Take notes on paper or computer?

Productivity
1

When you are studying/learning something new do you take notes on paper or computer?

I’m asking just for the sake of curiosity.

thank you :slight_smile:

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What is your note taking method?
3

Over the past few years I’ve been using computers more often, but I prefer paper.

I’m in my 40s and grew up before computers were everywhere, but I feel like I get better results with paper.

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4

Using paper seems more efficient, but it takes time, so I generally take notes at a computer, other than in special cases in which I have to strengthen my confidence and knowledge of a word or making my own golden list.

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5

For notetaking, i still prefer on paper. The analog. I find it more sticking to my memory. I somehow regret not to learn stenography. It is difficult now to find a stenographer. It is like an art starting to fade.

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6

I use computer,smartphone, tablet PC to take notes. I rarely use paper. 99% of my office and personal work is computer based. So, I don’t even get a chance to use paper! Besides, I am a tech savvy type person. I prefer digital stuffs over analog! :slight_smile:

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7

thank you for all replies.

8

Paper all the way. I don’t mind if it takes more time since it is better for learning!

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9

I can type almost at dictation speed. If I use a computer, the information seems to get transcribed without making much impression on my brain.

I take written notes. The writing requires more engagement and the speed forces me to summarize which in turn requires further mental engagement. Then I rewrite my notes at home with absurd care and neatness. Between these two exposures I pretty much have the material.

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10

I have seen these studies. The conclusions are consistent with my personal experience. But as in all matters concerning the human mind, we vary widely and some might do just fine taking notes on a laptop.

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11

I tried doing paper my first 2 years but computer is better because you will be able to keep up much more easily.
Plus you only need to carry around one laptop +drawing pad or an ipad + apple pencil.

12

I’ve recently realised that, because I spend all my work time (and a lot of leisure time) on screens of various types, I can feel like I should always be using electronic things when using pen and paper would be easier and more effective.

I heard a podcast on gtd and they referred to using both analogue and digital without any conflicts and it make me think that I should be more thoughtful about using the right tool for the job rather than the one (digital) I think I should use.

For my work notes (I’m a lawyer) scribbling down things as I worth through my research tends to make it easier to recall things than if I put notes in digital form.

13

I think it highly depends on the subject.

If you want to take notes on STEM-related topics/subjects, then you would be best serviced with a surface/tablet or pen and paper. Why that is, is trivial. Try to draw an e function on word or something similar. It’s not impossible, but tricky and time-consuming, hence inefficient.

For anything else, I think it is most efficient when writing on your computer/laptop/whatever, since you just need the letters of the alphabet.

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14

Just saw the thread and thought I’d chime in.

15

Considering that this is a memory/mnemonics forum, I am surprised to see so many people writing on paper! And I explain: since I would think that most here would use mnemonics to memorize, I have guessed that speed would be the priority, since that with memory techniques, you wouldn’t need to depend on the “manual” memory of writing on paper.

Since I take notes or to put on Anki or to have a list of my mnemonic images, the writing itself is pure information register, without wanting to take any possible memory advantage of such process. But, like StoicAlex said, STEM subjects pretty much demand paper. Since at the moment I can’t expand my math interests, it’s keyboard supremacy.

16

I usually take notes in written form.
But use technology.
I use a Ratta Supernote, and find that it’s great for that purpose.

17

I like paper precisely because it’s slower. When I type, it’s fast, so I’m always tempted to transcribe everything which is the worst way to take notes.

Better to make myself think and already make the work of synthetising and choosing what’s important.

Besides, nothing helps me keep things in memory better than doodles and mind maps, and it’s rotten to do that on a computer (or at least I didn’t find tools that feel as satisfying on the computer). The kinesthetic experience just isn’t the same.

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19

I take notes on paper because writing by hand can help improve memory and understanding of the material, and also there is no notifications or internet to distract you.

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20

What if we take notes longhand and organise it on laptop then palce that information in memory palace

It may look like a lot of work but due to more interaction and filtering it twice, will it be helpful

Can you say something on it

Just a bit curious

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21

Paper, always. There’s no spatial sense in computer files.

22

I do this periodically, yeah.

Here’s kinda high level view of my note taking method:
Link to Beau posting about his loosey-goosey note-taking methodology