Product website: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/onenote/
Wikipedia summary (product website is mostly ordering information): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_OneNote
Main Features: This is one of the platforms of the general Microsoft Office software package that allows for the collection of many different forms of data into "notebooks". These notebooks can be shared between users. This feature is particularly useful for a teacher who wants to present multiple lessons' worth of notes in one document to an entire class. Other convenient features include the option to insert text anywhere in the document (there is no invisible grid that forces text boxes into certain locations- just click and type exactly where you want the text! Although the grid option is available if you need to center something or align it a certain way). This software also has an auto-save feature.
Level of difficulty: Logistically, since OneNote is a Microsoft Office software, it can only be used on devices compatible with Microsoft Office, which in most cases means a Windows computer is necessary. Concerning actual use of the product, I would place it at a lower difficulty level, because many tutorials are available online, including some links on the product website about the software basics. It also shows the user different actions that can be taken when first opening the program.
Classroom Application: This software has a multi-user feature, which would easily allow for created notebooks to be viewed and edited by any member of a class. It would be great for group projects or even notes that need to be delivered to a class. The only limitation to this would be the necessity for a class set of laptops.
Although it isn't very popular as of now, I think this software is definitely worth learning in case you get the opportunity to use it in your classroom, since it is part of the Office suite.
I use OneNote 2007 quite often, which I got it for free on campus. Its autosave feature is great. Never lose any data. It can allow you to encrypt certain documents with your own password. It may take some time to get used to its notebooks organization layout. Very confusing.
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned that the notebooks can be shared by different users. Is it a cloud-sharing idea? or on a single PC?
Since it isn't on my personal computer, I actually have only had the chance to use it on my former roommate's computer and some library computers, so I'm not positive. Next time I talk to her, I'll definitely ask her if she's familiar with how they are shared and get back to you =)
ReplyDeleteFor the time being, I did find this on the Microsoft Office website, which suggests that you can save it to a network location and allow any computer connected to the network to access it:
ReplyDeletehttp://office.microsoft.com/en-us/onenote-help/use-a-notebook-on-multiple-computers-HA010091095.aspx