LIVESCRIBE: AN EMERGING
TECHNOLOGY
EDET 637 SPRING 2010
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE
George Flores, RN, BS
Learning Objectives
Individuals will be able to:
 Describe the emerging technology
 Identify two applications for the device
 Identify two unique features of the technology
 Describe one application of the technology in
education
Technology Description
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Livescribe Pulse™ digital pen records both what is
written and syncs audio input to notes on specially
patterned paper and uploads to PC or MAC
Designed to enhance productivity, learning,
communication and self-expression
(Baig, 2008; Naone, 2008; Livescribe, 2010)
Tech Developers
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Executives have experience working with companies
such as Leapfrog, Palm, Apple and IBM
CEO Jim Marggraff known for creating LeapPad and
LeapFrog FLY Pentop computers
Company unveiled May 28, 2007
Pulse smartpen unveiled January 28, 2008
Company headquarters located in Oakland, CA, USA
(Livescribe, 2010)
Livescribe Pulse Hardware

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Sleek and ergonomic, anodized aluminum housing
Titanium color
155 mm in length, 14 mm to 16mm wide with even
taper
Weighs 36 grams (1.3 oz.)
Storage 1GB, 2GB and 4GB
Specific details for both hardware and software
available at Livescribe website (2010)
Livescribe Pulse Software

Desktop software downloaded from website
Page viewer
 Export function
 Smartpen and application management
 Account access

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Bundled software
Paper replay
 Notes (ink capture)
 Audio recording access
 Calculator
 Translator Demo

(Livescribe, 2010)
Current Uses of Pulse smartpen
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Note taking device (education, corporate, etc.)
Handwriting to text transcription
Translation
Study guide
Auditory flashcards
Educational assistive device
(Livescribe, 2010)
Accessibility, Availability and Cost
Available throughout North America at Best Buy,
Staples, Target, Apple Stores, and London Drugs
 Livescribe site includes a Google Map to assist
consumer to find retailers near them
 Available online at the same stores
 Smartpen and applications available through the
Livescribe store online
 2GB Pulse costs $149.95, 4GB Pulse costs $169.95,
and 4GB Pulse Propack costs $229.95
(Livescribe, 2010)

Equipment and Usage Standards
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Works with Windows and Mac OS
Getting started with Pulse tutorial available online
at the Start here site on the Livescribe site
Following tutorial videos, desktop installation
assistance is available
(Livescribe, 2010)
Adaptability of Pulse smartpen
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User friendly device
Support available online
Tutorials available to consumer
Pulse smartpen user manual available online
Windows user manual and Mac OS X user manual
online
Getting started guide also available online
(Livescribe, 2010)
Interactivity & Control
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Device provides tactile sense of writing, audio input
and visual cues to the user; optimizing sensory input
for user
Brief video demonstrates some of its features
(Livescribe, 2010)
Application to Education
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Device optimizes teaching and learning
Enriches the dynamic exchange between student
and teacher
Reinforces concepts through various sensory
modalities; assistive device for those with visual
impairment (K. Parks, personal communication,
January 28, 2010; Science Daily, 2008)
EdLivescribe site details additional application of
the smartpen to education
Personal Experiences

Pros
 Easy
to use device
 Has heft and ink flow is very smooth
 Audio capture clear and can be augmented with ear
buds
 Capability to transcribe hand written notes to text
 Tech support

Cons
 Initial
cost
 Cost of supplies
Overall a very usable assistive technology
References
Baig, E. C. (2008, May 5). Livescribe Pulse digital pen brings your notes to life. USA Today. Retrieved from
http://www.usatoday.com.
Smartpens help blind see: Industrial technologists design smart pen to record what it writes and hears. (2008,
May, 1). Science Daily: Your Source for the Latest Research News. Retrieved from
http://sciencedaily.com/videos/2008/0509-smart_pens_help_blind_see.html.
Livescribe: Never Miss a Word. (2010). Retrieved April 17, 2010 from http://www.livescribe.com.
Naone, E. (2008). Livescribe pulse: Handwritten notes get digital audio support. Technology Review, 111(3),
86-87.
Weaver, B. (2009). On the Pulse: Pen-based computing in the laboratory. Retrieved March 27, 2010 from
http://www.scientificcomputing.com/On-the-Pulse.aspx.