When Should You Take Notes By Hand Instead of Digitally?

The digital age has made paper notebooks seem obsolete. However, science shows writing notes by hand has unique benefits for learning. When should you use old-fashioned pen and paper rather than a laptop or tablet?

Benefits of Handwritten Notes

Handwriting notes may seem outdated. But research reveals major upsides:

• Improves comprehension and retention – writing engages more neural networks in the brain.
• Increases focus – avoids digital distractions from social media, internet, etc.
• More visualization – drawings and diagrams integrated easily.
• Greater creativity – paper feels more freeflowing than typing.

Benefits of Digital Notes

However, laptops and tablets offer advantages too:

• Faster note-taking – can type faster than write.
• Easy organization – searchability, copying and pasting.
• Shareability – email notes or upload online.
• Eco-friendly – reduces paper waste and cost.

When to Use Handwritten Notes

Handwriting shines for:

• Math, science, diagrams
• Heavy memorization
• Following verbal lectures
• Reviewing and summarizing

The focused thinking benefits retention. Diagrams and symbols are easier drawn by hand.

When to Use Digital Notes

Use laptops and tablets for:

• Fast-paced lectures
• Annotation of textbook PDFs
• Collaborative group work
• Distracting environments
• Eco-friendly preference

Typing is better for quickly capturing lots of information. File sharing and searching are helpful perks too.

Best Practices

• For lectures, take handwritten notes, then type up digitally after class to fill in gaps.
• Use online flashcard apps to reinforce memory of digitized notes.
• Print out diagrams and visuals to handwrite on later.
• Use audio recording as backup for very fast lectures.

The Bottom Line

The best note-taking method depends on many factors. Evaluate each course and situation. Leverage the strengths of both handwriting and digital technologies. Mastering a flexible approach to note-taking leads to maximum learning and retention.

Note-Taking Mistakes Students Make Most Often

Note-taking is a vital learning skill. But many students fall into poor note-taking habits without realizing it. These are some of the most common note-taking mistakes.

Not Taking Notes at All

It may seem obvious, but many students attend lectures without taking any notes. Reasons include:

• Relying on memory
• Thinking they’ll remember later
• Finding it boring
• Expecting to only use textbook
• Assuming notes aren’t important

Without notes, most students retain just 5-10% of a lecture. Don’t make this mistake.

Passively Highlighting or Underlining

Many students highlight or underline passively while reading. This gives a false sense of comprehension and retention.

Problems with passive highlighting:

• Fails to synthesize or summarize
• Doesn’t engage critical thinking
• Leads to information overload
• Forgets context and connections

Active note-taking like summarizing engages deeper thinking.

Writing Verbatim or Only Examples

Some students transcribe lectures word-for-word. However, this is inefficient and ineffective. Others note only examples, omitting key concepts.

Issues with these methods:

• Can’t keep up with pace of lecture
• Loses context and big picture
• Omits professor’s emphasis
• Leads to information overload
• Focuses on details not core ideas

Prioritize jotting main points and key concepts instead. Fill in examples later.

Poor Organization

Good notes are organized and structured logically. However, many students have scattered, disjointed notes. Issues include:

• No titles or structure
• Unclear handwriting
• Random order of topics
• No separation of ideas
• Hard to study from later

Structure notes with headings, bullet points, and clear separation of concepts.

Not Reviewing Notes

Students often shove notes in their backpack until exam cramming. This leads to:

• Forgetting details fast
• Disconnected ideas
• Cramming instead of learning
• Poor understanding
• Waste of note-taking effort

Reviewing and rewriting notes regularly boosts retention tremendously. Don’t let notes go to waste.

Key Takeaways

Avoid these common note-taking pitfalls:

• Not taking notes at all
• Passive highlighting
• Verbatim or example-only notes
• Disorganized notes
• Failing to review notes

Build good note-taking habits from the start. Your grades will thank you.

How Online Learning Changes Your Note-Taking Process

With remote learning becoming widespread, how should students adapt their note-taking strategies for online classes? Here are tips to take great notes in a virtual environment:

Challenges of Online Note-Taking

Online learning poses new note-taking obstacles:

• Technological distractions at home
• Harder to focus on screen for hours
• Difficult to sketch diagrams by trackpad
• Can’t raise hand to ask prof to repeat/clarify
• Harder to collaborate with classmates

However, with some adjustments, you can take organized and effective notes remotely.

