A lecturer at the University of Portsmouth has created an app that helps students to learn shorthand wherever they are.
Gill Wray, a tutor in shorthand, has developed the app which can be viewed on PC, tablet or phone, and is the only programme available anywhere in the world to help students revise the basics of teeline shorthand.
The new app means students can revise anywhere
There is also a dictation section, with Gill reading sentences at 60, 70 and 80 words per minute, and a revision guide.
The site is still being added to on a regular basis.
“Students are always saying they don’t have enough time to do their revision, but with this app they can revise on the bus, on the train, or in between lectures. They really have no excuse!” says Gill.
“We are even going to send the link to prospective students so they can start to learn their trade before they start at the University”.
Gill developed the app alongside Emily Bennett and Pete Sparkes, online course developers who had the technical skills to make the idea a reality.
Gill says: “I first came up with the idea two years ago after a conversation with a student. However the technology at the University’s disposal at the time meant that it was not possible to create the app.
First year journalism student Catherine Richardson using the app
“The installation of a new virtual learning environment at the University meant that the creation of the app was now possible.”
Students take a test that involves seeing a shorthand symbol and choosing the meaning from two options at the bottom of the screen.
Each small test takes two minutes to complete, with students being allowed five seconds to guess each symbol. If the student gets them all right, they are allowed to advance to the next level.
According to Gill: “Shorthand is an essential skill for journalists to learn. It greatly helps them to secure a job in the future, so anything that aids their learning in this subject can only be a good thing”.
You can view the app here
katie kennedy
February 19, 2013
Hi Is this app available to staff at the university? if will not let me look at the link with my staff details as log in.
Press Office
February 19, 2013
Hi Katie
You should be fine just clicking the link – but here it is again just in case – http://www.sshls-dev.port.ac.uk/shorthand/
Adam Cook
February 21, 2013
Hi
I’m unable to download the app, just to double check – what credentials should I be using to log in? My university one? Didn’t work..
Adam
Iain
February 21, 2013
Hello. Is this app available to people who aren’t students at the University of Portsmouth? Currently studying journalism elsewhere and would like to try the app.
Thanks.
Press Office
February 22, 2013
Hi Iain
We’re looking into this for you and will let you know when we’ve found out why it’s asking for a password.
Iain
March 11, 2013
Hello.
Thanks for getting back to me. Just wondering do you have any update since the other week on the password issue? Thanks.
Press Office
March 11, 2013
Hi Iain
I’m very sorry but due to issues beyond our control the app is not currently available to people from outside of the University.
Shayma
April 24, 2013
Would this app for shorthand be available to students of other universities anytime in the near future.