Should You Take Notes on Paper or on a Computer? - College Info Geek
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- Опубликовано: 15 окт 2014
- Which note-taking medium should you use when you're taking notes in class - a paper notebook, or your computer?
Companion blog post with notes and links:
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You're supposed to take notes in class?
Name checks out.
Ya
I have the same problem. like.....am I the only one who takes notes in home from a textbook?
@Syed Abdullah just do both
@Syed Abdullah Exactly, if I take notes during the class, I stop listening and I start losing the professor. And if I listen, I can't take notes. I usually just listen, sometimes I'll note down little important points mentioned by the professor. But the main note-taking I do later at home
I definitely prefer paper notes. When I type things out, it's usually done mindlessly and I'm not thinking about what I'm actually writing. I write messy notes during lecture, and then after class I rewrite them in a more organized manner and add textbook info. This helps the information stick, for me at least!
That's actually a pretty smart idea. Wow.
Exactly what I am doing, paper is better to me
who are you man ?? it's like you know all my problems and you'r trying to help me fin solution for them all.
You are amazing thanks a lot.
clearly its jake gyllenhaal
ABCDE QWERTY lol
Tips:
1. Use Hand Written notes during lectures.
2. Write what you heard in your own words and understanding for active learning.
3. after lecture, type or scan it on digital note taking apps such as evernote for better organization and much more easier to incorporate in a digital flashcards for review purposes and easy to search and locate if you have to go back to it.
peace 💕
Thanks for sharing, perfect.
I'm using this method
Back in the 80s as a student, I would take my notes in shorthand. Later in college when computers were first coming out, I took notes by computer. I liked both ways. But what I found best was going over my notes afterwards and creating mind maps (a strategy I learned from the Evelyn Wood Speed Reading course) and linking the information in a more organized fashion. That created a visual image that stayed in my mind. Even decades later I still remember my mind map I created on the integumentary system. It's as clear today in my mind as it was back then.
typewriter. Never run out of battery and it's very fast.
+Misha Sekatchev what year is it, 1950?
No. It's 2015.
+Misha Sekatchev no, its 2016
Even more reason to use a typewriter.
+Misha Sekatchev A modern keyboard is still a lot faster than a typewriter. And if you are concerned about your battery just buy a PC with a good one and/or run on battery saver mode (and on Ubuntu, since it tends to consume less energy than Windows). My friend's notebook can last up to 11 hours.
This dilemma is what keeps me up at night. Thanks for validating my paper option!
Olenka Graham no problem! For what it's worth, I tend to take most of my notes on paper for courses I take on Coursera.
I'm about to start grad school after a one year break and I needed a quick refresher on which system works best for me. You made some solid points between both distinctions. Thanks
Taking notes on PC: faster typing, go back and edit quickly, sync to different devices (evernote, drive...) thus being able to go over notes on phone (310 words/lecture) - record verbatim of what was said in lecture
Taking notes on paper: flexibility, arrows, symbols, better for maths, research findings that speak in favour, (173 words/lecture but more readily able to recall lecture material 30min after lecture), recalling what they were learning and creating new conclusions on the fly
Flow method of note taking, created by Scott Young. Based on principle he created - Holistic learning 1:30
Learn material once- learn lecture material in class through your note-taking method. Focus on concepts rather than syntax
Don't be a transcription machine, use paper to help you do this and then copy them to Evernote
Be deliberate with your "brain power" and use it to understand grand scheme rather than little details.
This will decrease your study time after class
This is my opinion, if you like and enjoy taking notes on a laptop you should. Don't go based off of what studies show. Everyone is different. While the statistics might favor the other, just do what you enjoy. That's the only true way you'll learn effectively. I'm not against any note taking preference, this is meant to be my opinion in both perspectives, writing or typing.
Yup I agree.. just because studies show that handwriting notes is better, it just means that in those studies MOST people do better when they write notes.. there are still those select few that do better when they type notes (like me, for example). I personally find it easier to recall everything when everything is in one condensed page with same formatting and everything like in onenote... I find that once I started typing my notes out my grades are much better as well :) so just do what works best for you.
Only stupid people don't do what science demonstrates to be true.
