Smartpens

Smartpens are a notetaking support that can be approved for specific students. A smartpen is a way for students to take written notes and record the classroom audio at the same time. This can help the student focus on the course content and engage in course activities. The benefit of a smartpen is that it helps to synch the writing with the audio. This can help make it easier to go back and make sure your notes cover everything you wanted them to.

Key Things to Know

  • SAS currently has a limited number of Echo 2 Smartpens. If students would like to utilize a different type of smartpen, they must talk with SAS prior to utilizing the device.
  • Smartpens are not automatically available to all SAS registered students. It must be specifically approved for use by SAS.
  • Since a smartpen is recording audio, students are required to sign an Audio Recording Agreement prior to utilizing the smartpen. Students must sign the agreement prior to any recordings taking place in a course.
  • If a smart pen is not being utilized by the student, or is being used inappropriately, SAS can revoke student access at any time.

Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible for…

  • Meeting all student accommodation responsibilities. 
  • Prior to recording, signing the Audio Recording Agreement and talking with their instructors. As needed, SAS can confirm for instructors that this agreement has been signed. Violations of the Audio Recording Agreement conditions will be governed by the rules of academic conduct at UNH.
  • Notifying their instructor prior to any recording. Students cannot record without prior notification.
  • Regularly maintaining the smartpen, including charging the device and keeping all materials organized.
  • Returning all equipment to SAS at the end of the year or when it is no longer being utilized. If equipment is not returned, the student may be charged. If the smartpen is damaged beyond normal usage, then the student may be charged.
  • If no longer utilizing a smartpen that is loaned by SAS, notifying SAS and returning the smartpen promptly. This will help ensure the device can be made available to other students.

Smartpen Process

Accessing a Smartpen

Access to a smartpen is granted through SAS as part of a student’s accommodations. Access is initially granted for a two-week trial period, but can be extended. To be approved for a smartpen, students should contact SAS directly.

Utilizing a Smartpen

The key benefit to using a smartpen is the ability to connect your audio recording with your written notes. It does not eliminate the need for good notetaking strategies, but instead helps support the strategies that a student already utilizes. When using an Echo II smartpen, you need the following:

  • The smartpen
  • A specialized notebook or paper
  • Livescribe app

SAS ensures students have access to the physical materials, but students access the app independently of SAS.

Learn More about Utilizing a Smartpen:

Common Questions

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No. A smartpen is specifically approved by SAS in support of student accommodations. If students would like to utilize a smartpen, then they should contact SAS directly.

Yes. Since a smartpen is capable of recording audio content, students are required to sign an audio recording agreement.

Yes. Students are required to notify their instructor before recording. Consent must be provided.

Yes, but only if: 

  • The request to the student is specific to a circumstance where any notetaking would not be appropriate.
  • Other students are also informed that notetaking is not appropriate

Please talk with SAS as soon as possible if there are concerns about utilizing the notetaking support.