Learning Technology Index

Glean*

lecture recording

What is it?

  • Glean is a note-taking tool aimed largely at helping students capture and organize information more effectively. 

What is its purpose?

  • Glean's features are designed to improve the note-taking process by merging audio recordings with written notes, making it an invaluable tool for students, particularly those with learning disabilities like ADHD or dyslexia. 

How do I use it?

  • Glean note-taking requires users to sign up using their institutional email or personal email. You can log in through the website.
  • This application is also available for Android and IOS

Why would I use it?

  • Audio recording: Glean enables users to record lectures and meetings. This function ensures that students do not miss any vital information and can listen to the audio later.
  • Audio highlights: Users can highlight major portions of the audio while recording. This makes it easier to find crucial points during the evaluation.
  • Note the organization: The software offers a structured approach to managing notes by integrating audio snippets with written text, photos, and other materials. This multimodal method accommodates a variety of learning styles.
  • Transcription: Glean provides automatic transcription services, which convert audio recordings into text. This function is very useful for quickly referencing spoken content. 
  • Tagging and categorization: Users can tag and categorize their notes, making it easier to organize and locate specific information later.
  • Cloud sync and access: Notes are saved to the cloud, so users can access them from multiple devices. This guarantees that notes are always ready when needed.
  • Interactive timeline: Glean includes an interactive timeline feature that allows users to easily move through their recordings and notes.
Quick Facts
Category
Study Tool
Rating Level 
Web Search
Website
Glean*
Last Modified
16 June 2025
Created
30 May 2024
License Available 
No
More Info

Security Concerns
Yes
Technical Support 
Vendor
Platform(s) 
Windows, Mac, Chromebook, Linux, iOS and android

Ratings Information

CITL Rating

Select any category below for details about the criteria for each rating.

Functionality: ★★★
Scale:★★★
Works Well. Glean is primarily designed as a note-taking and learning support tool for students.
Ease of Use:★★★
Works Well.
Tech Support/Help Availability (for Instructors):★★☆
Minor Concerns. Technical support is provided only through the developers' website
Tech Support/Help Availability (for Students):★★☆
Minor Concerns. Technical support is provided only through the developers' website
Hypermediality :★★★
Works Well.
Accessibility: ★★★
Accessibility Standards:★★★
Works Well.
User-focused participation:★★★
Works Well.
Required Equipment:★★★
Works Well.
Technical: ★★★
Integration/Embedding within a Learning Management System (LMS) :★★★
Works Well.
Operating Systems:★★★
Works Well.
Web Browser:★★★
Works Well.
Additional Technical Requirements:★★★
Works Well.
Mobile Design: ★★★
Access:★★★
Works Well.
Functionality:★★☆
Minor Concerns. There are typically functional differences between the mobile and desktop versions of apps like Glean, although the core features are usually consistent across platforms.
Offline Access:★★★
Works Well. Glean app does offer offline access to its features. This means the app can be used to view and edit your notes even when you don’t have an internet connection.
Usage and Account Set Up: ★★★
Sign Up/Sign In:★★★
Works Well.
Cost of Use:★★☆
Minor Concerns. Users need to pay $15/ month after 30-day free trial
Archiving, Saving, and Exporting Data :★★★
Works Well.
Data Privacy and Ownership:★★★
Works Well.
Social Presence: ★★★
Collaboration :★★☆
Minor Concerns. The tool has a help center that provides support for any required information or inquiries.
User Accountability:
Not Applicable. The Glean app is primarily designed as a note-taking and study tool, focusing on personal learning and accessibility rather than providing comprehensive features for instructor oversight or learner accountability in collaborative settings.
Diffusion:★★★
Works Well.
Teaching Presence: ★★☆
Facilitation:★☆☆
Serious Concerns. Glean is primarily a note-taking tool designed for students
Customization:★★☆
Minor Concerns. Some aspects of the tool can be customized for classroom use; however, it is primarily designed for students.
Learning Analytics:
Not Applicable. Glean is designed more for student-driven learning rather than instructor-led tracking and analytics. It excels in making content accessible and improving individual study habits. Still, it does not offer advanced features like a performance dashboard or detailed metrics for tracking learner engagement and outcomes in real time.
Cognitive Presence: ★★★
Enhancement of Cognitive Task(s):★★★
Works Well.
Higher Order Thinking:★★★
Works Well.
Feedback on Learning:★★★
Works Well.

Security and Privacy

This service is not offered by Memorial University and has not been reviewed by Information Management and Protection.

Support Information

Online Support is available through,

Glean also has active LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) pages that provide updates on new features, company news, and other relevant information about the tool.

History

  • Glean, known initially as Sonocent, was conceived in 2004 when co-founder Roger Tucker envisioned an audio note-taking tool to assist dyslexic learners. In 2005, his son, Dave Tucker, gathered lecture data during his university studies, which informed the initial designs for the software. By 2007, they launched Audio Notetaker, which gained traction among students through the UK's Disabled Students' Allowance. The company rebranded as Sonocent in 2009 and expanded its reach to U.S. colleges by 2011. Over the years, they focused on developing learning strategies and received recognition for their innovations in educational technology. In 2020, the company introduced Glean, a more intuitive note-taking solution, and subsequently adopted it as its name in 2021. Today, Glean supports over 300,000 learners across more than 400 institutions.