![]() Because of this, they are left with notes that may include facts, but without conclusions drawn from the lecture. However, they might not be able to absorb and digest it effectively. Essentially, the students hear and capture the lecture’s content. The results of the studies can be likened to learning impairment. This robs them of the opportunity to process and grasp information in such a way that they can reframe it in their own words, unlike when writing notes on paper. ![]() The studies also reveal that even though students can type more on their laptops, they tend to simply transcribe the lecture verbatim. Several studies have shown that laptop note-takers perform worse on conceptual exam questions compared to longhand note-takers (Mueller & Oppenheimer, 2014). However, while a computer or laptop can help improve learning by allowing students to efficiently research, communicate, and collaborate (McGraw-Hill Education, 2017), these devices may not be as helpful when used in note-taking. In fact, there is an increasing number of school organization apps for note-taking available these days. It is not surprising that out of 88% of students who own a laptop, 63% use it during their classes (McGraw-Hill Education, 2017). Paper NotesĪs more institutions expand their online learning programs and more educators incorporate interactive learning trends into their lectures, it only makes sense that students also turn to computers and other digital devices and apps for enhancing their learning experience. However, a number of research and studies show otherwise. On the surface, this does not seem like a big deal-taking notes is taking notes, after all. Open-ended comments also revealed that students believe that “laptops do help with taking notes a lot.” However, there are also students who think that while typing on a laptop allows for quicker note-taking, it can also be a source of distraction when someone uses their device for unrelated activities (Zhu et.al., 2011).Īs many students feel that typing is more efficient than writing, digital note-taking has become commonplace. In a 2011 study of University of Michigan students, 53% of the respondents stated that their laptops helped them learn more, with 25% strongly agreeing that their attentiveness increased. Meanwhile, a study of community college students conducted by ECAR in 2019 revealed that 91% of the respondents have access to a laptop, and 97% of them personally own the device (Gierdowski, 2019). households have members who own a computing device, including desktops, laptops, and smartphones (NCES, 2017). Note-Taking Best Practices for StudentsĪccording to the latest data collated by the National Center for Education Statistics, as of 2017, 90.8% of U.S.Note-Taking in the Modern Classroom Table of Contents This article takes a closer look at the pros and cons of both longhand and electronic note-taking to hopefully help students realize the benefits they can potentially reap should they decide to choose writing over typing. This is why experts and educators leave us with a learning secret: don’t take notes on a laptop. In fact, in recent years, psychologists have also been studying what is the best age to own a mobile phone as it may have effects on a child’s development and well-being. However, findings suggest that although devices such as laptops may improve student’s note-taking ability, it may also hinder learning efficacy (Stacy & Cain, 2015). Research is mixed on which is the best method of note-taking. The incorporation and utilization of electronic devices have been altering classroom dynamics in several ways, including how students take notes. It is also one of the best practices for exam preparation. Whether online or in-classroom, note-taking is a critical component of learning. As more schools acclimate to this setup, it seems that many have also realized its benefits with research suggesting that online learning promises increased information retention and that it could be here to stay (Li & Lalani, 2020). ![]() In 2020, schools shut down, forcing educators to rely on the Internet and electronic devices to facilitate classes. This approach to education has further intensified when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Learning methodologies have evolved over the decades, with many students and teachers swapping their notebooks and pens for tools such as laptops, mobile devices, and software applications (EdTech, 2018).
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