<p>Almost every class has a “coursework” site on which relevant information is posted (Syllabi, handouts etc.) The extent to which it is used is different. CS classes have class websites which have info and handouts on them, while humanities classes just do everything through the coursework system. </p>
<p>I personally don’t take notes in any of my classes but i’m a lazy slacker bum. From what I’ve seen it’s either laptops or regular notebooks. Almost every kid with a laptop is on facebook or doing some other work. </p>
<p>Alot of CS and engineering classes are available to watch online via SCPD so you don’t have to go to them.</p>
<p>At Stanford I don’t think note taking is that key, at least not for me. For IHUM I never showed up and never read the books and got a B. Just don’t write horrible essays, say intelligent stuff during discussion section and you will usually be fine. If you want to get an A though you will just need to be a really talented writer.
As for engineering type classes, I didn’t take notes in those either, just because i’m a visual learner. but i guess you could if you want</p>