We employ a 5-star rating system for all AI tools we review to provide clear and concise evaluations of each based on standardized criteria.
We have awarded Glean an overall rating of four stars because users who have tested it for note-making have consistently given extremely positive feedback, with very few negative reviews. It is all in all a great tool, with a few limitations regarding the mobile app version that need improvement.
Our team discovered that Glean is more than just a note-taking tool; it is a comprehensive solution aimed at fostering effective learning and boosting productivity.
Developed with the goal of teaching students how to take notes that are conducive to learning and information retention, Glean has emerged as a game-changer in the field of education technology.
Glean offers a plethora of features that cater to both individual users and educational institutions:
For Education Institutions
One of the standout attributes of Glean that we love is its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
It caters to individuals with diverse needs, including those with learning disabilities (such as ADHD, Autism, ADD, and Dyslexia), as well as individuals dealing with mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Glean's user-friendly interface and audio-based learning approach make it an ideal choice for such individuals, offering them an inclusive and supportive environment for note-taking and learning.
Glean offers flexible pricing options to cater to both individual users and educational institutions. Here's a breakdown of the pricing plans and their key features:
Whether you are an individual seeking to enhance your note-taking and learning experience or an educational institution aiming to support student success and inclusivity, Glean offers pricing options and features tailored to your needs.
Explore Glean's offerings to unlock the full potential of effective note-taking and improved learning outcomes.
Glean is a robust application designed for recording work meetings, speeches, and classroom lectures. Its features provide valuable tools for students, professionals, and note-takers. However, like any software, it has its strengths and limitations, which we have listed below.
React in Real-Time with Quick Labels: Glean allows users to add quick labels and emojis to sections of audio, making it easy to highlight key points or areas for further review during and after recording.
Capture Audio, Text, and Slides in One Place: Glean provides a comprehensive note-taking experience by allowing users to capture not only audio but also text and slides, ensuring all relevant information is in a single location.
Take Notes in Class or with Online Learning: Glean accommodates different learning environments, making it suitable for in-person classes as well as online learning, making it a versatile tool for various educational settings.
Limited Mobile Features: While Glean is continuously improving its mobile app, it currently offers limited features compared to the desktop version. This can be a drawback for users who rely on mobile devices for note-taking.
Recording Issues: Some users have reported occasional recording issues. While these may be infrequent, they can disrupt the note-taking process and potentially lead to missed content.
The "Task" Feature: Glean could benefit from expanding the "Task" feature to include more robust organizational capabilities, helping users better manage and prioritize their notes and recordings.
Improving "Reading View": The "Reading View" feature could be more useful if it allowed users to combine sets of notes or provided enhanced readability options, facilitating the review and study process.
Here are a couple of additional tools to take into consideration and test along with Glean.
Target Users: Those who prefer the tactile experience of handwriting notes or drawings.
Features:
Pros:
Cons:
Target Users: Individuals seeking text-to-speech functionality to convert content into audio for easier consumption are best suited to Speechify.
Features:
Pros:
Cons:
If you value the experience of handwriting notes or diagrams and prefer a digital solution, Penultimate is a suitable choice.
On the other hand, if your primary need is to convert text into audio for easier consumption, Speechify excels in this aspect.
When comparing alternatives to Glean, consider your specific requirements, such as the need for note organization, annotation, and the tactile feel of note-taking.
To sum up, we think that the Glean app is a great addition to the arsenal of educational technology tools available today. Our team found its emphasis on effective note-taking, coupled with its user-friendly interface and accessibility features, to make it a valuable resource for students and institutions alike.
Whether you want to optimize your note-taking skills or you're working for an educational institution looking to support diverse learning needs, Glean's comprehensive and extremely helpful package offers a promising avenue for improved learning outcomes and enhanced productivity.
As the educational landscape continues to evolve, Glean stands as a beacon of innovation and inclusivity, shaping the future of learning and knowledge retention.
Here are the five key criteria we used to rate and review Glean, along with our professional opinions:
1. Ease of Use and User Interface: Glean's user interface was thoroughly assessed for its intuitiveness and ease of use. We found that the tool excels in providing a user-friendly experience. Its clean and well-organized interface ensures that both beginners and experienced users can quickly adapt to the platform. The menus are logically structured, making it easy to navigate through various features
2. Note-Taking and Multimedia Integration: We scrutinized Glean's note-taking capabilities and its integration of multimedia elements. Our experts found that Glean shines in this aspect. The ability to capture complete lecture information, add notes, labels, photos, slides, and headings, all within the same platform, enhances the comprehensiveness and organization of notes.
3. Accessibility and Inclusivity: Our team paid special attention to Glean's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. We were impressed with the tool's dedication to catering to diverse needs, including those with learning disabilities and mental health challenges. Glean's support for audio-based learning and its user-friendly interface create an inclusive and supportive environment for all users
4. Mobile and Cross-Platform Functionality: Glean's performance on both desktop and mobile devices was meticulously examined. While we found the desktop experience to be highly satisfactory, the mobile app showed room for improvement. Although it allows users to access their notes on the go, it currently offers limited features compared to the desktop version.
5. Reliability and Technical Issues: We investigated the reliability of Glean in terms of recording lectures and saving notes. While Glean generally performed well, some users reported occasional recording issues. Although these problems were infrequent, they could disrupt the note-taking process and lead to missed content.