Hey there! Today, we’re diving into a comparison between two popular apps that help you stay organized and take notes: Evernote and Notability. Let’s explore how these tools can be used in the classroom and which one might be the best fit for you.
Both Evernote and Notability are fantastic for organizing your notes and keeping everything in one place. They allow you to create folders for your notes, and everything is saved in the cloud. This means you can access, search, and edit your notes from anywhere.
These apps let you add different types of content, such as text, handwritten notes, photos, and audio recordings. However, they have some differences that might make one more suitable for your needs than the other.
Evernote syncs your notes across any device using its own cloud storage system. This makes it a great choice if you use different types of devices. On the other hand, Notability syncs between Apple devices using iCloud, and it also works well with other cloud storage services. If your classroom uses Apple devices, Notability might be a good fit.
Notability offers some unique features that are especially useful for students. One standout feature is note playback, which lets you type notes and record audio at the same time. The audio syncs with your notes, making it easy to review later. Notability also has built-in drawing and sketching tools, which are great for creating detailed notes, especially when using the zoom tool.
Both apps offer ways to share and collaborate on notes. Evernote allows teachers to create shared notebooks, where they can send and receive notes and documents with students. This feature is available even in the free version, and the new chat feature adds another layer of collaboration.
In Notability, you can share notes via email or cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive. While it’s straightforward, it might not be as seamless as Evernote’s sharing options.
If your classroom uses Apple devices, Notability is a solid and affordable choice. However, if you need an app that works across different devices, Evernote might be the better option. Its free version offers a lot of functionality, making it accessible for many schools.
So, which app do you think would work best for your classroom? Let us know your thoughts, and check out more reviews of top educational technology tools at Common Sense Education.
Form two groups, each representing either Evernote or Notability. Research and prepare arguments on why your assigned app is the best for classroom use. Present your points in a debate format, focusing on features, compatibility, and educational benefits. This will help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of each app.
Choose a topic from your current studies and use both Evernote and Notability to take notes on it. Include text, images, and audio recordings. Afterward, compare your experience using both apps and discuss which features you found most helpful and why.
Using Notability, create a visually engaging note on a subject of your choice. Utilize the drawing and sketching tools to enhance your notes. Share your creations with the class and explain how these visual elements help in understanding the topic better.
Test the syncing capabilities of Evernote by accessing your notes on different devices. Create a note on one device and check how quickly it appears on another. Discuss the importance of cloud syncing in a classroom setting and how it can aid in collaborative projects.
In groups, use Evernote to create a shared notebook on a class project. Each member contributes notes, images, and ideas. Use the chat feature to discuss and refine your project. Reflect on how this collaborative approach can enhance learning and teamwork.
Here’s a sanitized version of the YouTube transcript:
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Hey there! I’m Merve Lapus, and I love using Evernote to stay organized.
And I’m Erin Wilkey Oh. I prefer the app Notability for my note-taking needs.
That’s a great question, Merve. Let’s take a look at both tools side by side.
This is the second installment of our EdTech Quick Take series: Evernote vs. Notability. We’ll compare some key features and explore how students and teachers use these tools in the classroom.
Both Evernote and Notability are powerful tools for note-taking and organization.
With either tool, users can organize notes into folders, and everything is saved in the cloud, allowing you to access, search, and edit your notes easily.
Both tools let you add a variety of content, from text to handwritten notes, photos, audio recordings, and more. However, there’s one important difference for classroom use. Evernote syncs to any device through its own cloud storage system.
On the other hand, Notability syncs between a user’s Apple devices using an iCloud account. Notability also works well with other cloud storage tools. Still, for accessibility in classrooms, Evernote might be the better choice in some cases.
That’s true, but we shouldn’t overlook Notability. Even without a 1:1 iPad program, Notability has unique features that are great for students. For starters, Notability’s note playback feature allows students to type notes and record audio simultaneously, with the audio syncing to the correct places within the note.
Evernote does allow users to insert audio clips, but not in the same way—at least, not yet.
Additionally, Notability has built-in drawing and sketching tools, which are really helpful, especially when paired with the zoom tool for detailed work. Overall, the app’s interface seems a bit more user-friendly for younger students.
We should also mention how some teachers are using these tools to share documents with students and parents.
You can almost use them like a basic learning management system.
Exactly! Evernote’s shared notebooks let teachers send and receive notes and documents with their students or groups of students, offering lots of possibilities. Students and teachers can collaborate on notes, even in the free version, and the new chat feature could also be beneficial.
In Notability, you can share notes with other users, but only through email or cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive. It’s still pretty straightforward, but maybe not quite as seamless.
So, when it comes down to it, which app is best for education?
For any Apple 1:1 classrooms or individual students, Notability is a solid choice, and it’s quite affordable.
But for the most accessibility across devices, which is important in many schools, Evernote is probably the stronger option, and the free version offers a lot of functionality.
So, which app works best for your classroom?
Tell us what you think, and check out our reviews of all the best edtech tools at Common Sense Education.
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This version maintains the original content while removing any informal language or unnecessary punctuation for clarity.
Evernote – A digital application used for note-taking, organizing, and task management. – Many students use Evernote to keep track of their homework and class notes.
Notability – An app that allows users to take notes, annotate documents, and record lectures. – During the lecture, she used Notability to record the teacher’s explanations and annotate her textbook.
Notes – Written records of information, often used for study and reference. – He reviewed his notes before the computer science exam to ensure he understood the key concepts.
Cloud – Online storage that allows users to save and access data over the internet. – By saving her project in the cloud, she could access it from any computer at school or home.
Devices – Electronic tools such as computers, tablets, and smartphones used for various tasks. – Students are encouraged to bring their own devices to class for interactive learning activities.
Audio – Sound, especially when recorded, transmitted, or reproduced. – The teacher uploaded audio files of the lecture so students could listen to them later.
Sharing – The act of distributing or allowing access to digital content with others. – Sharing documents through the school’s online platform makes group projects easier to manage.
Collaboration – Working together with others to achieve a common goal, often using digital tools. – Online collaboration tools help students work together on projects even when they are not in the same location.
Education – The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially in a school or university. – Technology has transformed education by providing students with access to a wealth of information and resources.
Students – Individuals who are enrolled in an educational institution to learn and study. – Students often use educational apps to enhance their learning experience and stay organized.
