In the world today, it seems as if everyone is attached to technology. This extends from their smartphones, to their televisions, to their laptops.
With the advancement of technology, both professors and students have decided to use these inventions both in and out of the classroom. In recent years, many professors in college require students to complete discussions with their fellow classmates online, or complete in-class polls and other various activities using their phones or laptops. As a result, students have started to use their laptops in class, even to take notes.
This sparks the debate: should students take notes on their laptops or in notebooks? Which is more effective and why?
Michigan State University conducted a study in 2016 about this ongoing debate. The study showed that use of laptops in class resulted in lower test scores. Pam Mueller and Daniel Oppenheimer also did some research on this topic. In 2014, they conducted a study that found that students who wrote their notes out grasped the information more than the students who typed their notes.
Does this mean a student should never type their notes?
In my opinion, if you have a professor who does not put notes in front of the class, or does not post lecture notes at another point, sometimes a laptop is better. Freshman year I had a wonderful history professor who never showed a single power point or posted any notes online. In the beginning of the class I tried to write my notes in a notebook, but realized typing would be more efficient to keep up with his rapid pace.
According to Edudemic.com, a professor at the University of Michigan brought a new technology to the classroom called the Echo360 Active Learning Platform. He learned that using this platform during class resulted in higher test scores for the students. Sometimes typing on a laptop during class makes students active learners by following along with the professor.
Despite these advantages of taking notes on a laptop, I also think that taking notes on laptops can be distracting. The whole internet is one click away when you type your notes on the computer. If you aren’t fully interested and involved in a class, you might “take notes” on your laptop but really be doing BuzzFeed quizzes during the whole lesson (I am sad to say I am very guilty of this).
As you can tell, I struggle with this topic. In a world full of ever growing technological advancements, I am sure that eventually almost all students will take notes on their laptops or some other type of device.
Until that day comes, do whatever works best for you and your learning style, and don’t forget to study hard!