zoom or in person. If interested, please schedule a time via Calendly.