Best Practices for Online Note-Taking

To master online note-taking:

• Minimize distractions – turn off phone, close extra browser tabs
• Use pen and paper for math, science, diagrams
• Review chat box – may contain clarifications from professor
• Be an active participant – unmute yourself to ask questions
• Use online whiteboard tools to collaborate with classmates
• Record lectures to rewatch if needed

Digital Note-Taking Tools

Leverage technology to enhance your online notes:

• Note-taking apps like Evernote or OneNote
• Online highlighters for PDF textbooks and slides
• Digital flashcards to reinforce memorization
• Screensharing to work collaboratively
• Apple Pencil for iPad handwritten annotation

The Bottom Line

With preparation and adaptability, students can take organized, effective notes in a remote learning environment. Leverage the advantages of digital tools while also utilizing old-fashioned pen and paper note-taking where appropriate. Master your new virtual note-taking workflow to continue learning at your highest potential.

Note-Taking Tips for Auditory, Visual, and Tactile Learners

People absorb information in different ways based on their dominant learning style. Auditory learners prefer listening. Visual learners favor seeing. Tactile or kinesthetic learners thrive through hands-on activities. Here are note-taking strategies tailored for each learning style.

Note-Taking for Auditory Learners

If you learn best through listening:

• Record lectures to replay verbal explanations
• Read notes aloud when reviewing
• Discuss topics with professors and peers
• Explain concepts to yourself out loud
• Use rhythmic mnemonic devices to memorize key points

Leverage your auditory strengths with these techniques.

Note-Taking for Visual Learners

If you learn well through visuals:

• Color code your notes with highlights and pens
• Use symbols instead of words when possible
• Draw diagrams to visualize processes and relationships
• Create mind maps and charts to organize ideas
• Watch relevant YouTube videos for visual explanations

Harness the power of visual learning.

Note-Taking for Tactile Learners

If you learn by doing:

• Take handwritten notes instead of typing
• Annotate by hand printed PowerPoint slides
• Draw out solutions to sample problems
• Use 3D models, puzzles, or other hands-on aids
• Study in short bursts while walking, pacing, or moving

Incorporate movement and tactile strategies.

Principles For All Learning Styles

Some best practices apply to all:

• Engage multiple senses – vision, hearing, touch
• Review frequently to aid memorization
• Teach concepts to others to reinforce understanding
• Stay organized with structured notes
• Use online flashcards for self-testing

While tailoring note-taking to your dominant style, also incorporate multisensory techniques for maximum effectiveness.

Knowing your learning style empowers you to study smarter, not harder. Use these note-taking tips to unlock your unique potential.

Top 5 Note-Taking Productivity Tools

Beyond paper and pen, innovative tools can boost your note-taking productivity. Here are 5 top technologies for better, faster note-taking:

1. Note-Taking Tablet

Tablets like the iPad Pro combine portability and power. Benefits:

• Smooth digital handwriting and annotation
• Multi-tasking split screen
• Thousands of productivity apps
• Organized note-taking apps
• Endless notebook paper

Must-have accessories: Apple Pencil, keyboard.

2. Audio Recording Pen

Pens like Livescribe Echo record audio synced with handwritten notes. Pros:

• Never miss a verbal detail
• Replay audio by tapping notes
• Upload notes to computer
• Searchable, shareable notes
• Portable and easy

3. Speech-to-Text Apps

Apps like Otter transcribe speech into text notes. Advantages:

• Take notes 3x faster than writing
• Accuracy through machine learning
• Searchable transcripts
• Share notes easily

4. Digital Highlighters

Add highlights and annotations to e-books and PDFs. For example:

• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• iAnnotate PDF app
• Squid iOS app
• Kami browser extension

No more printing or losing annotations!

5. Online Flashcards

Apps like Quizlet and Anki aid memorization:

• Study notes anywhere
• Adaptive spaced repetition
• Multimedia options
• Track progress
• Share flashcard decks

Modern note-taking calls for modern tools. Try out these next-level technologies to save time and supercharge your productivity.

How to Take Notes If You Have Trouble Paying Attention

Paying attention during lectures can be difficult for some students. Here are practical strategies for taking great notes if you struggle with focusing:

Choose Good Seating

Sit close to the front to avoid distractions. Avoid:

• Back rows (too chatty)
• Doorways (noisy)
• Windows (view is distracting)

Sit alone or with studious peers. Proximity to board and professor also helps.

Have a Fidget Item

Letting your hands doodle or fidget can channel excess energy to focus your mind. Fidgets like stress balls, clay, knitting, or office toys can help in lectures.

Take Strategic Breaks

Take 30-60 second mental breaks during less important parts of a lecture. Clear your mind before refocusing.

Set Short-Term Focus Goals

Challenge yourself to focus intently for 5-10 minutes at a time. Reward yourself between focus sprints.

Copy What’s On Board Quickly

Copying text or diagrams ensures you don’t miss info when zoning out. You can clarify meaning later.

Record Lectures

Recording via phone, mic, or lecture capture software means you can relisten later to fill in gaps.

Compare Notes with Classmates

Cross-check notes with peers to identify any missing pieces.

See Your Doctor

Consider being evaluated for ADD/ADHD if focus issues persist. Medication may help.

Don’t despair – with the right adaptations