I found that typed notes (when learning theoretical concepts NOT solving problems) are more efficient, because if you make flashcards, it literally takes 5 minutes to make the whole deck (if you just copy and paste). Wheras with paper, it can take 5 minutes to make a single notecard.
Thank you!
it's also a solution for many disabilities and difficulties, including, but not limited to, adhd, dyslexia, and dysgraphia
I think the main issue in this Typing Vs Handwriting debate is a matter of behavior.
Those who are typing usually become what you said: a transcription machine. While writing (either by typing or by hand), the quality of information should prevail over the quantity of words. If people can think to process/digest the information before resuming it in a few words while handwriting, I think the same can be done with typing. The important thing is to avoid becoming into a transcription machine.
thanks for the uploads, very interesting, I went back to do a short term college course recently and was struggling with my short attention span brain to stay focused during class. It's gotten easier over time and I am doing well now and enjoy the challenge.
I look forward to watching your other vids for tips.
Wilbur jones awesome! I'm glad you've been able to improve your attention span - that was actually one of my biggest problems in classes as well. I found that sitting up front and forcing myself to take really good notes was the best cure for it.
Writing something down gives my brain time to process it. Then seeing my handwriting lets my brain recall it better than seeing something type-written. Although it takes more physical space to store my hand written notes & note cards, I tend to save everything in case I need it later and it has paid off. Also, I can't draw chemical structures on Evernote. I wish I could do the computer thing to minimize storage and cut down on paper, but handwriting works for me! :)
AhhPriscilla right on! I definitely agree with the bit about drawing diagrams - anything where you need to draw figures will generally turn out better on paper. You can try apps like Penultimate, but for me, notebook paper is still king.
I love the versatility of of online notes, but I do understand the research behind handwriting them.
It’s so much easier to edit or organize on a computer too but, agreeably, it does tend to become a matter of making things look nice and not actually drawing conclusions or making connections.
I hate that I’m wasting time writing both my english class agendas and assignments in my notebook and on an online notebook. Mostly I do this because I have a hybrid class. I take only two classes a week and there is always an online component due another day. I need to have the notebook but if I have a task online or want to link it to something online I just feel I need to make a to do list online as as a somewhat official record.
It's impressive how much you have evolved, how natural your seem now to the camera
I've tried both and I have to agree that when I took notes on the PC I'd save the file after a lecture and never look at it again....it's nearly the same for me with paper notes but I've gotten better.One big game changer for me was the Surface Pro laptop.Hand on my heart an unbelievable study tool for people who have to take loads of notes,save organize them efficiently and have printed PowerPoint slides to bring to class.It's honestly changed my life in how easy it is to get my work done now.I'd wager you'll have to make a video on this topic sometime in the future my friend.Awesome videos,really helped me study these past few weeks,hats off to you sir.
I'm a 4.0 student, and I have never--ever---had to use a laptop for notes. I always have a first page in my paper notes for an "index" I have a key terms section after that. Then I use a highlighting system to "link up" associated ideas from learning objectives and more explanatory notes. I fill in the index at the end of class, or as soon as I get home.
And what about typing in class and after class write the information (you've just typed) on paper?
I like typing for the fact because it's centralized, but mostly because I can type a lot faster than I can write. If I try writing my notes on paper I usually will fall behind.
I would really be interested in watching a video of you explaining how to take notes effectively when reading a book. Are you using sticky notes, highlighters or any other additional tools to guide your process?
I am a Spanish Speaker and I am learning right now English I want to say this video was excellent, because it helps me a lot to understand the point I wanted to hear about it.
Great video, thanks! I just want to share my example when I had to take laptop notes because the professor didn't provide a book or any references and read lectures from her papers with a speed of light. We had no idea what to expect for the exam, so we had to type EVERYTHING. That was the worst course I've ever taken and I don't think there are many courses like that, but this example illustrates how sometimes laptop can be better.
where have you been all my life! thank youuuu!
Thank you so much it really helped me prove a point for my research paper!
Genial, me ayudas un monton con los consejos que das. Gracias por el aporte!
best of both worlds: I'm handwriting on my tablet :)
finduline1991 what tablet do you use?
