Rationale for a Common Note Taking Software in a School

Rationale

            I believe that using a common note-taking application has many benefits to student and staff with in a school or school district. There are some emerging technologies that allow one to access an application on many different platforms. In the 21^st century, with the resource commonly known as the Internet, access to a specific program or application is easy. A connection to the Internet is around every corner. Getting connected is not an issue in this day and age. Also, using the same program would be cost effective for schools. Finding an application that students can use, save, and manipulate data or notes for classes would be easy and readily available at any time. The use of one note taking software in a school career will help students stay organized and make them better, more prepared students. Also, if every student is using the same application, they will be able to help each other which would foster collaboration, team work skills, and will help students practice communicating with their peers and colleagues.
           Not only will students benefit from using the same application, but staff and faculty will also gain an advantage. If staff is using the same application for their courses, this will help with students learning the software and it will make the learning environment more efficient because it will take away the time needed to teach students how to use the application. That time can be used for instructional time and increase the number of activities that can be presented. Using the same application will also give staff opportunities to ask their colleagues for help in technological situations or even just user situations. The staff using the technology will be their own help desk.
          Technology-wise, it would make it less expensive and will save schools money in the long run. There are a plethora of free applications that can be downloaded on multiple platforms. For example, Microsoft’s OneNote can be used on IOS, Android, or XOS operating systems. After a profile is created, then students can crate and save their notes for class and access from multiple places. They can use a Smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop to type the notes at school, then later access those notes whether they are at their home, library, or on the bus to their job. A cost-effective way to access the information they need at the time they need it. Sounds almost too good to be true.