While I have never used OneNote, I have heard many great things about it.
However, I use the notebook view and the regular word document. I also use
Curio, but find that it's not convenient for note-taking.
My ideal note-taking program:
1. Side window pane showing the various folders (I'm in law school, so here's
an example: Torts, Contracts, Criminal Procedure)
2. Ability to add comments to each individual file so I can quickly view them
(Ex: Comment to Contracts folder: "Prof Smith wants problems 1,2 done for next
class)
3. Ability to place anything into the file like pics, audio files, free-hand
scribbles)
4. The ability to make, modify, and change the way bullets and outlines are
created, namely the size, color, font, whether it's a number, letter, or
symbol.
5. The ability to place a text box shaped like, maybe, a cloud - so that I can
make side notes that this point is important. A "post-it" note would be really
great too!
6. Capability to take notes or, at the very least, set up a template for
notetaking that is known as the "Cornell Notes." I could create tables, but it
heats up my CPU (maybe that's just my problem, but that option, in the click
of a button would be great)
7. Have certain note-taking templates available, such as the ones listed on
this webpage: <
http://www.englishcompanion.com/Tools/notemaking.html>
8. Have a simple program within the program to make flashcards (?)
9. Templates for letters, briefs, memos, etc. A simple thesaurus, dictionary,
grammar, punctuation "tool" would be great as well.
10. Have automatic text. For example, I'm currently in law school and we
"brief" many cases. For each case, I have to note the following categories:
Facts, Procedural History, Holding, Judgment, Analysis/reasoning. I wish I
could set up something like autotext. (maybe I can and I just don't know)
11. Perhaps a calendar with the capability to create and have a running "to do
list." It would also be great if this could be linked to the class notes. For
example, while you're taking notes, the professor says that a guest speaker is
coming to school on April 1 at 3pm. Usually, I would write a few notes
surrounding this event. Then, I wish I could put this on a calendar that would
have a small link, when clicked, would take me to my notes.
11. The ability to create/draw "mind maps" or flow-charts.
12. Finally, if this program existed, a website where it would store the notes
as they are being created would be fantastic. A friend's laptop just crashed
and he lost all of his notes, but if this "back-up" option was available, he
wouldn't be behind.
Most law schools today allow students to take notes and bring their laptops to
class. Furthermore, I suspect the use of laptops in the classroom will
continue to college and perhaps, to high school. If a program was created,
specifically for students, I do believe that MANY would or seriously consider
purchasing them. In fact, I would be willing to pay anywhere from $30 - $80;
and I will tell you, I am not the only person who has complained about the
lack of a solid note-taking program. Additionally, Microsoft could have a
contract and offer discounts to certain schools.
I know that I am asking for a lot and I admit that I do not have a clue as to
programming, but these are just my ideas.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to email me at
(e-mail address removed). If it would help create a program that could do all of
this, I would be more than happy to help!
Thank you!
Denise
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