I have been using Livescribe for about 3 months and find it very useful. http://www.livescribe.com/

The system was actually designed for people taking notes while someone else talks - in a lecture hall or business meeting. I have adapted it to record myself talking while I demonstrate how to do math problems.

I originally got it to answer "one off" questions from my online students. You know the kind - no one has every had a question about number 5 on page 17 and now this student is hysterical because she doesn't understand it. You don't really want to create a massive production number about it, but you do want to give her a complete answer. Livescribe to the rescue!

You simply write with their special pen (which includes a microphone) in their special notebook (embedded with tiny dots) - talking as you write. The end result can be uploaded to their website and you can send the student a link to view your writing and hear your "lecture".

I'm sure that a tablet would be just as effective, if I could ever manage to write on one without my penmanship looking like a 3-year old's. The fact that this feels like a real pen and paper (because it is) makes the writing part really easy.

In fact, I like it so much that I have created files of all my lectures. In my face-to-face classes, they listen to my lecture for homework and do the written assignments in class with me there as the resident "tutor". Teaching 2.0!

Things I like about Livescribe:

• Easy to write with
• Portable - you can work anywhere that you can write and talk - no computer necessary for that part
• Easy to send someone a link to the file

Things I'm not so enchanted with about Livescribe:

• You can only upload the file to their site - I'd prefer more control.
• I can't get anyone to tell me what happens when I max out my storage with them.
• You have to purchase a new notebook when you use one up.
• I have yet to find a way to edit the file - if you mess up, you have to re-record.

Word to the wise:

The system comes in two sizes. As far as I can see, the stoage refers to how much can be stored on the pen itself. Someone taking notes while on an African safari would probably prefer the 2GB version. Since I lecture and upload, lecture and upload,... I think I could have made do with the 1GB version.