Shopping for supplies is inevitable when it comes to school. With an increase in technology use, laptops and other devices can join the list with traditional notebooks and pencils.
Many students now have options when it comes to taking notes. Some prefer the traditional pencil-and-paper method, while others opt for technology. Whether it be a laptop or an iPad, digital notes have become increasingly popular among students.
While typing notes is the modern choice, sticking to something conventional has many benefits. According to npr.org, taking notes by hand helps students retain information to a greater extent.
Taking notes in a notebook is also a cheaper alternative to technology, especially in school districts where a device is not provided. Computers and tablets can cost up to thousands of dollars, while a notebook and pencil cost around five dollars.
Technology can also serve as a distraction for students using devices from home. While computers distributed by schools can have restricted access to non-academic sites, personal computers have no such limitations. As a result, one’s concentration and academic performance could suffer.
Freshman Ava Tuohy from Ocean Township opts for handwritten notes to utilize color and organization.
“I think [handwriting] is really fun because you can get really creative,” Tuohy said. “You can add a lot of colors, you can highlight. It’s more of an enjoyable experience.”
Although digital notes have a fair share of downsides, they are easier to utilize in a modern environment. Actions such as sharing notes and making digital study guides are simpler when the notes are already virtual.
For some students, the choice is also reliant on how quickly the notes can be taken. Typing is a faster alternative to writing by hand, and saving time could open the window for learning opportunities.
Maple Lin, a junior from Freehold Township, embraces the digital age by typing her notes.
“I prefer typing on a computer because typing is faster. Clicking a key is quicker than writing a single letter.”
In addition to the enhanced speed, contacting professors, sifting through research archives and discovering pre-made flashcard sets all become more convenient when students can access everything through a single device.
Digital notes also allow for greater organization. Platforms such as Google Drive and Quizlet can section notes into folders, decreasing the chance of losing them.
Whether handwritten or digital, effective note-taking methods vary from person to person; the key is finding the strategy that best supports each individual student’s learning.
