Several studies have been conducted on the debate of whether digital note-taking is better or paper-based. Both ways have their merits and demerits, however digital note-taking via iPad or other Android tablets is a more optimal way to take notes.
Researchers have shown that handwritten notes can improve memory retention and understanding. But that doesn’t mean digital note-taking is ineffective. You simply have to gear your efforts toward the right medium.
The ideal way to take notes is a fusion between paper and digital note-taking which is possible through a device like an iPad coupled with an Apple pencil or stylus.
Let’s explore it further.
Digital Note Taking
When it comes to digital notes, you can either jot them down on a laptop or a tablet. Taking notes on the laptop can speed up the process as the average typing speed is 40 words per minute (Typing.com) in comparison with around 13 words per minute when it comes to writing by hand (Bledsoe, 2011).
Both the laptop and tablet are a great resource to take, organize, store notes, and perform real-time collaborations. However, owing to the handwriting option through the stylus pen, digital note-taking is efficient through a tablet as it will help you retain the knowledge and perform better.
But, every positive aspect also has some drawbacks. Let’s explore the pros and cons of taking notes via a tablet.
Pros And Cons of Taking Digital Notes With A Tablet
Aspect | Pros of Taking Digital Notes with a Tablet Device | Cons of Taking Digital Notes with a Tablet Device |
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Convenience and Accessibility |
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Organization and Management |
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Environmental Impact |
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Features and Functionality |
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Cost-Effectiveness |
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Health and Ergonomics |
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Functions of Digital Note-Taking
Several renowned applications offer many interactive functions. You can easily import your custom notebooks into the apps, copy-paste note-taking templates, and start your journey. Here are some of the common features you will find in popular annotation apps like Goodnotes, Noteful, and Notability:
- Impressive user interface with extensive customization options.
- Option to create detailed notes using templates and organization of notes.
- Supports hand recognition.
- Cloud integration to access your notes on multiple devices.
- Recording lectures.
- Importation of digital stickers and images.
- Ability to create cool notes using functions like pen tools, highlighters, etc.
Take On Paper Based Note Taking
Although paper note-taking is a good old-school method to note down and remember the content, it still has its pros and cons when compared with digital notebooks. Let’s quickly walk through the advantages and disadvantages of traditional paper notes.
Benefits of Paper Note-Taking:
- Taking notes on paper doesn’t require any technical skills, devices, or considerations like battery life or software.
- You may find the physical act of writing more satisfying and conducive to memory retention.
- Less distraction from notifications and other digital temptations.
Disadvantages of Paper Note-Taking:
- Notes are confined to a physical location and cannot be accessed remotely.
- Traditional note-taking is prone to damage, loss, or misplacement.
- Requires physical space and can become bulky.
- Difficult to reorganize without rewriting or shuffling pages.
- Continuous need for paper and other stationery.
- Damages the environment by contributing to deforestation and waste.
FAQs
Is it better to take notes on paper or digital?
Studies have shown that handwritten notes can improve memory retention and understanding. The act of writing by hand engages different cognitive processes that can aid in learning and recall. However, digital note-taking can combine the benefits of handwriting (using a stylus) with the advantages of organization, searchability, and multimedia integration. For many, the hybrid approach of using a stylus on a tablet provides the best of both worlds.
Which notes are better, handwritten or digital?
While digital note-taking offers numerous benefits, the preference for handwritten vs. digital often comes down to personal choice. Taking Digital notes can enhance productivity and organization, making it a superior choice for many students and professionals.
Bottom Line – Digital Vs Paper Notes
Taking notes digitally vs paper is more like a personal choice, however, digital note-taking is a futuristic way that aligns with the needs of modern students and professionals.
Being a hybrid solution between traditional and modern note-taking that grants convenience, organization, and functionality, the digital way is the best option.
What do you think?
