Hey there, fellow learners and note-takers! I recently dived into a course that’s all about revolutionizing the way we take notes. I’m talking about “Electronic Shorthand: Learn how to take digital notes” on Udemy, taught by Michelle Campbell-Scott. Here’s my take on it, served up in a casual, coffee-chat style. Let’s dive in!
At first glance, the concept of “electronic shorthand” might sound a bit niche. But in today’s world, where we’re constantly juggling information, this skill is a goldmine. The course promises to teach you how to take fast, accurate digital notes across any device. Spoiler alert: it delivers.
Instructor Reputation
When it comes to the driving force behind “Electronic Shorthand: Learn how to take digital notes,” Michelle Campbell-Scott is a figure of notable expertise and inspiring dedication. Diving deeper into her credentials reveals a multi-faceted professional with an extensive background that’s as diverse as it is impressive. As a bestselling author, premium instructor, and former teacher and IT trainer, Michelle brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to the table, which significantly enhances the course’s credibility and appeal.
Michelle’s journey from the realms of Public Relations to education and then to becoming a revered author and course creator is a testament to her adaptability and passion for sharing knowledge. Her instructor rating of 4.1, alongside 560 reviews and over 12,975 students across just three courses, underscores not just her popularity but also her ability to connect with and impact a broad audience. This engagement is further evidenced by the positive feedback from students who commend her clear, concise teaching style and the practicality of her courses.
Beyond the numbers and accolades, Michelle’s approach to teaching is grounded in real-world applications and empathy. The story of how “Electronic Shorthand” came to be—born out of a genuine need to help someone in distress—speaks volumes about her motivation and approach to problem-solving. This personal touch not only makes the course more relatable but also showcases Michelle as an instructor who deeply understands the challenges her students face and is committed to helping them overcome these hurdles.
Moreover, Michelle’s authorial work, which spans various topics from publishing and marketing to health and hobbies under different pen names, provides an added layer of depth to her expertise. Her ability to navigate different fields successfully and her willingness to share these insights through her courses enrich the learning experience, offering students not just technical skills but also broader perspectives on creativity, productivity, and professional development.
In essence, Michelle Campbell-Scott’s reputation as an instructor is built on a solid foundation of professional achievements, personal integrity, and a genuine commitment to student success. Her unique blend of skills, experiences, and teaching philosophy creates a learning environment that is not only informative but also empowering and supportive, making her an invaluable guide in the journey to mastering electronic shorthand.
Course Structure
The structure of “Electronic Shorthand: Learn how to take digital notes” is a masterclass in educational design, thoughtfully curated to cater to learners at different levels and with varying learning styles. The course is meticulously organized into digestible sections, each building on the previous to ensure a coherent and progressive learning experience. This methodical approach demystifies the process of learning digital note-taking, making it accessible to anyone regardless of their prior experience or familiarity with shorthand.
At the heart of the course’s structure are the “Super Simple Rules,” a set of principles that guide learners through the core concepts of electronic shorthand. This framework is genius in its simplicity and effectiveness, breaking down potentially complex ideas into easy-to-understand and easy-to-apply steps. The brilliance of this structure lies in its adaptability; it allows learners to quickly grasp the basics and then gradually incorporate more advanced techniques as their confidence and skills grow.
To complement the theoretical aspects, the course is interspersed with a variety of interactive elements, including activities, quizzes, and dictations. These interactive components are strategically placed to reinforce learning, provide immediate practice opportunities, and help solidify the learners’ understanding of key concepts. The activities are designed to be engaging and relevant, ensuring that learners are not just passive recipients of information but active participants in their learning journey.
Additionally, the wealth of downloadable materials—worksheets, dictionaries, and PDFs—further enriches the learning experience. These resources are invaluable tools that learners can refer to during and after the course, supporting ongoing practice and mastery of electronic shorthand. The inclusion of a personal abbreviations dictionary is particularly noteworthy, as it encourages learners to customize their learning and develop a system that works best for them.
The course’s structure also reflects a deep understanding of adult learning principles, recognizing the importance of flexibility, self-direction, and practical application. By allowing learners to progress at their own pace and providing them with the tools to apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios, the course empowers learners to take control of their learning experience and achieve tangible improvements in their note-taking efficiency and effectiveness.
