Frequently asked questions about note taking

Technical Questions

I cannot log into ALC online.

Copy and paste the following URL in the search field sierra.accessiblelearning.com/WLU.

Do not bookmark the Accessible Learning Online portal once logged in; instead, bookmark the URL as it is written above exactly.

If you continue to have issues, email the coordinator so that they can unlock your account or provide further troubleshooting strategies.

What do I do when the class already has lecture notes posted online?

Often professors will post lecture slides, but they are not comprehensive or contain details. If you find, however, that the professor does not deviate from the slides and there is no additional information to add, contact the coordinator for recommendations.

Note Taking Questions

Can we know the disability of the student for whom we are taking notes so we can cater to his/her needs?

Due to reasons of confidentiality, we are unable to disclose this information. In addition, there may be many students with varied disabilities accessing your notes, so you wouldn't want to cater to a single disability.

What is the best way to take notes using the professor's PowerPoint slides?

You are welcome to either add notes in the comments section, convert the powerpoint to a Word document and add notes that way, or take separate notes using Word.

Discover more tips and tricks for taking notes.

In what format should I post my notes?

You may post the notes in whichever format (.doc, .docx, .pdf, .ppt) is best for you, unless the ALC has indicated otherwise.

Do I have to type my notes?

You can share your handwritten notes as long as they are legible. Simply take photos of your notes and upload the image files to AL Online.