How to Use Apps & Tools to Take Notes in Online Lectures
Zoning out in lectures is a given; it’s easily done. But missing out on the important notes is a real pain. Learning via a screen pulls your focus in all kinds of ways: chat notifications, open tabs, and even the occasional fridge raid.
In fact, students dialling into remote classes multitask twice as often as in-person peers, showing that tech can be more of a distraction than help during virtual sessions.
With so much data given, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Classic information overload, where too much incoming content dampens recall and slows learning.
Why note-taking matters in online lectures
Online lectures can sometimes give you a false sense of security. You’re at home; you can replay the video later and maybe even get access to the slides, so why bother scribbling away while it’s happening?
Well, here’s the thing: note-taking isn’t just about recording facts. It can actually impact how you listen and what you remember.
You focus better
Taking notes pulls your attention into the moment. It stops your brain from drifting off to what’s for dinner or that text you haven’t replied to. When you know you’ve got to jot down the key points, you’re far more likely to actually hear them in the first place.
It sticks in your head
Writing (or typing) ideas down helps them settle in your memory. You’re not just passively watching; you’re translating the lecture into your own words, and that can make a big difference in what you actually learn.
It gives your revision a backbone
Ever looked back at a recorded lecture two months later and felt utterly lost? Good notes can help stop that from happening. They give you a clear, bite-sized version of the session, ideal when it comes to skimming over for exams or assignments.
You don’t lose valuable details
Yes, access to recorded lectures is handy. But let’s be honest, it’s unlikely that you’re going to go back and watch them from start to finish again. Taking notes as you go saves you from relying on vague memory or endless rewinds to find a quote or an idea that you half remember.
Features to look for in note-taking apps
The right app can be the difference between messy, scattered scribbles and organised, stress-free study. Here’s what you need when you’re choosing a tool:
- Search and organise: A good app will let you create folders, add tags, and find things easily.
- Voice recording and transcription: Some apps let you record the lecture and convert the speech to text. Great for ensuring you don’t miss a thing, or if you struggle to keep up.
- Works across devices: Look for apps that sync automatically, so you’re never stuck without your materials.
- Use with your learning platform: Whether you’re using Zoom, Teams, or Meet, some tools can link with these platforms. That could mean you could transcribe a session, import slides or take notes as you’re listening.
- Handwriting notes: If you prefer scribbling over typing, pick an app that lets you write with a stylus. Great if you want to use things like mind maps for your notes.
Top note-taking apps for online learning
The perfect note-taking app for you comes down to how you best retain information. Whether it’s structure, freestyle, or voice recordings, these are the most popular tools you might want to use:
Microsoft OneNote
Key features
- Notebook-style layout with tabs and pages
- Easy to drag in images, PDFs, or screenshots
- Syncs across devices via OneDrive
- Integrates smoothly with Microsoft Teams and Office 365
Best for: If you like to scribble notes alongside typed ones.
Evernote
Key features
- Create detailed notes with images, checklists, and attachments
- Powerful tagging and search system
- Great web clipper for saving research material straight from your browser
- Syncs across multiple devices
Best for: Research-heavy courses or those who want to clip and organise content from the web.
Take note though, some of the handy features are hidden behind the paid plan, like offline access and syncing to multiple devices.
Notion
Key features
- Flexible pages that can hold text, tables, databases, checklists, and more
- Fully customisable layout
- Supports embedded media
- Real-time collaboration for group projects
Best for: Creative students or those who are juggling different aspects of learning in one place.
Google Keep
Key features
- Sticky note-style interface for short, quick notes
- Colour-coded notes
- Reminders built in
- Syncs with Google account and integrates with Google Docs
Best for: Quick reminders, basic note-taking, or anyone that’s in and out of Chrome all day.
It’s not ideal for long-form or structured notes, more of a collection of lecture highlights than a full study guide.
GoodNotes / Notability
Key features
- Stylus support for handwritten notes
- Import lecture slides and annotate directly
- Organise by subject/folder
- Supports audio recording in Notability
Best for: Visual learners, creative subjects, or students who take in more by handwriting.
Otter.ai
Key features
- Records audio and turns it into searchable text
- Can link to Zoom for real-time transcription
- Notes are timestamped and speaker-labelled
- Shareable with others for collaborative study
Best for: Students who want a backup of everything that’s been said in a lecture.
Tips for effective note-taking during online lectures
Using the right app is only half the store. How you use it makes all the difference. Here are some tips to help make your notes actually useful.
Get set up before the lecture starts
Sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget. Title your notes, check your mic, and decide if you’ll be typing or writing. That few minutes of prep can make everything easier.
Stick to structure
Use bullet points, bold headings, or numbered lists to break things up. Colour coding can come in useful to help when it comes to reviewing your notes.
Highlight key points
Flag anything that sounds important. Some apps let you mark or tag key ideas in real time.
Revisit your notes within a day
It’s tempting to leave them sitting there, but don’t skim through them later the same day; fill in any blanks and tidy up the formatting while the lecture is still fresh in your mind.
Find what works for you
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to taking notes in online lectures. Some will prefer handwritten notes, while others will love colour-coded bullet points. It’s all about finding a tool that helps to keep you focused and something that you can go back on and read through easily.
At Distance Learning Centre we know that staying organised while studying from home isn’t always easy, but with these tips you can get a little more organised. With our flexible learning, we want to help you succeed.
Put your note-taking method to good use with one of our online courses that can help you learn a new skill or develop one that you already possess. Explore our courses and speak to our friendly team for advice today.
