By Typing notes in class? I’m going to be honest, it’s kind of pointless.
Previously, I would use my laptop and type all of my notes in every class, thinking it was an easier way to get notes done and to study.
I thought that because it required less focus and allowed me to finish notes faster, it had to be the best method.
But in reality, I was entirely distracted, and the second I finished my note, I went to another tab and zoned out for the rest of class.
Handwriting notes is just different.
When you handwrite notes, you actually have to pay attention. It doesn’t allow for time to go on your phone or really get distracted. It requires you to pay close attention to the teachings and the teacher.
It kind of forces you to stay locked in.
Yes I will agree, it is slower. But honestly, that helps.
When I type notes, I end up with a huge doc with multiple pages of everything said that I usually don’t look at again. It typically has less organization and no true main points.
Typed notes are almost like brain dumping everything everywhere all at once.
However, when I write notes, I find it easier to organize and highlight main points with the use of pens and pencils. It might look messy, but I actually remember it.
Also, let’s be honest, laptops are very distracting.
You go into class thinking you’ll just take notes, and next thing you know, you’re on a game doing an assignment for another class, or watching sports footage. It happens way too easily and too often.
With a notebook, you don’t really have that problem. There is less chance of distraction, as it is just you and whatever the teacher is presenting.
Also, studying handwritten notes is way better. Not only reading them, but writing them runs the notes through your brain in a way that just skips your brain with typing notes.
Flipping through a notebook just feels easier than scrolling forever on a screen, too. Plus, I swear I remember things better, like where it was on the page or how I wrote it.
I’ll give typing some credit, though. If a class is super fast or there’s a ton of info, typing can help you keep up. And being able to search for stuff is nice. But if you actually want to remember anything after class, handwriting wins. Which is why I will handwrite my typed notes afterwards.
So, laptops might seem like the move, but if you’re trying to pass your tests and not just survive lectures, grab a notebook. It’s probably the better option.
