Assistive Tech for Notetaking & Writing

Taking notes and turning them into essays doesn’t have to be a stress-fest. Whether you’re trying to keep up in lectures, organise research, or polish an assignment, there are tools that make the whole process quicker, clearer, and way less painful.

Capture it all (without the panic)

  • OneNote → Think of it as your digital notebook. Record lecture audio, get transcripts, import presentations and PDF’s, add pics of slides, scribble with your iPad, or just type straight in. Everything stays synced across devices.
  • Genio → Think of it as your smart lecture sidekick. Record classes, capture slides, and get instant AI summaries so you can focus on listening, not typing. Add your own notes, highlights, or images, and it’ll neatly organise everything by topic. Access it anytime on any device — perfect for stress-free studying and revision.

Make sense of your research

  • Copilot in Word → Stuck staring at a blank page? Copilot can draft an outline, reword clunky sentences, or summarise your reading into bite-sized chunks.
  • NotebookLM → Upload your lecture notes, articles, and readings, then chat with your sources like you would with ChatGPT. Perfect for pulling ideas together without losing track of where you found them.

Turn ideas into essays

  • Dictation in Word → Say it out loud and let Word type it for you (game-changer if your brain works faster than your typing).
  • Immersive Reader → Play back what you’ve written — hearing it aloud is the best way to catch mistakes and check if it flows.

👉 See our Reading & Understanding Support tools

💡 Pro tip: Mix and match! Record in OneNote or Word, draft and polish with Copilot. No more lost notes or 2am essay meltdowns.

🧰 Getting Started with Assistive Tech

Not sure where to begin? Here’s how to choose the right tools:

  1. Know Your Needs – What’s most challenging for you?
  2. Pick Your Style – Visual learner? Prefer voice tools?
  3. Start Small – Try 1–2 tools before adding more
  4. Check Device Compatibility – Apple, Android, Windows, etc.
  5. Explore & Adapt – Try free versions and see what sticks

🎯 Try this: AHEAD’s “Discover your AT” tool  helps match tools to your needs.

👉 AI and Accessibility Interactive Guide – explore AI tools that support neurodivergent ways of working

💬 Final Thoughts

AT isn’t just about accommodation — it’s about empowerment. The right tech can help you manage tasks, reduce stress, and unlock the way you learn best.

👋 Got a tool you love? Let us know! Sharing what works can help others find their perfect fit too.

Support and Training 

👉IT Helpdesk: For licensing issues or technical support, reach out to the QUB IT Helpdesk. 

👉 You can attend training to learn how to use any of these tools. Check here for upcoming workshops. Some licensed tools are available after training — we’ll help you get access if they would be useful for you.

👉 You can book a session with the Assistive Technology Coordinator if you need help