Frank villa lobo I'm using the samsung note 10.1 2014 edition. It comes with a stylus and the Samsung App S Note is perfect for note taking or adding notes on an imported pdf-file 😊😉
finduline1991 what about the stylus, is it accurate enough to write comfortable
Frank villa lobo it is very accurate and you can zoom in quite a lot, if you need to add smaller details. I could send you an example page. I've been using my tablet for years now for note taking in math and economic classes (lot's of formulas with small indices and stuff 😅🤣) - works very well for me 😊
finduline1991 please send some examples to my email "frankivil89@gmail.com". thanks for the help
Good stuff, just what I needed!
You've really impove your videos over the years
Thanks mate! very helpful
Hey Thomas, nice video!
I find it difficult to study French. I tend to forget the verbs, grammar etc. Can you make a video on how to learn a new language pretty fast..??
Thanks, your efforts are appreciated.
This is helpin me in 2021. Thanks Tom!
in addition to the concept thing, there is the motion memory involved in handwriting. It is like the muscle memory involved in learning a sport. So the mind syntax, the concept, and the motion memory help memorize in 3 ways. On the computer, syntax takes over because spellchecker and grammar checking keep interrupting the note taking process.
I use a shorthand gregg notebook and speed writing shorthand, based on hand writing rather than symbol shorthand.
most underrated channel !!
@@mindset2study565 not anymore *
Thanks for The video. Great information here.
LOVE the videos and tips, though I find the music in the background distracting, is it a part of a learning experiment you might be having or supposed to help us focus better? Curious.
In my case, I tend to write my notes first on a paper then type it on my computer. Time consuming, yeah, but it works the best for me. Plus, writing and then typing it makes it more likely to stick. 🙂
Hey great video! Really like the info I'm finding on this channel. Just wanted to know what application you use for video effects, and also where you learned how to use and create the video effects.
yehdawg the typewriter effect on James Clear's quote comes stock in After Effects, and everything else is just graphics I made in Photoshop and animated in Premiere Pro! I use a technique called JIT (just in time) learning - basically I get an idea for a video effect, then use Google/RUclips/forums to teach myself that effect.
This is soooo helpful! Thanks
Awesome, thanks for the vid!
I know whenever I handwrite my notes, they get super messy and I tend to write too many unnecessary facts...
Hi Thomas, how should I study computer programming? Of course, I need to type at the keyboard in order to run and test my code, but how can I effectively LEARN programming topics? What is the best strategy? Should I read paper books, while taking notes by hand - and only use the computer to, again, run and test my code? Or not: all this wastes time and the best thing to do is read and take notes "on the screen"? Could you, please, comment about this? Thanks!
I think I love you. Wish I found your tips back in 2006 in my first year
How do you feel about note taking on a tablet vs the original, pen and paper
Would writing your own interpretations of a lesson on paper while recording the lesson on audio or video be a good way to combine both aspects of each style of note-taking? I usually write what I can get in the lesson on my paper notes and rely on recordings to flesh them out.
This is actually a very good advice! 'writing notes as if you're studying is very efficient.
I guess something like an surface Pro might be a good middle ground between slowing down, being able to type, draw and sync your notes.
Do you have a video on how to get motivated to study? I just discovered you and I wish I had ages ago!
Angelica Ortiz it's coming! There are a couple that deal with very related subjects though :)
Could you please do a video about handwritten notes on a device, comparing that to pen and paper and retention results :)
This guy is awesome, subscribed.
A tutorial on how to use the flow method would be hella useful please!!!
great video... its an issue, so thank you for some pointers
Great video - thank you! Where were you when I was in high school?! Oh... that's right, you were here, but I was not.
Never too late to change and get organized :)
Great vid man. I like seeing scientific data behind it. Thanks.
I'm not as productive (easily distracted) working on a computer, even if I block websites. My eyes wander and I space out a lot. Studies have shown it's harder to read (you read more slowly) on a computer, too. And like you mentioned, writing by hand seems to allow my brain to process the information I'm writing down better, so I learn while I write.