In conclusion, the course structure is a well-thought-out blend of theory, practice, and personalization. It is designed to facilitate a comprehensive and engaging learning experience, equipping learners with the skills and confidence to transform their note-taking habits and, by extension, their professional and academic performance. Michelle Campbell-Scott’s thoughtful approach to course design is a key factor in the course’s success, making it a standout offering for anyone looking to enhance their digital note-taking capabilities.
Content Quality
The quality of content in “Electronic Shorthand: Learn how to take digital notes” is nothing short of remarkable. Michelle Campbell-Scott has crafted a course that’s not only rich in practical knowledge but also engaging and relevant to a wide audience. The course’s content quality shines through various aspects, from the comprehensiveness of the material to the way it’s presented to learners.
One of the standout features of the course content is its real-world applicability. The course begins with a compelling narrative about Angela, a medical administrator on the brink of a professional crisis. This story does more than just set the stage; it humanizes the need for the course and immediately engages the learner by highlighting a real problem that electronic shorthand can solve. This approach ensures that learners are not just acquiring a new skill but are also able to see the value and impact of this skill in practical settings.
Moreover, the course content is meticulously structured to cover all bases—from the basics of electronic shorthand to advanced tips and tricks for optimizing note-taking efficiency. The “Super Simple Rules” serve as the backbone of the instructional content, providing clear, easy-to-follow guidelines that learners can quickly apply. This clarity and simplicity are crucial for learners to build confidence in their new skills.
The inclusion of interactive elements such as activities, quizzes, and dictations enhances the learning experience by providing opportunities for practice and self-assessment. These components are thoughtfully integrated into the course content, ensuring that learners are actively engaged and able to apply what they’ve learned in a supportive environment. Feedback from these interactive elements further enriches the learning process, allowing learners to identify areas for improvement and solidify their understanding of key concepts.
Another significant aspect of the course’s content quality is the wealth of supplementary materials provided. The downloadable worksheets, dictionaries, and PDFs are not just add-ons but essential tools that complement the core content. They serve as valuable references that learners can utilize long after completing the course, supporting lifelong learning and continuous improvement.
The course also excels in its presentation. The information is conveyed in a clear, concise, and personable manner, making complex concepts accessible to all learners. The use of visuals, examples, and real-life applications throughout the course enhances comprehension and retention, ensuring that learners are not only able to understand the material but also apply it effectively in their daily lives.
Overall Course Rating – 9/10
After thoroughly analyzing and engaging with “Electronic Shorthand: Learn how to take digital notes“, I am compelled to give this course a rating of 9 out of 10. This high rating reflects the exceptional quality of the course content, its relevance to a broad audience, and the effective teaching methods employed by Michelle Campbell-Scott.
The course stands out for several reasons. Firstly, the depth and breadth of the content ensure that learners of all levels, from novices to more experienced individuals, can gain valuable insights and skills from the course. The real-world applicability of the course content, exemplified by the initial story of Angela and the subsequent practical examples, significantly enhances the learning experience by demonstrating the real impact of mastering electronic shorthand.
Additionally, the interactive components of the course, including activities, quizzes, and dictations, are pivotal in reinforcing learning and encouraging active engagement. These elements not only solidify the learner’s understanding of electronic shorthand but also provide a fun and engaging way to practice and improve.
The supplementary materials provided with the course deserve special mention. The comprehensive range of downloadable resources, including the personal abbreviations dictionary, offers an invaluable aid to learners, supporting their ongoing practice and mastery of electronic shorthand. These materials ensure that the value of the course extends far beyond its completion, providing learners with tools and resources they can continuously rely on.
The course’s presentation style, characterized by clarity, accessibility, and a personal touch, further elevates its quality. Michelle Campbell-Scott’s ability to convey complex information in an understandable and engaging manner makes the learning process enjoyable and effective.
While the course excels in many areas, the reason it does not receive a perfect score is the opportunity for more challenging quizzes and exercises that could further test and reinforce the learners’ knowledge and skills. However, this is a minor critique in the context of the course’s overall excellence.
In conclusion, this is an outstanding course that offers immense value to anyone looking to improve their note-taking skills. Its comprehensive content, engaging teaching methods, and practical application make it a must-take course for students, professionals, and anyone in between seeking to enhance their productivity and efficiency in the digital age.
