I gave it a click to discover it would be possible for me to handwrite notes while working in Evernote. That's going to be big news for some of my friends who prefer to handwrite their notes. It was pretty exciting news, but honestly my handwriting is sometimes hard to read; it's often reason I type in the first place.
However I've been playing a bit with sketchnoting. Though I'm not an artist, I find the way sketchnoting requires me to think visually to be a fun challenge. I decided to give sketchnoting a try during the meeting. Creating a sketchnote requires much more synthesizing of information. It really requires me to listen in a much deeper way. I'm not sure as teachers we would find a student drawing to seem like they were truly listening, but I promise if you try it yourself you will begin to realize the challenge involved.
Here's a note I created:
The handwritten information or sketchnote then lives within the Evernote note page that has been created. You can reopen the note to add more information.
What I liked:
- ease of use (much easier than using the Skitch app embedded EN)
- palette had several color possibilities
- I could change the width of the pen/marker
- dots on page make it easier to add lines and consider space
- saves within a note in the same way images do
What I might improve:
- the bumpiness of some parts (That could have been my stylus.)
- a way to enlarge parts of page for more detailed sketching
- a way to share just the sketchnote or writing page without sharing the entire note or taking a screenshot (Maybe it's there and I haven't figured it out yet.)
- I missed the ability to pull up the shield that allows you to place your hand on the iPad while you work
I'm so excited about the possibility of this new tool within Evernote. If you love Evernote, you'll want to give it a try.
As part of a continuous collaboration among educators interested in digital learning, Margaret Simon hosts a weekly Digital Learning round-up on her blog: DigiLit Sunday. Stop by Reflections on the Teche.
As part of a continuous collaboration among educators interested in digital learning, Margaret Simon hosts a weekly Digital Learning round-up on her blog: DigiLit Sunday. Stop by Reflections on the Teche. 
Cathy, thanks for the information on sketchnoting using Evernote. I tried to create a sketch doodle for my PD session on writing. Do I need to use a stylus when using Evernote? If so, I need to buy one. Do you have a favorite brand?
ReplyDeleteCarol,
DeleteUsing stylus will make it easier to draw. I haven't found a favorite brand yet. I do prefer a thinner tip on my stylus. If you find one you love, I hope you'll share.
Thanks for sharing. I have had an ipad for a while and I almost never use it. I still use the notebook for meetings. But I do want to try more sketch noting. Are there tutorials for kids about sketch noting?
ReplyDeleteHmmm. I love this question. I'm not aware of any, but I bet they are out there. I usually start my searches for information here: http://www.schrockguide.net/sketchnoting.html. If not, I'm thinking it would be fun to have kids create them. Let me know if you find any.
DeleteSketchnoting (Is that a word?) is something I want to try over break. I am intrigued and want my students to be able to use it too. Thanks for sharing your example. That is always helpful to see a mentor text.
ReplyDeleteSketchnoting (Is that a word?) is something I want to try over break. I am intrigued and want my students to be able to use it too. Thanks for sharing your example. That is always helpful to see a mentor text.
ReplyDeleteYou know what? I HAVE seen the stylus sign. I just haven't bothered to try it. Will have a go with it soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cathy!
We have been doing a lot of sketching in our notebooks so this will really help us! Thanks for the tips.
ReplyDeleteClare and Tammy
We have been doing a lot of sketching in our notebooks so this will really help us! Thanks for the tips.
ReplyDeleteClare and Tammy