Livescribe Echo Pen 

Cost: Paid Device | Platforms: Software comes with the device that is suitable for both Apple and non-Apple Laptops and Desktops. 

The Livescribe Echo Pen has been used in Education for many years. It is an electronic pen that has a number of functions such as recording audio, linking the audio to your notes so you can tap on your notes to access the recording and notes are saved to your pen and can be uploaded to your computer. 

The functions of the Pen can take a while to understand so it can be better to view how it works instead of describing it. Watch the video below to see the Pen in action. 

Most useful for: people who find it challenging to concentrate for long periods, for people with slow or difficult to read handwriting and useful for both reading and listening back to information. 

Its key features are: 

• The Pen records audio and you can record the audio as you write. 

• It has particular notebooks that can work with the pen - Record everything you hear, say and write, while linking your audio recordings to your notes. 

• Replay audio directly from paper by tapping on your notes.

• Pen controls can also be  accessed via tapping the pen on the control function on the end of each note book e.g. record and pause, as seen in the image.

• Echo Desktop software allows you to save, organize and play back interactive notes from your Mac or Windows computer. 

• It needs to be recharged often via a standard USB cable. 

• It also requires particular ink cartridges. 

• Instead of buying the Dot Note paper Pads you can download Notebook PDFs and print them off to create your own Dot Notebooks. 

Our Top Tips: 

• When you record audio on your pen as you are taking notes you can take a lot of notes or be very minimal. Explore what type of notetaking needs work best for you. 

• Charging your pen consistently is a must. Like all batteries in electronic devices, the battery life needs to be maintained by recharging it. 

• The Pen records your notes (when it is switched on) so please connect your pen to your computer (making sure you have downloaded the Echo Desktop Software and created an account). By uploading your notes regularly, you have a backup of your notes. 

Demonstration of Livescribe Echo Pen in Action: 

Video source: HTC MPC YouTube channel 

Go to the Livescribe Website> 

A guide to Livescribe Echo Pens> 

Get more Advice:  

• If you are a student in Higher Education, speak to your Assistive Technology Officer or Disability Officer /Learning Support Officer.  

• If you are a Student in the FET/ETB then it may be possible to speak to an Educational Needs Coordinator, Learning Support Coordinator, Student Access Officer, Student Support Coordinator or a Disability Support Officer for more information about assistive technology.  

• If you are an Employee and are interested in this technology then speak to your Disability Liaison Officer (public service) or your Line Manager to start the conversation. 

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