Take the best notes from your virtual lectures
First, sign into Zoom or Teams 5-10 minutes before class, turn off your devices not currently in use and spend time reviewing previous notes in preparation for the upcoming lecture.
Once the lecture begins
Listen carefully
Look out for areas in the lecture that your instructor provides visual cues e.g. charts, pictures, diagrams explaining concepts or terms. This also includes writings on the white board.
Make it legible
Try taking notes using your best handwriting or perhaps typing notes in your own words.
Notice if a point is highlighted
If something is important, it is likely that your course instructor will speak about it more than once or spend time on one point, and you should take notes.
Highlight what you know
If you hear something you already have learned and know well, you don’t need to write notes on it.
Prioritize how you take notes
Don’t feel pressured to take notes from slides, especially if it will be made available later.
Reflect after the session
Leave ample space to make notes after class, as you review the lecture, you may recall more points from class.
Take notes in multiple ways
Here you can learn about outline, cornell, concept mapping and charting notes!
This list was compiled from an adaption of the resource created by the Learning Assistance Program at the University of Victoria.
See Centre for Academic Communication (CAC), Academic Coaching Strategies.
Want to learn more about notetaking strategies?
Contact a CAC Academic Coach to discuss effective strategies for reading, notetaking, outlining, summarizing, paraphrasing and quoting academic sources.
If you are needing additional support, UVic has several virtual services for students offered through University of Victoria Student Support Services.