I preferred handwriting because I wasn't able to get the symbols I needed for math and chemistry quickly, but I also needed computer notes because my teacher uploaded the powerpoints before class that we could type on, which saved a lot of time. I decided to buy a Surface pro (you could also use an iPad and apple pencil) to handwrite over powerpoint slides, and it's really the best of both worlds. I can handwrite my notes, use arrows, draw pictures, etc., but if I need to I can easily type some things in to save time, I can include pictures of the board, use graph paper or lined, and I've even done shared notes so that my friends and I can all add information to one notebook so no one misses anything. I can also pull out my phone and study my notes when I have a few minutes to spare :D
What about taking notes with stylus pen?
What about taking notes on an ipad pro with the apple pencil where your handwriting the notes?
OneNote on Surface Pro 4/3, Surface 3 solves the problem. You can record(need permission though) as you write, and edit your handwriting later on. Don't understand topic in the middle? You can exactly start your recording where you want as the recording is integrated with your handwriting.
I actually bought surface pro 4, and is totally worth it if you are a student. I use Drawboard alot, literally the only software you need as a student, has all the useful features. Surface Pro 4 is expensive, but it is an investment too. All my lecture notes are organized and are saved for life.
@@mredwan47 I know this answer is a lil bit old but I hope you'll reply anyway. I'd like to buy a machine like the surface pro to take handwritten notes with the pen but I'm a bit insicure if it'll be a comfortable option. The fact of writing on a glass screen, resting your hand on a quite hot surface for a long time and strain your eyes on it just make me unwilling ti buy it.
What do you think about these hypothetical problems?
What about Onenote? We can do both! I've come up with a pretty neat system to use the iPad and Onenote, it's awesome :)
What are your thoughts on Notability on the iPad? Isn’t it a nice middle ground between typing and paper - seems like the best of both worlds to me
The problem with this is for some courses that actually just require memorization like my primatology course. The professor explicitly said that he says a lot of things that are not on the slides and they are details that will be on the test. So if I just write general concept I will miss all that information and do poorly on the test...this is why students need to learn to listen to the prof and vary the method depending on what kind of course your taking
what about if i am preparing for exam and i am makin flash cards on ANKI (digital way) rather than manually paper one.... which one would b better ??
and efficient ??
How about using a stylus to write on a tab in ever note?
My writing is utterly illegible on a tablet. On paper I look like a penmanship champion in comparison.
try the apple pencil and ipad pro combo , your mind will be blown
Can you make a video on Evernote 2016? Or even OneNote 2016 - when I look for these videos they're all ike 2-3 years old which ignores many of the new updates.
I've always wondered if not taking notes is somehow more efficient. By not expending resources trying to jot down what the professor said, you can pay more attention to the concepts while you're there.
Of course, this is balanced out by not having notes later on to study from. XD
I don't think I ever actually looked back at my notes though unless it was for worked-out examples.
I agree, although sometimes it just depends on the class
So you've covered taking notes in class, would you also be able to cover how to study from a textbook? I'm in paramedic school right now and they expect us to take the information from the lecture and combine that with the information from the textbook that we study on our own time. Most of the textbook information is very dense and we're assigned about 100 pages a week making it difficult to complete handwritten notes because they take so long. Any information you might have would be really helpful thanks!
bsbllplyer sure thing! I've actually got that written down as an idea already - I'll bump it up in my queue now :)
You need to know WHAT to record when you take notes from a textbook. The worst thing you can do is paraphrase those 100 pages. That defeats the purpose of notes. What you want to do is take your notes while doing "Active Reading."
The first thing I do with any assigned text is page through it, not to read it, but to examine the structure of it. I don't write anything down; I only make mental notes about things like headings, illustrations/photos--and any captions those have, any information set aside in boxes for emphasis or more detailed analysis--everything like that. You do this to get a "feel" for the chapter.
When you do the first complete read through, focus only on important names and glossary terms. Start at the beginning of the chapter, rather than looking at the end and simply logging it all down. You need to see the names and terms in the context where they're mentioned. With names, I log each one and the basics about the person. I also log terms I don't recognize and especially anything in bold or italics, along with a summary of how the text explains the term, in as few of words as possible that make sense to me. If necessary, I'll look up unfamiliar words in a dictionary. Make a note of the page number of each name or term you log, for future reference.
