Unit 3: Watching & Listening

While it might seem a lot like taking notes on reading, making notes on audio and video presentations that are part of your course may require some slightly different strategies in order to get the most of the audio or video materials.

Many Kaplan Courses include brief pieces of audio or video, including animations, online Powerpoint presentations, clips from interviews with major thinkers, or instructional videos from a variety of sources. Additionally, many of your textbooks will include CD-ROMS and DVD-ROMS with additional audio or video resources on them.

Note:

Never throw away a CD or DVD supplement that comes with your textbook until you have looked at it closely. It may include helpful tutorials, practice animations, videos, or other materials (such as links to online articles) that can help you explore ideas and answer questions when you are struggling with material in the textbook and need a fresh perspective or quick review.

The Watching-Listening Challenge

While many students enjoy the chance to take a break from all the reading and see a live expert, play with an interactive simulation, or listen to an important interview, these multimedia materials present unique challenges in taking careful notes:

Suggestions for Effective Watching & Listening

Because audio and video are important ways to deliver and study new information, it's important to consider a few guidelines on how to make sure you get the most out of what you are watching and learning.