Next, if you're lucky enough that a chapter provides a list of learning objectives/outcomes at the beginning, use it! Take each objective, and then go through the text for that data (it will probably be in the order it's presented in the book). Briefly note what the text says related to the objective and the page number(s) where you found it. Those are almost always the things you most need to concentrate on when you're studying.
It's always a good idea to pay attention to blocked-off information, especially if they're called things like "Key Concept" or "Key Discovery." I read all of those carefully, and note things like names, dates, and the gist of the concept or what was discovered. They're emphasizing that information for a reason! Again, list the page where you found the information in your notes.
If a figure or photo has a caption with important data that clarifies terms or concepts, I usually record that as well.
The last thing you can do is take any questions asked at the end of the chapter, and try to answer them--in note form.
That should get you a comprehensive study guide of the things you need to know. Even better, all those read-throughs will thoroughly familiarize you with the chapter.
Enjoying these videos, thanks for taking the time to make them! By the way, habitRPG is fantastic!
It definitely is. I'm working on re-tooling mine a bit to help me have more focused mornings right now.
Glad you like the videos :)
Thomas Frank
Sounds like a good idea for me too, if I have to go into Uni later in the morning, it just seems to always end up as wasted time...!
I know what you mean! Here's the morning ritual I use to make sure that doesn't happen anymore: collegeinfogeek.com/morning-routine/
Thomas Frank
Thanks!
Get an ipad pro and apple pencil. Sync with icloud/g drive and view those notes on a bigger monitor. Pure heaven!
I like the idea of scanning handwritten notes to an app. I have an iPhone is there an app you suggest that I can use to upload all my handwritten notes so I can consolidate all my work into one place and have them with me on the go?
I'm starting at a technical college and most of my classes are online. I was wondering if that makes a difference since there isn't really a lecture component?
i say do both, on paper if you can't access a laptop, and laptop if you could.
If on laptop first, review by writing it on paper, using images and icons, for support
if on paper first, try to type in details and thoughts and to back it up.
in the end, you have two source to review from and one could actually support the other :D
Very helpful!
Paper tends to stick better. Research proves it
how does this stack against, tablet and pen. I use ipad pro and apple pen.
take them with your off hand and you will do better, and translate them into a foreign language afterwards and you will make the notes even more effective. Not to mention the fact that not only are you just typing the words you hear instead of processing them but you are putting a physical barrier between you and the speaker, one with a glowing screen that draws the eye at that.
I know this is an older video and I'm a new subscriber as of yesterday, but I was curious about your thoughts on taking notes on a tablet like on an iPad Pro or Surface Pro?
I haven't personally used either of these, but I think the experience should be roughly equivalent to writing on paper, at least in terms of that syntax/meaning divide.
Thomas Frank thanks for your quick response and thoughts
Great video I am going back to paper!
Convincing, thank u
Your videos are amazing
Nicely explained. The emphasis isn't on the handwriting as most arguments for/against typing and writing are, but the cognitive reason for writing (or typing) anything at all. Are you writing/typing to keep a record of what's being said? Or are you interpreting, in your own words, the message? I like to think of it as the difference between "thinking on paper" versus "thinking on the screen." Both of which are possible.
whats best, starting on paper then typing them out later? or vice versa? i just feel like i write so slow that i dont get all the information i should. whereas typing i would probably get down more info. and then after i get down the info on the screen i could also copy down what the instructor is saying. but when i write i sometimes dont even get everything on the board
Graphics tablet/Stylus. Done - allows syncing between 'paper' with Drive or Dropbox, and also add typing/formatting over it.
***** got a phone? A stylus for a phone is like 2 euro.
Look up Wacom bamboo. They're 50 bucks and will work on anything with a USB :)
You take it to your lectures? I want to try that but I'm not sure if I'll be able to write fast enough on it in order to keep up with the professor.
can you PLEASE make a video about EVERNOTE
sick shirt bro
What if you take notes on an iPad Pro on a paper like background with the Apple Pencil?
Ah vintage Thomas, he seems shaky and nervous in this video... haha!
In a class I have right now, our professor has us do readings for homework, and then for class he lectures on the assigned readings. Because of this, I like to take notes on computer, and print them out. That way, when he adds to the readings in the lecture, I don't have to worry about erasing or making my writing even messier, I just print out the notes, and write on the margins! :)
Otherwise for other classes, I do use hand-written, but I just wanted to vouch for computer notes.
Ahhh I'm trying to figure out what's best as my history professor pretty much talks though and I'm writing something important but then I hear something else he's saying and I forget what he had said prior. 2 hour lecture here!!!!
Could you please please please, elaborate on the last thing you said about being deliberate on learning the material as they're being presented in class? how do you process the flood of new information every minute? please explain...
The next time you see a bunch of information or a sentence, determine keywords that make up the sentence, then ask yourself how and what's connecting them.
For his example, the 'syntax' part and the keywords would be the koala and the leaves. To process the 'flood of new information' and to be deliberate on learning the material, find out why and how they're connected. ( Easy, the Koala depends on the leaves for nourishment. )
Thanks for making my life easier :) , Sempai Thomas
I read something before, research said that taking note on paper will help you to remember it. Idk if it's accurate or not bcs eventough I always take notes on paper on every subject, a few minutes after, I already forgot about it. Or maybe it's because I'm in rush on taking notes bcs I don't wanna be left behind with what the teacher taught
I honestly can’t type but just wanted know which one is good. 👀 (I’ll still learn to type)
What are some of the apps that every student must have on his iPhone?
what about on a tablet using the pen? it's pretty much like an electronic notebook
Great video!
But just to be clear, it's not just "some" findings. It's _every study done on the subject_ . There are absolutely _zero_ studies showing that typing notes is anywhere near as good as hand-writing them for comprehension, absorption and long-term retention.
If writing by hand is difficult for you, I sympathize, but do it anyway. You can always audio record the lecture and flesh out your notes as an after-class review, plus you'll get better at it as you go.
As a teacher, I've seen a real difference since I banned the typing of notes from my classrooms. I myself never type notes unless I know the meeting I'm in is total bullshit, designed to mask bureaucratic inertia and/or reinforce administrative hierarchy. Then, I reach for my laptop.
I've been looking at devices for college and I think the surface pro 4 could work really well in combination with OneNote. It seems to overall beat all other devices including the iPad Pro as well as other hybrids in terms of functionality according to most reviews I've seen. I'm looking to go into engineering and I'm hoping for it to replace my laptop and paper for me for the most part. It'd be great if you could give your input on it to aid in my decision. Thanks.
+Angad Baidwan You can also apparently annotate pdfs and things like that. It seems to be on par with a PC in terms of performance (looking at i5 8gb model) for software use which something like the iPad Pro can't provide since I assume I'll be using engineering related software on it as I would on a laptop. I'm wondering if you think the functionality is worth it or if I should just buy a high end laptop to be able to run some gaming and just stick to pen and paper for notes?
what is that app called to scan documents on my iphone?
Could you update the video, since devices like the iPad Pro already exist?
I have been thinking about buying a stylus pen so I can digitally write my notes on a tablet. I have a large 2 -n-1 laptop and the smart companion pen is pricey. So I thought about getting a separate smaller Samsung tablet & s-pen which will be easier to handwrite my notes electronically. Apple products are out of my price range. Does anyone have a tablet to recommend? As well as note taking apps? Or even helpful YT videos about note taking on a tablet?
I love paper notes but how do you quickly and NEATLY write notes during a lecture where they talk quickly. Because then I when i read my notes after I understand only some of what I wrote
What are the sample sizes of the study at 4:11? The last I checked, more words would be produced as a result of yours truly focusing less on the "mechanics" of writing on paper and more towards the class lecture. Also, it's an added bonus if we can type without glancing at the keyboard. For better retention, we may go through the notes at latter dates, like we always do. And finally, given the contemporary climate crisis, I am of the opinion that it's in everybody's best interests to move into the electronic realm.
how do you make sub bullets on evernote? i spread this question around. thomas has like three sub bullet formations on evernote
+Pascale F Tab creates nested bullets, and Shift+Tab will back a bullet point up one level.